#this was my fit for working the anime fest this weekend >:3

[seraphbutch]

did someone order a fox bf or

[tessmontyart]

2018 Year In Review

Another year, another review 💕(I actually typed most of this up before 2019 and then got distracted, whoops)

To put things short, 2018 has been AWESOME :D Exhausting and fast, but awesome.

I started it off pretty uncertain how things were going to go, dreading it would be a repeat of 2017′s boring TAFE courses and endless job rejections. But the miracle happened - a 2D animation studio opened up near me, I applied, did an animation test and got the job!

The job was a contract from 1st of April - 21st of December, so I spent the majority of my year going to work to animate characters for a really crazy but hilarious new kids show called Spongo Fuzz and Jalapena, due to air mid 2019 :) 

It was honestly the most fun job I have ever had and I can’t wait for the next project! 🎉 I have never been this exhausted in my life, though. 😅I had already booked a whole bunch of conventions before I got the job, and didn’t want to cancel them so I was working nonstop - Animation during the day and intensive convention prep every night. 

I also had the bright idea of creating a full colour 26 page comic -with a tight deadline - so I was madly working to the point I didn’t even have time for dinner half the time :’) I am sort of happy with the comic, but also kind of wish I never had the idea in the first place. 😅

I tabled at a ton of conventions; Melbourne Supanova, Central Coast ComiCon, Other Worlds Zine Fair, Sydney Supanova, SMASH and Canberra Gamma Con. If next year doesn’t go so well on the job side of things I’m hoping to add a few more conventions to that list - Brisbane Supanova, Oz Comic Con and Animaga to name a few. I’ve already booked Sydney Madman Anime Festival!

2018 was the year my partner and I celebrated our 4th year together, and he never fails to amaze me with his continuous love and support. I was too sick to attend the first day of SMASH, so he set up and ran the whole stall for me while I stayed at home. Same with Sydney Supanova, I was too bogged down in animation work and couldn’t afford to take the Friday off, so he set up and ran the stall for me on Friday, then we ran the stall together on the weekend. He also tended to my every need when I broke my toe, cooked all my meals when I was busy with work and even packaged + posted all my Etsy orders every day because I was always working during post office hours. He listened to all the problems I was having with my stall setup and helped make shelves and decorations to make it look and function better. I was getting stressed because my desk space was too small, BAM he bought me a brand new desk with plenty of storage. I was getting stressed that I had so much on my convention to-do-list and couldn’t keep track of all my project ideas, BAM, he sets up a whiteboard and helps me brainstorm everything so I can keep track of all my thoughts and ideas and what to prioritise for future conventions. I didn’t even ask him to do any of this, he just loves to help me and make me happy and I am forever blissed and happy to be able to spend my life with such a wonderful human! 

(Home made High Tea I made for him on Valentines Day) 

Arsty Highlilghts / accomplishments:

🌸I designed 9 cute Houseki no Kuni acrylic charms which have been doing really well at conventions!

🌸I also drew a cute series of ‘Sleepy Gem’ Houseki no Kuni / Steven Universe holographic prints, which I’m quite proud of 😊

🌸I created my 2nd enamel pin design, which already needed 2 reorders because they were so popular! ;w; I never knew I could make something that so many people love *sob* I’ve already planned to make these into a series! (already designed some deer ones, and thinking of doing foxes next ^_^ )

🌸I also tried getting gold foil prints done for the first time, which was pretty cool! I got the american sizes mixed up though so I might try for the bigger size next time :) (grainy photo cause its a screenshot from a video)

🌸I’ve been taking steps to make my stall look more ‘professional’, and got a really neat wooden sign made for me by my friend as_sweet_as_jasmine!

🌸I’ve started revamping my favourite series of posters - the Eevee Gijinka girls :) I plan to have them all done and ready for 2019s conventions! 

🌸This was the year I got an iPad, so I could do digital art on-the-go. Honestly its helped me so much, and I can’t wait to be able to use it more (sorta didn’t get a chance to touch it while i was working!)

🌸I got Copic Markers for my birthday so I had a whole new medium to play with! These mixed with using a brush pen for inking really make my inktobers pop and I’m eager to draw more with them  :) 

🌸Speaking of Inktober, it was a huge accomplishment for me to put effort into a decent artwork every day this year! Usually theres a few dud ones when I lacked inspiration, but I somehow managed to make it work ;w; So when it came time to printing the books, theres 31 illustrations rather than 25 like the others :) Also the whole rainbow theme idea came from how cool I think it would look flipping through a rainbow book - so I managed to make that happen and couldn’t be happier!

🌸I passed 1000 sales on Etsy!! 😱As well as 1000 followers on instagram! Crazy right??

