god jul!

23 December, 2023

Segelvik, Norway

Physically, emotionally drained with the wounds to prove it. Mentally? Spiritually? Never felt more fulfilled. The arms stretch wide to receive love and grateful for it. These final days on this adventure for me, were very much vulnerable. The kindest gesture from a local, or the lyric to a song would bring me to tears. A lot of people ask me 'Why?" And that was something I began pondering since my passion for travel began. I've never been able to answer wholeheartedly, because I knew it would change.

At the end, this "Why" seemed really simple. I wanted to discover so much of the roads less travelled. The amount of time alone lets you process things that nothing else really comes close to. Asking yourself questions in the ample amount of quiet space to fully provide answers to them. I don't personally believe in "I'm better now, because of this" because I realized at a real early age that it's not about becoming better. What you allow yourself to experience and give forth is the premise to the moment. Whatever that moment was - good or bad. And actually loving myself and my possessions in those moments of exposed situations. How I handle forks in the road when nobody is physically there. I think everything in the world is about just having confidence in who you are at any given moment, you know?

Watching your good friend being kept alive by machines lays its heavy affect on a human. You can't quite figure it out - the how. You stand by and wish there was something you could do, but it's simply life shaping in front of you. It's gut-wrenching. I miss you dearly, TS. There have already been countless things that have happened since that prove you're up there helping us out. Thank you for putting a smile on this aging face over the years. 'Why can't I just pull up to your crib and see you right there?' Ride the sky.

I will keep the rest of this internal narrative to myself, but I just wish to say that the life lessons from all of this, are something I can cherish forever. Not to mention the people I met along the way, those who took the time to reach out, text, DM; you all lifted me up. (And a special shoutout to Apple for building phones that can sit out in the snow for fifteen hours and not die).

I pray that those Christmas traditions you once practiced, still remain intact.

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The Killer (2023)

Yoga & The Smiths, how could it go wrong? The path of revenge for the act of violence to a loved one. Fincher demonstrates a patient film with a defining voiceover that establishes self-struggle, a mindless gaze from the lead that makes you feel his pain, and his wisdom of anticipation. I love the idea of keeping your mind focus while you wait, and wait. Split-second decisions create a whirl of chaos in this flick. How the character reacts is tense and ongoing, leaves you at the edge even for a slow burn.

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1988)

Finally got around to this. The story of a young traveller who embarks on a quest for treasure, while demonstrating the concept of personal legends and belief within. A lot of life lessons in this one. To express these traits to others along your way, and observing this undefying notion of oneness. This novel emphasizes the pursuit of your dreams, and I can't stress enough that it encourages quite the motive with it's symbolic story. A great tool for the reader to idolize Universal Language and believe of a path moving forward.

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The Japanese House, Justin Vernon - Dionne

Watching this live was worth everything.

The fact that I'll never tire of this track is really special. Clever lyrics mixed perfectly with a beat that eases your trouble, these two have created a masterpiece beyond measure. 'Your past becomes your present if it's always on your mind' like, c'monnnnn.

Take this song, crunch it up into a little ball, shuv-it in your pocket and take it everywhere you go.

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The Same Sea by Samantha Reynolds

I had my final swim of the year in the ocean surrounded by whales. Not in my green skirt, but the sheer force (yet gentleness) of the water is forever ripe for a dive. The echoes shared in the same abyss as you, pure blackness to an unknown existence. I've often said that the ocean is just space in reverse. And then, from out of nowhere, you witness the stillness of these creatures while you remain in your element. How we all share this same planet, is pure magic.

our collective future

28 October, 2023

Geneva, New York

Captivated with new ideas, countless unique faces along the travel route, and endless stories to add to the journal. I maintain sanity with Tonglen breathing, a variety of commencement speeches, hiking and cold showers, yet I find the same nirvana with Chrissie Hynde's voice echoing through the punk bathroom stall while I urinate. I spend a great deal of time hearing out the friends dwell on their stories via Facetime, and it feels good to watch first-hand how people are changing throughout the years. Do you notice it? Oblivious or in denial? For the better, or for the worse, an unimaginable rate this life seems to be soaring by.

The horrors of the world continue to unfold as we seek those things that keep us at peace.

Is the end of the world just the start?

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Endless Summer (1966)

Mild weather and beautiful lake patterns make the season that much more enjoyable. A film deemed as 'Prehistorical Vlogging,' places the viewer in sun-struck position right on the shoreline. Bruce Brown delivers a masterpiece dedicated to those who possess a love for the surf. The soundtrack and colour correction alone - accompanied by dry & hilarious commentary - bring much joy to the viewer. Posters of this film still remain on walls around cities today. When the winter blues start to hit, I encourage you to pop this into any format you own and truly feel the heat.

