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 workers who are investing time into fulfilling the mandate. Several volunteer programs, Artists-in-Residency, 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 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. They acted as a navigation tool for the incoming and passing safety to port. For many, they aren't aware lighthouses even 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, the 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 neighbors, too. Some of which, only a handful have ever had the pleasure of visiting. I pray my offering of my Applie Watch to the Gods of Shaganash serve them well, and may the brave kayakers who seek shelter during a sudden storm surge remain dry 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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