General 2018 highlights

🌸2018 was the year one of my best friends got married! I made cute little clay wedding cake toppers for her :)

🌸The year Owl City’s 7th album Cinematic came out!! All the tracks are so GOOD and exactly the sound all us hootowls were longing for. Also Be Brave is a tearjerker, in a good way. What an amazing human Abbey is to Adam <3 

🌸The year Spyro Reignited Trilogy came out!! It’s absolutely amazing, and I love every second of it. Every time I play it I just can’t help but stand there looking around at every detail because everything is just so gorgeous *_* And the nostalgia is so real.

🌸Not exactly a highlight but the year Tumblr went NSFW free, and lost hundreds of thousands of users 😂I’m still here though. Got a dumb tradition to keep up ya know.

🌸The year my work had a hilarious Christmas party where we had to dress up as a character from Spongo Fuzz and Jalapena. It was the first time I actually put effort into a cosplay by myself 😂(possibly the last) (wont put a photo up for embarrassing reasons)

🌸the year I broke my toe for the first time xD;; definitely not a highlight but a first! I couldn’t walk for weeks! it sucked!!! T__T

🌸The year my friend successfully funded his kickstarter for his own cartoon ‘Nurry Brothers Adventure World’ :D So proud of him. I’m gonna help him animate!

🌸The year Lano and Woodley reunited with their amazing show ‘Fly’!! I loved it so much I saw it twice :D 

🌸The year I tried doing Halloween for the first time - I bought a bunch of lollies and chocolates and decorations on my letterbox/door to let people know I was participating. I got 2 different groups of people at the door, 5 people all up 😂More than I expected tbh!

🌸I tried Ruby chocolate for the first time! It was ok .. just kinda tasted like berry yoghurt flavoured white chocolate though ;w; 

SO! What’s coming for 2019?

I’m not really sure at the moment, but I have high hopes for Cheeky Little Studios (the animation company I worked for) - so I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if any of their next projects get concrete start dates :) I’m not as terrified of the year as I usually am when its just one big question mark. I know I can make decent money through conventions and commissions in the meant time so I’ll just continue doing what I love! 

LAST YEAR I SAID:

“I am crossing my fingers for an animation job I applied for a while ago” - I GOT IT! :D

“I plan to do even more conventions. Hopefully I can get into Oz Comic Con!" - didn’t end up applying because I was busy with the job, but keen to try for 2019 :)

"I’m keen to apply for like Animaga in Melbourne, as well as Madman Anime Fest in Brisbane and Melbourne.” - didn’t end up doing so for the same reason above, but that might change this year :)

“I also want to make a lot more non-fandom things for market stalls, as well as a comic and zines!” - I made the comic, as well as 3 inktober zines and a cute ‘if I fits I sits’ cat zine! As well as a bunch of cute original enamel pin ideas and my whole inktober was original art :D 

“Hopefully I’ll hit 1k followers on fb/ig? :D that will make me feel important lol” - I hit 1k on instagram!! I felt very important xD

“I’m also hoping to go on a holiday this year." - I didn’t, for job reasons ... buuut I’m booked in for a cruise in Italy / Greece this September that I’m extremely excited for!

“PLEASE BE KIND 2018, I’M BEGGING YOU 😱” - You were very very kind to me, 2018. 2019, please follow suit! 

(man this is the 7th year of review I’ve done. Can’t believe I’ve been on tumblr this long 😅)

[2017] [2016] [2015] [2014] [2013] [2012]

[livelikebrent]

Stop 5: Syracuse, NY

“She just has such a natural beauty. She’s one of the prettiest girls I know.” Brent adored Amanda and said this about her on multiple occasions. Brent adored Drew too. They were some of his best friends from back home in Wilkes-Barre. I adore them too.

Originally, Stop 5 was supposed to be Acadia National Park in Maine...but I simply did not carve out enough time for the trip (oops!). So, with that trip being postponed until the spring the obvious second choice was Syracuse to visit 8 month pregnant parents to be, Amanda and Drew! The last time Brent and I stopped through to visit Syracuse (rather briefly) was after we had gone camping in the Adirondacks in July of 2015. I remember we parked the Jeep at Forked Lake Campground and hiked maybe about a half mile to our spot which was right next to the lake and was picture perfect (until it rained later that evening). The site came with a picnic table and benches and whoever had the site before us, placed several tree stumps around the “fire pit”. So we set up the tent, hammock and walked around the area a bit.

I started dinner while Brent went to get more firewood from the car. Then hopped in his hammock with a Bells Two Hearted Ale. Brent came back with firewood and flowers he picked along the way for me. After we ate we enjoyed the fire and beers before it started to downpour. We didn’t mind though as we planned on waking up with the sun the next morning to go on quite the hike.

