'till drama do us part

14 February, 2026

Victoria, BC

The year has just begun and the jet-lag remains in full effect.

Let's check in for a minute. Obviously, people should not be targeted down in the middle of the streets by government representatives. Folk should not be imprisoned based on the colour of their skin or political beliefs. Yet, it constantly feels repetitive and hopeless to hear of any positive progress accumulating these days. Being proactive seems like the only thing we can really do in times like such. Even though it doesn't feel like it, good things are still happening.

Discussion helps, but no matter how big or small we may feel our actions are impacting those around us, it's vital that we each do our part to protect our communities, and also remain reasonable in our voices. That's where the struggle exists. The dramatic fleet we humans place on one another from miscommunication, misunderstanding and sheer trauma is undoubtedly demoralizing to our fabric. Again, my opinion means nothing, it's just what I am experiencing throughout my travels over the last several years.

Staying online will inevitably do more harm than none. Like me, it's enticing and part of our culture to log-on every now & then, but remember, you always have a choice in the matter.

Think of being free.

On the other hand, there is much that still lives & blooms in Baja. The powerful sea that needs protecting from fossil gas companies, who wish to rob our bio-cultural wealth. I am in no-shape-or-form a man of a resort, but I could not recommend that property to lovers entwined, far and wide. Luxurious resorts are a thing of beauty, but please don't charge your residents 50 USD for a drop-in yoga class. Flow-tip!

And here, far up the coast, Victoria celebrates its victories. Last year, PVC pollution from nearby construction sites was identified across local beaches and storm drains. The City was approached with numerous hearings and backing data, and has now strengthened its construction standards to require more enforced containment of these shavings and debris. Preventing this constant pollution is an improvement that may seem small to some, but significant to the oceans and coasts. Let's pray the remaining municipalities of Canada follow suit.

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Secret Mall Apartment (2024)

The amount of effort and determination that can go into a project when a group really embodies the overall goal is astonishing. I have spent a great deal of time in Providence recently and when I had heard about this story, it was an added bonus to be accompanied by a visual representation. The documentary covers far and wide - utilizing underused space, breathtaking tape art, the notion of white privilege, shy of two quarters in a bank account and of course, trespassing. With a starring cameo of Lightning Bolt's loudest & finest, Secret Mall Apartment fulfills the concept we all had as children - fort building where we ruled our own little environment.

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Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness (1928)

Join a prolific part of Lesbian history, as we follow Stephen's journey from her girlhood to womanhood. Raised in an aristocratic, Worcestershire family, who pre-determined her 'boy name' prior to birth. The book's original publication provoked an obscenity trial, which is pretty damn rad. Twas a very long read to get through, with final climatic pages making the experience well worth it. After all this time, I think it remains a masterpiece of gay polemic with its central themes of social martyrdom. 'The loneliest place in this world is the no-man's land of sex.'

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Matt Maeson - Everlasting

People who make music like this have ultimately lived the most. It's rare for MM to avoid belting in his music, yet there is an emotional setting which elevates your sense of hope nonetheless. Utterly lyrical beauty in a string-filled environment, to comfort you on those lonely night drives in your car while the snow falls gently. Unlike the majority of mainstream media these days, it's bound to make you sad happy.

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So what do you say? - Joshua De Schutter

The young, aspiring poet who swept through viral markets with his insightful feelings and thoughts proves that shyness prevails. Throughout history, there have been an abundance of romance films that cling onto the mainstream realm, and elevate each of our emotions sky high. We tend to reflect on memories both good and bad when we are fully sunken in a movie. Joshua haves us all do what we neglect to do on so many occasions - fall in love. Lots of snaps for this.

it's better this way

31 December, 2025

Burlington, ON

Giving heartfelt notice of a devastating life change.

My grandmother, the final gang member to move on, played a major role in my upbringing. Those iconic morning television shows you so vividly remember before school time, in addition to your morning cream-of-wheat played the foundation blocks of your developing life. Yet, no matter how the inevitable may be in plain sight, you can never really prep for when that phone finally rings. Grandparents serve as sincere inspiration and historic knowledge. Having someone in your life who had been around in the days of an entirely different world, is so valuable. How could anyone possibly experience years of simplicity to a complex series of tragedy, drastic change, and the evolution of the human race, and still maintain a heartfelt smile? The core of the family is forever a legacy, and to your grandparents, it really felt like you could do no wrong.

Appreciating the living is still a ludicrous concept for many. Be forever grateful for the positive relationships you have, big or small. Hold onto your friends, hold onto yourself, and be proud. This experience is finite, so pay close attention to what makes you happy.

I recently came across Phoebe Weston's article in the Guardian about how butterflies are losing their colour due to deforestation (see links). It connected with me so purely as monochrome becomes the new norm in society. Where once there was a vibrance throughout our world, has ultimately become more blank and neutral. It's interesting to note the alteration in diversity from habitat loss. There are far too many similarities in our rapid-developing neighborhoods to the Amazon forests.

We're all losing colour.

Anyway, should you feel the need to vacate the beastly holiday cheer, I hope my absurdist writing room is here for a quick thought.

