A Weekend With Beyoncé and Blueberry Pancakes

Beyonce screen shot from Black is King
Black is King, Disney

Hey friends,

What are you watching this weekend?

I’m currently streaming Black is King, Disney’s cinematic collaboration with Beyoncé. I’ll start off by saying if Beyoncé is not already very much your thing, you won’t enjoy it. Because it’s essentially an extended Beyoncé music video with a very loose Lion King narrative.

I liked it in the general sense because I like Beyoncé. But I’m not sure if I would call it a conceptual success. The official description reads, “The film reimagines the lessons from the 2019 blockbuster for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.” The themes explored are more mature in nature and a few scenes might be potentially frightening for younger audiences.

If you’re interested in checking it out, I’d suggest having it on in the background while cleaning or doing laundry but it’s not something you need to sit and watch.

Another album I’ll suggest for your rotation is Taylor Swift’s folklore which I’ve been listening to on repeat since it’s release last week.

Taylor’s latest album is an extremely refreshing departure from the stuff she’s produced over recent years. My favorite Swift album has always been Red and musically, folklore is Red’s understated sister. The remote collaboration between her, Bon Iver and The National’s Aaron Dessner on this album also brought a return to her signature emotive chords and evokes a certain seclusion distinctive of the world it was created in. It’s indulgent.

And here’s my favorite statement on the matter —

There’s also something distinctly nostalgic about a Taylor Swift release given they’ve historically aligned with the beginning of Fall. Although we’re still several weeks out, I’m already excited for it. I’ve also changed my nail color from a summery pink to metallic brown. I’m not kidding around. Although the temperature change in Orlando is insignificant, there’s definitely a shift in the rhythm of everyone’s pace and the seasonal offerings alone are worth daydreaming about. I’m not like, ordering pumpkin spice syrup but I’m ready to make apple pies.

Speaking of, I made blueberry pancakes this morning. They came out more like crepes. I would try a different recipe next time but I highly recommend integrating homemade pancakes into one of your weekends this month.

Image provided by Ala

Although we’ve casually seen immediate family on the occasional basis, we are otherwise staying in and avoiding social gatherings.

These days, a trip to the dog park and ordering take-out after could be the highlight of our week.

But it’s really not so bad that way.

Riyah, August 2020
Author photo

Author: RJ Bohyn

My name is RJ, I'm a writer and consultant based in the South. If you're reading this, you've arrived at the corner of the internet I've cultivated to share life, reflections on faith, style, and just about everything in between with those generous enough to read.

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