Pictured above is us a smidge tired and sweaty after an upwards hike for 3 hours and 4,626 ft. at the top of Giant Mountain in New York. I like hiking but I like to work towards something. That something could be a killer view, waterfalls or anything to keep me motivated. This was quite the view and I remember that the camera couldn’t truly capture the depths of the mountains and how beautiful the view actually was. I also remember Brent struggling a bit during the hike...at one point (I think we were about a third of the way to the top) I looked at him and told him we didn’t have to complete the hike and could just turn around. I could barely even finish that sentence before he looked at me and said, “I didn’t just beat cancer.” When he said the word “just” he drew out the “uhhh” in an annoyed voice. He said that if he could beat cancer and he could get to the top of the mountain. Did any of you just chuckle while hearing him say this in your head? I did. He was a determined and smarty-pants at times. That’s what I liked about him. Not only did he have motivation but determination.

Brendan and I pulled up to a cute little house with a Blazer in the driveway marked with a “LiveLikeBrent” sticker on the back windshield. Amanda, belly and all, came out from the garage led by Bear, their puppy. Bear is a gorgeous mix of German Sheppard and who knows what else and has the softest coat I’ve ever felt. Drew and Amanda gave us the tour of their home and property. During said tour, Drew said he was sold on the house just by the backyard. Their home sits on a decent sized lot with a backyard that backs up to the woods. There’s a slight up slope towards the back of their property where they have Adirondack chairs in front of a fire pit. I originally thought it was a pizza oven due to the fact Drew isn’t a stranger in the kitchen. Turns out that’s what he eventually wants to do with it. So obviously I’ll be back but only when that’s completed.

After we got settled we hopped in the car and went to Emipre Brewing Co. for a late lunch and some beers. As we pulled up I didn’t realize how massive of a facility Empire was...I suppose the name is fitting. On the other hand, Drew couldn’t get over how packed it was. I mean, it was a Saturday afternoon. In October. In Syracuse. With perfect weather.

“Empire Farm Brewery, est.2016, is the largest Farm Brewery on the East Coast. Over 22 acres were developed for educational and beer production purposes. Boasting a new 60 bbl automated brewhouse, the Empire Farm Brewery is producing kegs and bottles for regional, national and international distribution. Bottled lineup includes 3 time consecutive Great American Beer Fest gold medal winner; Skinny Atlas Light, White Aphro, Slo Mo’ IPA, East Coast Amber Ale, and World Beer Cup gold medal winner; Black Magic Stout.  Located in Cazenovia, NY, the property also grows hops, lavender, vegetables, herbs, and fruits for use in the brewing process and to support the needs of Empire’s downtown brewpub.

The agricultural component was designed in conjunction with Professor Matthew Potteiger and the graduate student body from the Department of Landscape Architecture, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The Empire Farm Brewery was the class project for ESF’s spring 2012 semester.”

Reading that makes the place sound somewhat dreamy, right? It kinda was. The inside was nice, still smelled somewhat new. The place was jammin’ and as we were ordering our beers and a lemonade for the mama to be, a table opened up. What was neat about the place was that they had long communal picnic tables and “round” tables made out of tree trunks which is where we sat. There is a patio out back with tables, a bar and several corn hole sets. I kept looking around not being able to get over the size of the place. We ordered some food and caught up with one another. Drew knew Brent from back in the day in grade school and had been friends ever since. Amanda met Brent through mutual friends later in life in high school. Brent mentioned to me the first time Amanda told him she liked Drew. It was at a concert of sorts (most likely moe. or something along those lines) where she said it and Brent’s reply was something similar to “Yeah, me too.” ... but she corrected him on what she actually meant. They’re a super sweet couple. The first time I met them was New Year’s Eve 2014. They were staying the weekend at Brent’s apartment in East Falls. I remember Drew cooking dinner for all of us at Danny and Dana’s place. He made quite the meal with nice steaks. The following day I remember learning that apparently eating pork on New Year’s Day is a Polish tradition. I think we even had some venison if my memory serves me correctly. At that point in time, I just knew Drew as the friend that could cook and Amanda as “the most naturally beautiful girls” Brent knew...and his best friends of course.

We ate, drank and tossed around baby name ideas. After Empire we decided to do “fall things” (with the rest of the state of New York) since the weather was so beautiful. We drove to a place called Tim’s Pumpkin Patch. Why did we drive close to a half hour and pass maybe half a dozen orchards and pumpkin stands just to go to Tim’s? Well, first of all it has a 4.4 star rating on Google...so there’s that. But in addition to pumpkin picking they have a brewery, bakery, animals and well, Amanda insisted. When we arrived, I bought everyone some farm feed along with beers and ciders before going to visit the animals. After we cooed over the baby goats, pigs and cows we stopped for some fresh apple fritters before heading into the corn maze. The maze was so difficult we ended up coming out where we began and probably didn’t even touch half of the maze. If the sun wasn’t setting we probably would’ve given it another shot. But at that point we wanted to pick our pumpkins, snag a quick photo of the parents to be and hit the road.

