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.