Aesthetic, She Wrote
Jessica Fletcher and the importance of doing something just because.
Grow an herb garden from seed.
Take a Spanish class.
Make a tomato and garlic focaccia.
Practice calligraphy.
Sign up for tennis lessons.
Now more than ever, I’ve been pursuing things just because. Just because it brings me joy. Just because it piques my interest. Just because I like to challenge myself. Just because it’s fun. Just because I want to learn something new. Just because.
I’ve had an ongoing list of things I’d like to try, some I have crossed off and some I have surprisingly turned into more consistent activities. I’m talking about things that bring happiness with zero expectation or outcome attached. Things that we don’t have to be perfect at, don’t have to position our lives around, and don’t have to turn into financial successes.
One passion that came out of the blue for me? A deep affection for Murder, She Wrote.
If you aren’t familiar with the show, it originally ran from 1984 to 1996 (an impressive 12 seasons!) and was a cultural phenomenon. Angela Lansbury portrayed Jessica B. Fletcher — a middle-aged widow and retired English teacher turned accomplished mystery writer, who becomes involved in solving melodramatic murders every episode. The perfect blend of suspense, drama, humor and delight, if you ask me.
Angela Lansbury was a total badass (I loved this New York Times video that was published when she passed away last year). She was adamant that Jessica’s character not be defined by a romantic relationship, and she never had a partner in the series. Jessica Fletcher was older, successful, single and happy. Her passion was being an amateur sleuth, always maintaining an air of mystique.
The show started airing before I was born, though I do recall seeing occasional reruns on TV when I was young. Last year I stumbled across the series online, and it quickly turned into regular viewing. Dan and I would put the show on late at night, laugh, and mindlessly watch the far-fetched murders play out, trying our best to solve them along the way. Each episode continued to draw me in visually — the elaborate sets, locations, props, interiors and costume design are really a sight to behold.
Eventually, I wanted to archive the immaculate vibes while making my way through the series. I borrowed the first season from the library, bought a DVD player with a USB attachment (commitment, lol), and began taking screen shots of the show. Now I have a Murder, She Wrote fan account on Instagram called Aesthetic, She Wrote.
Just because.
Maybe it sounds crazy, but the monotony and eye candy is such a stress reliever for me. Is this what getting older feels like? I find myself constantly inspired by a color palette, an outfit, an old car, a lamp, a dinner party! While capturing screen grabs may not feel life-changing, it does bring little bits of joy. And those little joys are important.
We had a few light raindrops in LA yesterday, after many months of extreme dryness and summer heat, and standing outside amidst the gentle relief lifted my spirit. It reminded me that sometimes the tiniest or simplest of things can put wind in our sails. It filled my cup.
What can you do just because this week?
Love,
Elise
NOTEWORTHY
—A quest to document every outfit on Sex and the City.
—I’m new to Elissa Altman’s captivating newsletter, but her words this week resonated with me deeply.
—Minimalism Is Neat, But Clutter Makes A Home.
PLEASURE
I can’t stop staring at Angela Lansbury’s stunning Irish farmhouse, complete with a slate roof and seaside views. Tour the perfect refuge over on AD.
A watch I think Jessica Fletcher would have definitely owned.
This Venn diagram made me laugh.
CONTEMPLATING
Alexa Chung on what Jane Birkin and her style meant to her. Icons talking about icons.
How Handwriting Lost Its Personality. Maybe this is what prompted my recent calligraphy set purchase?
Roxane Gay on How She Arrived at Herself. An intimate conversation between the best-selling writer and Sam Fragoso.
Credits: Angela Lansbury cuts a huge cake on Feb. 13, 1989, in celebration of the show's 100th episode. Photo by Douglas C. Pizac for AP.
‘Murder, She Wrote’ screen shots from my new IG account @aesthetic_shewrote.