23 January, 2025
Toronto, ON

The holidays are through and so much has been integrated. The comedown from a holiday season may not often go as smooth as one had originally hoped for. The dawn of the new year offers much readiness, so much hope, but also many challenges in the face of the daily struggle. As is tradition - we plan ahead and adjust our habits accordingly, to intend on manufacturing a more enhanced version of ourselves to present to the (who?) world. Yet, with all the equipment, applications and motivation tips available, discipline remains absent at the head table when the cannolis finally arrive...
But with great gain, comes lamentable loss. After eighteen fulfilled years of joy, our beloved Himalayan feline crosses the rainbow bridge. Eighteen years of precious memories, not only with the blue-eyed kitten we long ago brought home, but being there while you grew into a completely different person over the span of nearly two decades. Their last breathe feels symbolic.
Meanwhile, on the PNW, newborn J61 enter the Pod, and met with complications, therefore unable to flourish. A mother orca who has suffered loss before, is once again faced with the devastating heartache.
Watching your parents go through a heartbreaking passing of a beloved friend applies much transition, and exposure to the world of numerous generations. Friends & family will gather and speak about the good times, yet, great shock, fear and the importance of connection floods the room.
Locally, our distant memories of youth-filled shenanigans fade, as small businesses feel the wrath of climbing interest rates and are forced to close at an alarming rate. The towns we once scaled are changing ever so rapidly, and it gives us much preparation to hang onto the people, places and things we all love.
Life continues to zip.
Cherish, protect & savour.
...and if you're one of the lucky ones who had the pleasure of experiencing Ontario Place in its prime - Know that I'm with you.
Look Back In Anger (1959)

A play about angry-young-men. Burton rebelling against life & wife. It's gut-wrenching to watch the way he treats others throughout, but If you're after your dose of kitchen-sink realism with an immense twist, this pans out. Here, the monologues are so theatrical, they stick with you for hours after. The preparation that must have been put into place before shooting, is quite interesting. Performance outstanding, competently crafted, and it's well-written in true form. Sometimes, silence is the best weapon in these instances. The film still has a lot to say in this modern day.

Sally Rooney's Intermezzo (2024)
When I read Beautiful World, Where Are You, I remember it being at a time in my life when I felt emotionally fulfilled. Enter, Intermezzo - a passionate tale of two brothers coping with their father's loss, struggling to deal with relationships and unspoken feelings. The lack of quotation marks throughout this book allow the reader to fully lock-in and try to keep up, just to be smacked around the bend with frequent, descriptive sex scenes. I often ponder why the dog's gender was never fully revealed? It's a fully, painted portrait of normal characters, unlike many of SR's previous work.

Devendra Banhart - Shabop Shalom
I often tinkle with the idea that we are not worthy of Banhart's songwriting capabilities. His musical taste is so personal, that you feel like you get a one-way look into his life experiences and emotions through song, and this track specifically bringing you to your magical garden, when you're truly in need of it. A lyrical genius, and I still consider his Amoeba: What's In My Bag episode one of the all time greatest among the series.
relocate by Catarine Hancock

There was a period of time where this book had spent many months in my travel bag for a number of reasons. It's provided me much insight into the storyline that Hancock has woven, her personal battle with healing, and more importantly, a representation of the way many people have been impacted by similar scenarios. Even if you can't necessarily relate to CH's writing, her vulnerability speaks beautiful volume. For a young writer to spill out their entire soul onto a page for all to witness, is immense bravery. Relocate is a story of new beginnings, but not in the way mainstream media has portrayed them to be so glorified. Don't believe the hype.
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