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The SLOG Movie (1982)

If you're unlucky like me, you simply weren't around for the raw and unkept punk movement of SoCal in the early 80's. I bought this DVD way back and was immediately enthralled with Dave Markey's portrayal of the scene. The way he had captured moments in time with a camera, the feelings between friends and musicians, and all the piercing performances made me want a time machine more than ever. Watching this today simplifies a time before smart phones, and it is surely glorious. You can practically feel the police's presence in the Oki-Dog's parking lot as they pull up with their cruisers.

How long do YOU think punk rock will last?

FOREVER.

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Naomi Klein's Doppelganger (2024)

The rise of conspiracy-thinking and the concept of possessing. Some of the biggest problems society today is dealing with. Many identify themselves with another, but eventually become so unaware of their own, distinct self. We, who create our own virtual versions of ourselves online generally lose sight of our morals & ethics. Throw the new AI Revolution into all this, and it very much mocks the meaning of what it means to be human. Still, I have the utmost intent on uploading my mugshot to Twin Strangers someday. This book is the real deal.

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Asobi Sedsku - Thursday

If there's one song that you may fall asleep to with your earbuds in, I pray this may be that very gemstone. It's hard to forget the ones we waited for, and the band ensures you commemorate those lovely feelings in a dream-pop that's upbeat, but close to the heart. The xylophone break will change something in you.

For a bonus experience, check out their acoustic performance at Olympic Studios.

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WITHOUT ASKING - Alessandra Olanow

Drawing has always been a vehicle for Alessandra - as she states throughout various interviews and podcasts. She uses her sketchbook to hide behind things, demonstrate self-help, and inspire readers to maintain hope. And it's clear to see this within all of her poetry. We navigate through life with every means necessary, despite having our plans fall apart constantly. Most often, out of our control. This practice helps us focus and discover our creative outlet. To learn to anticipate these changes, we may eventually accept them as gifts.

another time. another world.

2 September, 2025

Porphyry Island, Ontario

I spent a portion of this summer living in a lighthouse. The restoration project exists on a tiny little island on Lake Superior, and is composed up of workers who are investing time into fulfilling the mandate. Several volunteer programs, Artists-in-Residency, conservation work and a variety of offerings see Porphyry Island as a revolving door for many who seek the ultimate isolation, and wish to explore these lighthouses. I was there to visually document the unique experience and act as a true Host Keeper, like many of which back in the day. Learning about these souls gave me so much gratitude, and reading their personal journals was a whole 'nother endeavor.

Lighthouses have such a rich past. Acting as a navigation tool for the incoming and passing safety to port. For many, they aren't even aware lighthouses still exist in the province, let alone being maintained by a number of dedicated locals. Currently, most light stations across the country are now full automated, yet the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior are actively trying to revive history.

To verbally paint you an image of the sights and sounds of this island would be next to impossible. The immense feeling I received with the remote landscape, zero light pollution, the roar from what simply MUST be an ocean, and meeting a handful of memorable tourists. And for someone who has yet to get a full eight-hour sleep this year, some of the best snooze of my life.

I am honored to be apart of the story of not only Porphyry, but it's surrounding neighboring islands, too. Some of which, only a handful have ever had the pleasure of visiting. I pray my offering of my Apple Watch to the Gods of Shaganash serve them well, and may the brave kayakers who seek shelter during a sudden storm surge remain cozy in their newspaper-decorated guest rooms.

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

I've watched this several times and it never fails to enlighten me. Long live black education films with pure substance and craftsmanship. This flick acknowledges the colonizers who have stripped continents of their resources for generations, and sheds light on the culture and struggles this community sees on a regular basis. Malawi is often referred to as the warm heart of Africa, and it's people are passionate about their families and government, Maxwell Simba is the most badass name ever, and he demonstrates throughout the film that education is important, and should be free for all.

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Cormac McCarthy's The Passenger (2022)

The longevity of writing this novel has to be some sort of record, right? Set in the early 80's, this book alludes to a missing aircraft passenger, but really shadows Bobby Western throughout his travels. It's made up of discussions - conversations about ideas, history, and just sad, questions about life with zero answers. The reader find themselves so engulfed in details, it's as if they're in the very room during the chat on JFK's assassination. This book truly proves that it's never too late to create art, and I'm very much looking forward to the follow-up.

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Miya Folick - Talking With Strangers

This song will push you to take the car and drive across lost roads to find yourself. It brings me great joy that she is beginning to gain more recognition. You can really feel the vibrancy in the way she performs her tunes, and her messaging is a beautiful release of everything that's been bubbling underneath the surface. It's so underrated, it could be our little secret. Winter, here we come. I feel you nearer.

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Noir: Heart Archive by Şeyda Noir

Highlighting the ongoing struggle between emotions and internal thoughts, these poems will energize the ability to express yourself with self-love. We are all encouraged to share our experiences with one another, and brought up to believe that neither of us are alone in our daily challenges. It's uplifting to read pieces like this, to make sense of what it's really like to be human. The inclusion of hashtags here truly bring the elements of community and connection to its readers. Noir is an attempt to guide us through it all, while maintaining its eloquence and simplicity. Poetry you can revisit time after time should forever be prioritized.