With the craziness of life in a pandemic, I have more time to evaluate the things that are important such as family, friends and lately the ability to embrace my guilty pleasures of which I have many. I no longer hide behind the facade that I only watch high-brow entertainment as the news these days just makes my stomach churn. If I’m going to watch violence, mayhem and destruction, I would rather it be caused by the Real Housewives, not our world leaders.
Here are a few of my more current guilty pleasures that have been keeping me entertained as of late.
#5. Leslie Jordan’s Instagram
Well shit, what are y’all doing? If you haven’t been keeping up with this comedic genius whose instagram postings have gone viral since the beginning of COVID, you are missing a dose of daily fabulosity. Several times a day, he posts reminiscences or stories about his past or what he is doing now. Whether it’s an anecdote from his family life or tales from Will & Grace, he’s a lovable delight who has honed his skill in delivering quick, witty postings. Some of my favorites deal with his love of Dylan McDermott and the self-appointed president of his fan club; his pillow talks where he discusses people or situations from his life; and his singalongs with musician (and hottie) Travis Howard. He now has a merchandise line and ringtones of his catchphrases. Leslie, I for one owe you a huge gratitude for brightening up some dark days during this pandemic. Tell Mama HI for me!
#4. Bailey Sarian’s Facebook/YouTube
I stumbled upon Bailey one night when I couldn’t sleep and was surfing Facebook. After seeing one of her Murder, Mystery and Makeup shows, I was hooked and immediately became one of her 2.1 million followers. Wow, I got excited when I passed the 500 mark on Instagram. Bailey is an amazing entertainer as well as an incredibly gifted make-up artist. Her knack for storytelling is incredible as she infuses humor and suspense in every one of her posts. The subject matter normally deals with brutal killings but have included supernatural occurrences and conspiracy theories. In addition to M,M & M, she discusses a myriad of things such as fashion, diet and decor. Definitely she is worth checking out.
#3. James Patterson Novels
If you have read any of my book reviews, you have probably guessed that James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. He has created many iconic current crime fiction literary series like Alex Cross, The Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, Private and NYPD Red. Most of his books are quick reads with a great plot, filled with many twists and turns. You grow to love all of his characters and I find myself waiting for the next book to come out in the series. In these times, I don’t want to read heavy material; pure escapism is what I crave.
#2. Acorn TV
If you’re a fan of murder mysteries or crime thrillers, you have to get this channel. It has so many great mystery shows like Queens of Mystery and Agatha Raisin, as well as great detective shows from other countries such as My Life is Murder (staring Xena’s Lucy Lawless) from Australia and The Sommerdahl Murders from Denmark. They have a lot to choose from for the inspiring sleuth in you.
#1. Miss Phyrne Fisher
If you are not familiar with this fabulous gem out of Australia, let me introduce you. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is a drama television series from the Land Down Under. It is based on author Kerry Greenwood’s historical mystery novels. The series revolves around the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a glamorous private detective in 1920s Melbourne. She is a modern woman living in a very unenlightened time. Davis is fabulous as is the entire staff of this show that has spawned three seasons and a feature film titled Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears.
A television spin-off Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries has just been introduced. This series revolves around the personal and professional life of Peregrine Fisher, daughter of Phryne’s half sister Annabelle (a result of an affair that Phryne’s father had), who inherits a fortune when the famous aunt she never knew goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea. Peregrine sets out to become a world-class private detective in her own right, guided by a group of exceptional women in The Adventuresses’ Club, of which her aunt was also a member. Acorn TV just commissioned a second season of this wonderful show. If you are looking for things to watch, definitely add all of these entertaining programs to your list.