When we got back to Drew and Amanda’s home we were greeted by Bear who quite honestly Brendan and I could not get enough of the entire visit. By the way, he is SUCH a good boy.

We hung out for a while. Amanda and Drew then ended up taking us to a place called Seneca Street Brew Pub where I had a Cider Creek Smoked Up Cider. I thought it ruled and was very much alone on this. Give me anything and everything smoked and I’ll consume it...meat, cheese, beer and ciders. This brew pub was in the basement of a renovated church with a bottle shop on top. It truly didn’t feel like a church by any means but was still a cool spot. The bottle shop had dozens and dozens of locally brewed beers, ciders and some wines. I did fail to take a photo of this place. (I actually forgot to take a lot of photos over the weekend!) After we had a drink we walked down the street in downtown Manlius to IronWood Pizza for some dinner. It had a cool vibe inside and an extensive craft beer list. It had an alternative atmosphere with some cool graffiti on the wall in the main dining room and had somewhat industrial touches around the place.

After we ate we went back and the boys built a fire. There was a meteor shower the night before so we hung out in hopes to catch a meteor or two. Drew said he had been listening to some of Brent’s playlists and suggested that we throw one on. So we did. We played some of Brent’s music from Spotify and enjoyed the night. You can view and play Brent’s public playlists on Spotify right here. Note: I’m not sure if they will disappear once his subscription is not renewed. So please download or screenshot the playlists for future reference if you wish!

Sunday morning was a treat. Amanda and Drew have their Sunday ritual which is checking out the Central New York Regional Market. Brendan had already had his eye on visiting this place. The market has been there for YEARS and has Sunday flea markets, Saturday farmers markets and even serves as a live music venue occasionally. The market has several “sheds” which are extremely long structures with garage doors along the sides where vendor after vendor set up for the day. You can find pretty much anything there. Some people bring their junk, some have brand new items with price tag stickers still on them and then people who have some neat odds and ends. I walked out of there with three silver candle stick holders that just need some polish that I bought for a whopping $2. Amanda and Drew found a metal tub type bucket, kitchen tools and some Simpsons books...yes, as in the TV show. According to Drew the place was “empty” and gets packed in the summers. But I actually thought there were a decent amount of vendors there...but I would have no problem making the trip back up in the summertime. I LOVE flea markets, antique shops, thrift stores, indoor markets, outdoor markets, whatever sort of place that has potential for cool finds.

Speaking of cool finds, we “found” some barbecue too. It was just about lunchtime and before Brendan and I even got to Syracuse that weekend, we decided we would go to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. I actually had no idea this place originated in Syracuse but had been to a location in Brooklyn several years back. We made it right before the Sunday afternoon rush and got a table in a booth. Amanda had mentioned a couple of times that they had solid bloody marys. She ordered a virgin and I told the waitress I’d take Amanda’s vodka. It was a really good bloody mary. It was spicy and whatever dry rub of their’s they rim the glass with was spot on. We started with their fried green tomatoes to share and then ribs, pulled pork, corn bread, mac and cheese were ordered...but I don’t even think that was half of what was order for the table.

This photo above it definitely one of my new favorites. I’m full again just looking at this picture. After I ate my sandwich I could hardly touch the rest of my sides. Or even think about them. Everything tasted so flippin’ good but I felt as though I was busting at the seems. I remember telling everyone I needed to lay down to digest and slumped over in the booth. I have no idea how the boys pack it away.

Just like every trip I take, I find at least one worthy spot for a #LiveLikeBrent sticker. I think that most people would agree that Dinosaur was more than worthy. I spoke to the bartender and gave her the revised version as to why I was there and why I wanted this sticker in their establishment. She gave her condolences but was super touched to hear what I was doing to honor Brent. So if you ever find yourself at the bar of Dinosaur Barbeque in Syracuse a sticker for Brent is there just to the right of the tap system on the back ledge of the bar.

We made our way back to the house to try and digest for a bit.The boys relaxed in the basement (which is massive by the way) and watched some of the Sunday football games. Amanda, Bear and I got in the car and went to Green Lakes State Park for a walk. It was a pretty drive and as you enter the park you also pass through what looked like a nice golf course. We parked the car and started to walk. Turns out the lakes are actually green. The two glacial lakes in the park lie at the base of a gorge. I learned that they are rare meromictic lakes meaning their layers within the water never physically mix. We walked a bit over a mile which made me feel better about the amount of food I had recently inhaled. As we walked we talked about losing Brent, when Amanda lost her father and how the boys have been back in Philadelphia. Ps. Philly Friends - This is the part where I tell you she misses you all and Drew wants me to tell everyone Syracuse isn’t that far...so you all need to visit them.

