May 2026 Favorites

May is often the hardest month for me. I feel lonely. Sad about the past. Terrified of the future. Worried about falling into another summer void of panic and despair. A lot of major events occurred in May. My Mom was born. My Grandma died. My high school class graduated without me. And each year, I turn another year older. It doesn't get easier. But I'll try to focus on the good things. At least for now.

Suzume: This movie is another masterpiece from Makoto Shinkai. A story about a girl who lost her mother in a natural disaster. A wacky paranormal traveling adventure with a girl, a mischievous cat god, and a talking child's chair. A quest to save someone you love. And a story about learning to be the comfort to your younger self. I can't really explain the story more than that. It's one of those things you have to experience.

A Short Hike: This gentle little game has so much heart. Claire the bird goes on a hike to escape some anxiety. You climb and glide around while doing small quests for fellow hikers. There's a sense of peace, but also an acknowledgement of the harder parts of life. And even a side story about trusting your art and creativity, something I've been deeply struggling with the last few years.

Flowers -Le Volume sur Printemps-: This visual novel centers on Suoh, an anxious girl starting at a boarding school. She gets paired with two roommates and has to navigate friendships and potential relationships with them and the other girls at the school. It is a sweet story. And while I had some issues with the "game" parts and the cliffhanger end, I loved it. I deeply resonated with Suoh, having suffered with extreme social anxiety most of my life. Rarely have I found a character I could relate to this much. My advice is to buy the whole series and use a guide from the start.

Tomodachi Life: I'll admit, I didn't intially get excited for this game's release, even though I've always been fond of making Miis. But seeing all the fun people have been getting out of this game convinced me. And my Mom and I have been having a lot of fun with this goofy game, as well.

Palia: New area. New adventures. And most importantly, horses. That is all. 😍