Spring 2026

Spring time is here, I hope you've all had a nice start to the new season. The spring flowers were planted in the Jardin des Plantes this week in Paris. They came as a warm reminder of the beauty found in simplicity, in nature, and in the patience that accompanies transition.

In the journal, you'll find a homemade gnocchi recipe, along with a coffee-flavored cake topped with dark chocolate ganache. I’ve put together a list of books I’ve recently read or returned to. There are quite a few shorter works this time, all of which have a lot of depth for their size. The film selection is a compilation of what I’ve watched over the past few weeks. A diverse mix of both older and newer titles in English, French, Japanese, and Korean.

Recipes

Homemade gnocchi 

Coffee cake with dark chocolate ganache

Books

Reborn, Susan Sontag: Her personal journals of her early experience as an intellect and becoming her own person. Having a firsthand look at her dedication to growth, knowledge, and her craft is admirable. 

Nana, Emile Zola: If you’ve read previous journals, you've seen Zola mentioned a few times before. His novels are connected through recurring characters and themes. Nana, along with L’Assommoir are closely linked, I highly recommend reading them in succession.

Discourse of Equality, Jean-Jacques Rousseau: An exploration of social inequality and its origins. He discusses the 'natural man' and the negative and positive impacts that come with humanity moving toward modern society.

A Simple Heart, Gustave Flaubert: A small yet emotional story. (I made the mistake of reading this book in one sitting, based on its size.) The story follows a housemaid whose loyalty and devotion shape a life of depth, faith and perspective.

Klara and The Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro: This book explores the relationship between humans and AI. Our emotional connection with AI and how this challenges our values and ethical reasonings, I think of this book often with the uprise in AI. (I did find this book seemed to written for a slightly younger audience, compared to others on this list.) 

Animal Farm, George Orwell: A classic book. A small, easy read with a powerful representation in how inequality, ego and power create a corrupt society. Ironically, the CIA adapted this book into an animated film, if you're interested. 

Films

100 Meters, Kenji Iwaisawa: An animated film that follows two runners from childhood to college. The story explores how competition, determination, and personal identity can shape different paths and values. 

Mastermind, Kelly Reichardt: Based in the 1970s, a guy attempts an amateur art heist in a small town. I really enjoyed the messaging behind the film, but also found the representation of what daily life looked like in the 1970s to be interesting.

Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain, Jean-Pierre Jeunet: A quirky and playful story about a girl named Amélie. The film celebrates imagination, human connection, and finding magic in everyday life.

No Other Choice, Park Chan-wook: After being laid off, a man starts going to desperate lengths to find employment and reclaim his place in society. This story blends modern day pressures into a comedy that borderlines satire.

Les Feuilles mortes, Aki Kaurismäki: A melancholy look at love, loneliness, and the routines of everyday life. The dry humor and simplicity help show the emotional depth of the characters that feels relatable.

Merveilles de la vie sous-marine, Annie Gray: I’ve been watching loads of animal documentaries recently, and this one has been my favorite. The visuals are breathtaking, immersing you in the ecosystem without feeling intrusive. The pace and narration make it a calming (almost meditative) experience.

May this season bring you inspiration to explore new art from others and within yourself.

Sending my best to you and yours.

Xx,

Jessie Flamming