When we got back, the boys were snoozing in front of the television. Then Brendan showed up in the kitchen and made some coffees. Drew and Amanda’s home is decorated with flea market finds, family heirlooms and pieces they have found along the way. It’s got this farm house vibe but nothing that seems like you can just go and pick-up from the home decor section at Target. (P.S. -  There is NOTHING wrong with Target, by the way. I basically live there myself.) But I started asking about an antique cabbage slicer Amanda had hanging above the kitchen sink. I didn’t know what it actually was until she told me but see them all of the time now when out at antique shops. It turns out it belonged to her grandfather back in the day. They also have a couple of letter trays on the walls that hold little knick knacks. I think at their previous apartment they held stones as well. As I was asking about items around the house, Amanda pulled out a stoneware crock which held kitchen tools...and some actual tools. I didn’t realize it until Brendan started asking about the crocks but there are several around their home. Some for decor and others serving a purpose. They were really cool and completely Amanda’s style. Amanda also collects retro kitchen tools with the green handles. She actually just bought the one dead center in the photo on the counter at the market earlier that day. I think we decided it was a pastry/cookie cutter that you roll along dough. It had the shapes of suits in a deck of cards: heart, diamond, club, and spade. It was kinda neat. Amanda pulled out almost every tool and told us about them. She likes the way they look mainly but said when she’s out at the market a lot of people will try to paint the handles green to make them look like antiques and she tried to avoid the replicas.

We finished up our coffee and played with Bear one more time before packing up. Drew woke up from his slumber but claimed he was awake the entire time. We said our goodbyes, packed up the car and made our way back south.This is the part where I remind everyone that even though Amanda and Drew have a little one due literally any day now...they still welcome visitors. This is also the part where I tell you Brent told me Amanda and Drew are having a boy (even though they don’t know the gender of the baby). Maybe Brent was having a “chemo brain” moment when he told me confidently that it’s a boy or maybe he just knew or maybe it’ll just be a coincidence. Or maybe...they’ll just have a little baby girl. Either way, I’m excited to see the little bundle of joy the next time I go to visit them upstate. Thank you so much for having us for the weekend, Drew and Amanda. We love you, Bear and the little one on the way!

[silverhands-etcetera]

Get Back

Looking backwards more than a day can be a bit fuzzy sometimes, even when I’m at home in Seattle. Ever since Saturday night, this band has been on the run, waking up in different countries, condensing our days into bursts of local culture, most of which I haven’t experienced before this trip. So, keeping in mind how unequipped I am to produce an answer most days in Seattle when the barista asks me how my weekend was or what I’ve been up to, hopefully you’ll excuse any swiss cheese in the tale of this past weekend.

I remember it was warm and sunny as we loaded out of Lovenich. I left my trunk in Alwin & Petra’s front room, stuffing all I hoped I would need for the next two weeks into my laptop bag. I stashed my stocking cap in the glove compartment and my spare pair of pants into my guitar case. Good to go. Traveling light.

It’s a short drive to Koln, but I still managed a nap. When we rolled into town I was just coming up to have a look around. Only two wrong turns and we were passing by the front door of the Sonic Ballroom. A street fair had us blocked off from parking at the front door of the joint, which was a bit of a drag, but on the other hand -there’s a street fair.

We wedged the van into a space up the block from the club, and did the only thing we could -off to mingle among the Kolnians and figure out what this street fair business is all about. There’s a long, not square block all around the gig, right at the front door was a DJ spinning dance tunes to a packed street of people standing, walking or milling about, but none dancing. Elbowing through to the next gap in the crowd, we regrouped in band formation, and turned the street corner. The long side of the block had tables & kiosks selling random wares, used clothes & chilly beers. Aimee picked up a bottle of Kolsch, which sounded like a good idea, so I followed suit. About the time we cleared the block, and the beers, it was time to load in.

We had used the backline drumset & bass amp at Kultus, so this was the first time using our own drums, and getting a feel for the rental bass amp. The club is small, but Udo, our sound engineer, was putting mics on everything. The gig was going to be loud. We had a local band (well, from dusseldorf) opening the night, and a DJ ready to keep the volks dancing all night after our set. the greenroom was upstairs, and getting there was only achieved by going behind the bar and climbing a steep, odd staircase that had me tripping every time I went up. The dimensions of the rise & run changed at the first landing. The second set of stairs was slightly less trippy, but equally wrong to feet accustomed to standard american staircases.

