10 January, 2023
San Pancho, Mexico
Is anybody out there?
I tend to strike creativity goldmines (landmines?) when the sun shines. I listen to the waves crash against the shore. if you're reading this, and any of what you're about to see sparks the littlest bit of interest - let's discuss it. I'm just here to let you know what I've been tuning into. There is so much good stuff out there. More bad than good. But, 'as wha sup.
What's the first thing 'they' tell you when going into Mexico? I can assure you I landed so far off this resort you all speak of, and found myself in the amazon forests of surf-town San Pancho. Greeted by felines with freshly-battered mice, I was sure I wouldn't even make it to the lockbox for the front key. Being immersed in the depths of it all (and so close to Chapo's son's capture in real time) I was surrounded by incredible culture, reuniting old friends, food-poisoning, and all the patriotic locals one can be hope for on an exotic mission. Fishing charters, mopeddin' down highways, a trip to the Marieta's Islands, all to watch the sunset on a variety of hidden beaches. I never had Mex on my radar, but I'm beyond stoked to have marked that off as a hit. I miss you, GOYO. And you, Chewy. I hope you're towing in more obese tourists, day after day. To my amigos, hombres and eses, mucho gracias.
All My Puny Sorrows (2021)
Such a good piece throughout. Two sisters are united after one of their attempted suicide, and a conceptual flick about life, family and struggle is so well demonstrated on-screen. I'm obsessed with the colour grading, and Sarah Gadon is an absolute Vancouver goddess - also, married to a Dime skater? Bonus, brownies, galore. The piano-playing provides a score that highlights emotion, and the lostness we feel as human beings. Highly recommend this gem. And beyond stoked, as I just purchased stubs to see Gadon in her theatre debut in Yerma. Looking forward to this one.
Colleen Hoover's November 9 (2015)
I had never dove into any of Hoover's work prior to seeing this up on a shelf on Vancouver Island one day, but an obvious(?!) choice nonetheless. A story of two youngins who fall in love, and establish a promise to reunite once a year despite living at opposite coasts. A tale of trust,
secrecy and the power of the HooverDam. She knows how to hurt you... Relatable scenarios and plot twists to question the human race on this planet. A sheer tale of hope and fighting for what you truly desire. Can endings in novels prevail in actual real life? Are you there God? It's me, Anthony.
'You'll never be able to find yourself if you're lost in someone else.'
I Can Be Afraid of Anything - The World Is A Beautiful Place, And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die (2019)
I've been looping this band on repeat for a number of years now. Severely regret not catching them live their time around Toronto... The Connecticut I-don't-even-know-how-many-piece delivers such perfect vocals with even further perfect harmonies that creep in at just the right times. An elegant essence to roll down the windows to and speed down those vacant roadways.