#1 - WHAT IS THE ONE ALBUM (OR EP OR SONG) THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE THE VERY NEXT MUSICAL THING THAT EVERYONE PRESSES PLAY ON THE NEXT TIME THEY FIND THEMSELVES THINKING “WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NOW”?

“Provinces II” by Chris Icasiano.

Chris is a dear friend, and far and away one of the most talented musicians I know. The whole record is beautiful, but the tension in this song moves me every time I hear it. I’ve been a fan of every project he’s been a part of but this solo record has been on heavy rotation for me.

#2 - WHAT IS THE ONE MOVIE OR TV SHOW THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE NEXT IN EVERYBODY’S NETFLIX QUEUE (OK, DOESN’T HAVE TO BE NETFLIX, WE’RE ALL INTERNET ADULTS HERE AND KNOW HOW TO FIND ANYTHING ONLINE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER)?

“I Think You Should Leave” on Netflix. I love absurd humor, and I find new things to laugh at every time I watch this series. I don’t think I go a day without referencing this show in some way.

Highlights are definitely the “Santa came early” sketch from season 1, or “coffin flop” from season 2.

#3. I (AND BY “I” I MEAN “THE PERSON THAT IS READING THIS”) AM GOING TO THE LOCAL BOOK STORE (OK, MAYBE THE LOCAL LIBRARY FIRST) TO FIND THE VERY NEXT BOOK THAT I WILL BE PUTTING SOME EXTREMELY VALUABLE ‘ME-TIME' ASIDE FOR. WHICH BOOK WOULD YOU GET, IF YOU WERE ME (AND, I SUPPOSE, YOU HADN’T ALREADY READ WHAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO SUGGEST)?

“The Shepherds Life” by James Rebanks is my favorite book of late.

James is a sheep herder from the Lakes District in England and this book takes you through a year on the fells while recounting memories of growing up there. I was convinced I wanted to buy a farm and start raising animals when I finished this book, but I have a hard enough time mowing my lawn and walking my dog. Maybe one day!

#4 - WHAT IS THE ONE WEBSITE (OR JUST ANY OLD INTERNET THING: APP, GIF, SERVICE, WHATEVER) THAT YOU WOULD GET REALLY DOWN IN THE DUMPS ABOUT IF IT WERE TO SUDDENLY GO AWAY?

The “Chess.com” app brings me constant joy. I play against my wife and a friend of mine in Seattle and will make a move or two a day in each game.

I’m not great at Chess, but it’s been a nice way to focus on something that uses a different part of my brain. Playing on a real board is nice, but the time between moves almost makes it a different game.

#5 - AND FINALLY… PLEASE GIVE ONE COMPLETELY UNAIDED RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD START DOING / USING / WATCHING / EATING / THINKING / QUITTING / ETC-ING TO MAKE THEIR LIVES A LITTLE BIT MORE BETTER AND/OR BEARABLE.

My wife Amy has encouraged the practice of either listing 5 things I’m grateful for, or asking what the rose and thorn of each day is. I think any sort of mindfulness exercise would be what I suggest to folks in these high speed times.

We’ve got a copy of “The Book of Delights” by Ross Gay, and picking it up and reading one or two essays is a good way to slow down and center yourself too.

OK folks, there you have it. Things that Drew Fitchette thinks you should consider incorporating into your day/life. Before you log off and go list your roses & thorns, make sure to give ‘Bishop’ a listen below…

…and if you like what you’re hearing, go do some further drew-fitchette-flavoured audio exploring over on the Bandcamp / Spotify.