Upstairs we had a full kitchen, with two pans full of rice & curry, about a dozen bunks, and two cases of beer. Most of our short-term needs were fully met. A comfortable sense of detachment sets in on nights like this, -no stresses about anything outside of what we’re gonna do on the stage. All we’re doing is what we came here to do.

—

Aimee & I took another stroll through the street fair, while the opening act was getting going. We returned our empty bottles from that afternoon, and staked out the parties we wanted to hit after the gig. When I got back to the club the opener was hitting their stride. -A pop-punk group that called themselves the Artiklees, five-piece, a stratocaster & a rickenbacker, backed up by a white-on-white P-bass. Clean and punchy tones, a heavy-hitting drummer and an animated lead-singer hopping out onto the mostly empty dance floor.

It was a pretty decent bill, stylistically, but as we took the stage I had a sense that we were probably going to take the room to another level. I ain’t bragging. I’m just saying. We tore into the set, hitting all the heavy Del Vox numbers and digging back into Sherri’s older catalog for all the hard hitting tunes we could cram into one set.

Like most times when I’m on stage, it was roughly halfway through the set before I opened my eyes & looked out in front of us. The floor was full. Longhaired leather jacket types, punks, heavy eyeliner, all kinds. We were firing on all eight cylinders, and when we got to the end of our set, the people were just getting started. We dug out a few more nuggets and dipped into the Jealous Dogs catalog for a couple more ladles full of sauce for the people. These are the gigs that pay the emotional bills for a career in this business.

This is what I do. I am more than ok with this.

—

The DJ was spinning some sloppy ‘60s rock & roll and we were still uncertain as to the nature of the street fair. Whether it was a city-wide event, a holiday, or just a chamber of commerce type of thing. Sherri even asked from the stage before we closed out the set, but we could get no straight answer. A young woman with heavy mascara, 2 or more barbed rings in her nose, and cute ginger bangs told us that she also had no idea what the street fair was about, but that we should go explore it with her. Her name was Jo, and she spoke english with a solid British accept, that she claimed she picked up by learning the language by watching untranslated re-runs of the Mighty Boosh. Her German seemed legit as well, but I’m no judge of German dialect or accent, so I still have to wonder if she was actually English, and trying out a new identity. I love these little mysteries. The best part is that I’ll never know.

Jo led Aimee & I down the block. We passed right out of the street fair and hit a main drag, where we took a right turn & headed for a bar that Jo was very intent on, but seemed less than certain about where it was. No less than 3 times she assured us that it was “just 5 minutes” ahead. I think Aimee & I silently concurred that it was a good idea that we see her to a friendly locale, if only to have a bit of a rest & reassure her bearing on the city.

When we finally arrived, we were yelled out of the place, for having casually carried in the beers we had walked there with. I apologized to the bartender, but she would hear none of it, claiming that it’s “universal” to not bring drinks into a bar. I wasn’t gonna argue, but I’ve done such a thing about a million times in Spain and never raised the ire of anybody. So we sat in front of the place & our conversation went back to accents & dialects, as Jo was listening to the three dudes talking behind us and had one of them pegged for an Aussie.

Both of my companions at the time are way more intrepid than I am. Aimee walked over & straight-up asked the dudes where they were from, and it turned out to be two Londoners & one Kiwi -all in town for a beer fest. They work for two different breweries, but they are all pals hanging out at the fest -and generously buying a round for the two americans & the mysterious ginger “German”.

Our party expanded & we talked beer, music, politics, etc. One of the fellas told us he’d be in Seattle at the end of next month, so we invited him to our gig at Tim’s Tavern. They invited us to the beer fest the next day, and we had a great spot of time out there on the patio in front of some random bar on the strip in Koln. I have no idea how long we were there, but soon the bartender stopped serving us beers, Jo said goodnight, & the brewers all retired to their beds at the hostel across the street.

Aimee & I retraced our steps back to the Sonic Ballroom, only realizing when we were about halfway home, that a lot of bars were closing up & we may be SOL in getting to our beds if the club had closed up while we were out. We turned the last corner & the whole street was dead and dark. But as we stepped closer & closer we began to hear the steady thump of motown beats inside the walls of the bar.

The place was still absolutely lit when we busted back in. Two bartenders still working, dance floor packed. I ordered two Jamesons and was still not allowed to pay a dime, even though I am certain we had exceeded our bar tab. We weren’t ready for the night to end & the DJ was hitting all the right places to push me out of my comfort zone. We danced until we were the last ones left on the floor. It was nearly 5 AM. The music serenaded us through the floor as we went upstairs for one last beer and the bunks.