"No two waves are the same. That wave belongs to you."

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Blue Mind by Dr. Wallace J Nicols (2014)

Ever wonder what the mental & physical health benefits are by simply existing by a body of water?

This book contains a massive amount of interesting facts surrounding positive mindset, the rehabilitation history, The Blue Marble Project, and incredible stories and research about all things water. The encouragement to seek the element whenever you're feeling low, and fall in love with the natural essence, the dangers it faces on a regular basis, and develop your Blue Mind at peace. I think everyone will find a similarity in their life to several points in this literature. I also really need to take a whiff of Libby Patterson's Wave Perfume....

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Angela - Flower Face

The willingness of Ruby to open up about the history of this song in her interview allows us listeners to love Angela that much more. I discovered this many years ago in the algorithms of nostalgia, and it's continuously been a go-to at those moments of comfort. The feeling of wanting to let that special someone go, but remaining wishful that they might find their route back to you someday. The perfect poetic tone and rhythm, that come

together to replicate those memories we all hold onto. Who do you see in your snowglobe?

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Find Me by Forest Blakk

A hypnotizing spoken word to exercise your inner emotion toward someone that once was. To believe in a feeling you previously felt, and cherish memories that push you to remain hopeful, and shed light on the good that existed and that they may transition into a new existence. The millions of thoughts we experience throughout our lives require some sort of explanation and meaning. One of the hardest challenges we face, is to grieve someone who is still amongst us. You'll hear something different each time you replay this.

faut dire que c'est plat, plat, plat

15 August, 2023

Quebec City, Quebec

Octane in the shower. Where do you find your most zen? Does it come in the form of travel? A walk? The coastline somewhere? All around us, an endless array of stress and worry is constantly dangling from the skies. Whenever I have an existential crisis, casually riding my bike around the cobblestone, listening to a variety of music always helps my mental clarity. Put me back into the present moment. *Add rain for an extra bonus.*

It feels fresh to connect with an existing cityscape, where memories flow so eloquently accompanied by the soothing harp from this Harpo lookalike. That may very much have been the best French Onion soup of my existence.

The island of Maui is on fire. My sincere best is thought upon all my pals that I have met from there, and that their friends & family remain strong. What's next in the world. There is such a dark energy pulling on the strings of humanity.

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The Adventure That Saved My Life. - BORDERLESS (2023)

Natalie Lynn documents her touching story through her lens of heartbreak, packing the van, and saying yes to adventure. With her internet, beefaroni-loving friend by her side, the two embark on what can only be described as the summer mission to joy. Say yes to strangers. Life can make you feel lost, lonely and disoriented. I believe for those who struggle with such impacts, can tune into this and relate. A filmmaker inspiring to let you into her world, gives you an experience you can only fantasize about being a part of and take the leap. Using Youtube to its absolute full-scale potential. Keep in mind, this is a video blog.

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Eric LaRocca's Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke (2021)

A collection of exchanged emails between two women in an internet chat room. A rapid turn of events into a dark spiral make for an impactful, quick quick read. This has been out of print for a while, and I was hyped to get my hands on a copy. There is a LOT of disturbing imagery in this, borrower beware. The author does a wicked job of portraying how wild an internet connection could become back in our MSN Messenger days. Oh, how I miss them.

Sadomasochism. Obsession. Death.

I wonder what would happen if you apple-peeled the soles of your feet.

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Cœur de pirate - Dans la nuit (feat. Loud)

The French Canadian goddess. For forever ago I've followed the pirate. Some of my fondest memories exist at her hometown gig when I knew none of the conversation her and the audience were having. Two hearts meet and share their boredem of the night. Loud instills a contrast vocal track that pairs well with the snappy beat. Let this be an introduction to French pop music if you've yet to let it in. The perfect voice doesn't exi... Beatrice, please keep singing forever.

I just want to cook and clean for you.

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how to be insecure by Shelby Leigh

Overthinking at its finest. When introverts of the world constantly doubt themselves, and fear of the surrounding judgement upon them. Shelby comes from a world which is so relatable. This poem identifies a list of components to demonstrate the perfect insecure individual. I've seen so many others with similar traits all my life. In school, we're surrounded by kids our own age, but entering adulthood, we're then immersed with so many different types and qualities of people. The social aspect can stress us out. Follow this guideline for appropriate tips and measures.