So many details that can’t fit on a page, but I can’t imagine I’ll soon forget. This was only my second time in Koln, and only for about 12 hours, which we milked for all they were worth. All of the coolest things I’ve been a part of have been things I’ve walked into on my own two feet. I’m blessed with good companions.

[anamorales]

Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What’s going on this weekend? I’m definitely looking forward to some time with the fam and getting the info together for the new fitness plans. I’ll have all the details posted on Monday and will send it to newsletter subscribers as soon as it’s ready. 

Other than that, I’m excited to get some small projects done around the house, get in some workouts, and hopefully catch a nap. Party animal over here. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

(We cut out P’s nap because she was falling asleep WAY too late at night. But now she just falls asleep mid-afternoon on the couch instead of an official nap…so there ya go.)

(Breakfast! Plain coconut milk yogurt with oats, blueberries, cinnamon and chia seeds + 1 egg and 2 egg whites with leftover artichoke dip)

(Aloo gobi from Sunbasket. It was soooo good…and it made a ton of servings. I ended up freezing half for a rainy day.)

(Our deer friends are back!! We haven’t seen much of them since the hurricane, which had me a little worried. I was so happy to see their furry faces again!)

Friday Faves

It’s time for the usual Friday Faves party. This is where I share of my favorite finds from the week, and get the opportunity to hear about some of the things you’re loving. Please share something that’s making you smile in the comments section if you’d like to join in the fun. 

Fashion + Beauty:

Shopbop sale is going on now! This is when I usually order a couple of things I’d had my eye on for spring/summer. Since the price points on Shopbop can be higher, I’ll often wait until they have a sale.

Here are my top picks:

This daisy jumpsuit

This floral cold-shoulder dress

This tie-waist casual dress

This one piece with pom poms

This Maaji suit

This sleeveless shirtdress

This yoga crop top

This vintage style dress

APL sneaks!

Read, listen, + watch:

An interesting article about spirulina.

The Chill Hits station on Spotify. I like to listen to music while I’m working, but can’t deal with a lot of lyrics or my brain gets confused haha. At the same time, if it’s too Zen, it makes me tired. The Chill Hits station does have lyrics, but isn’t too distracting. It’s also perfect “around the house” background music. 

A beautiful story and reminder that small gestures can go a long way. 

Good eats:

THIS POPCORN. I found it at Target and opened it during an afternoon movie last weekend. We demolished the entire bag. It’s lightly sweet with a hint of salt, and the mildest coconut oil flavor. 

Easy no-cook breakfast ideas.

Creative cauliflower recipes. This sticky sesame cauliflower looks ridiculous.

Thrive Market has meat now! I mentioned on the blog that I’m trying to focus more on plant-based proteins and seafood, with occasional chicken here and there. I was so excited to see that they’re offering sustainable seafood options in addition to other meats. It’s definitely worth checking out and you get a lot of servings for the price. Finding organic at Publix can be hit or miss, so I’m pretty stoked about this. (If you haven’t tried Thrive Market yet, my link gets you 25% off your first order! All of my favorite products are in this post.)

Fitness:

Tips for working out in the morning. 

Check out this circuit workout using a stability ball. 

Momentum Fest is coming!! If you’re a fitness fanatic (especially if you love Pilates, yoga, and barre), definitely check out this all-new fitness festival, founded by my good friend Jess. She’s a rockstar instructor and Physical Therapist, and has assembled an incredible team of presenters for the event. Momentum Fest is a three-day Pilates and movement festival: three days of Pilates, yoga, barre and fusion classes, vendors, reformer classes, music, a reception, and a party Saturday night. I’m so sad I won’t be able to make it this year (IDEA is the following week and finding childcare for two weekends would be too challenging), but if you can go, it’s going to be an incredible event!!! Use the code mfgina10 to get $10 off any pass: 1, 2, or 3 day.

Happy Friday! Hope you have a beautiful weekend. 

xo

Gina

The post Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Friday Faves published first on https://immigrationways.tumblr.com/

[kristiko-the-oni-one]

In Which I Defende Criticism: Why Are Critics the Big Bad? When I decided that I wanted to make critical reviews of pop-culture mediums, I had been under the influence of #channelawesome , #screwattack , and #ign , and I realized there had been a common theme in most of the reviewers I watched or read. There always existed an episode or column that defended the role of criticism in this world because audiences do not typically enjoy being told how their favorite band, movie, actor, writer, or artist in general might not be the best. With that being said, my intent in this article is to lend my own words to the fight for validating opinionated reviews. First, I'd like to approach the necessity for reviews. Word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to advertise a product. This method becomes extremely relevant due to the prevalence of social media outlets where all of the information present can be shared to the literal masses. Initially, a consumer will find an ad in his or her feed for the latest, greatest, insert-whatever-here and will either gain interest or move on to another ad. Next, that person might look at further information from the source provider to catch a bit more information to begin forming an opinion. This previously mentioned option will likely give pre-release, new-release, and repeatedly viewed reviews alongside the new advertisement. These critics' opinions will further educate and possibly sway the interested party toward or away from the target. For example, I personally loved Ghost in the Shell when I originally watched the anime, and all of the algorithms that the internet could throw at me started pinging me with advertisements for the live-action movie. I started to dig into more trailers and IMDB information and thought to go see it opening night. Unfortunately, I missed opening weekend due to work and ended up catching reviews for it, instead. These reviews gave me the information that: 1. If I went to watch the movie and write a review, I'd already be behind the curve despite the juiciness of the social commentary that could be written. 2. I was informed that, as a fan, I could probably wait for the home release and save a movie ticket price. 3. I should not expect much. All together, these reviews are driving revenue for continued production of the services of which we as people are fans. Now, a viewer might be reading this and say, "I'm not weak minded enough to let the secret lizard folk tell me who, what, when, where, how, and why to enjoy something." To which I respond, so? The critical observations of popular mediums out there might not be for you. You are not the target audience which all critics must have in mind when making a review. However, there exists a community where people enjoy a review that is intellectual, comedic, or both. These subscribers enjoy seeing how a new or old product stands against a classic set of determining factors verified as "the best" by those in the industry seeking to achieve those standards. Goals like this allow for a wider variety of high standards due to a complete breakdown of different genres. "Casa Blanca" will never be reviewed against "Poultergeist" or even "Poultrygeist" as they all belong to different genres, each being considered in high esteem of the given genre. For the same reasons, I could never hope to review a hot new metal album against the high marks of Michael Jackson's productions. The genres call for different rules of measurement even within the same medium. Painfully, what we love the most is typically not the best, and this is where the perceived attack comes from. I love to listen to Pantera. The band brought me into metal and even wanting to explore more music scenes. The nostalgia of sitting in my bedroom with my first CD player and hearing the scream off the beginning of "The Great Southern Trendkill" album break into my soul is an experience that will always be with me. From a realistic standpoint, Pantera is not the greatest metal act ever. From Phil to Vinnie, the musicians are only moderately technically proficient and some of the songs, while maybe not intentional, could be understood to have racist undertones only made more defined by Phil's most recent antics. The overall composition is well done, and the production quality was great for its time. Yet, other bands still achieved better results while receiving either more or less fame. So, in essence, I have separated what I love or can love from my critical response of it. Luckily, everyone will also probably have a favorite that is considered in the top of a genre as well. One may call the situation however he or she finds fit. Guilty pleasure, secret admiration, and actual favorite are all acceptable ways of reacting to a chosen product. Some things to remember, however, are that shame should not exist, for the most part, in what a person enjoys. If a person likes Nickelback, so what? The band is as average as average can be, and that fact should be admitted. But, there is absolutely no reason the band cannot exist as a favorite. I enjoy a movie called "Terror Toons", and it may be the biggest crap-fest ever made (although there is actually a movie called "Monsturd"). To paraphrase Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism," while not all creations can achieve greatness, neither can all those who choose to review. Meaning, while not all movies will be Kubrick masterpieces, not all reviews will be on the level of mine. :D Of course, this is not all there is to say on the subject, and I might come back at a later date to clarify or change some of my opinions.

[hiphopandhookah]

|| Going Down in Duval ||

Happy Tuesday, Hip Hop & Hookah, Fam!

Here’s this week’s list of events going on in the city that promote art, community, and #TheCulture in Jax.

Wednesday // 8.28

Free Meal Planning 101 hosted by Jacksonville Health and Wellness Center - Join Jacksonville Health and Wellness Center for a FREE meal planning prep class as we walk you through some practical ways to prepare nutrient dense, whole foods, plant-based meals. This class will include samples, recipes, and tips to set you up for success as you pursue your health goals.

Thursday // 8.29

New Moon Yin with Reiki hosted by Steffanie ॐ and Now & Zen Yoga & Pilates Studio - The new moon is the perfect time to turn inward with yin yoga. This 75 minute offering will guide you through a gentle & meditative yin practice, accompanied by reiki energy healing and live ambient guitar. It’s absolutely vital that we make the time for self care, as healing ourselves is the most significant thing we can do to help heal the world. This class is donation based, but pre-registration is required as space is limited! Paten Locke: A Celebration of Life hosted by FULL PLATE and CoRK Arts District - Join us in celebrating the life & legacy of Paten Locke. Donations for his family will be taken at the door. There will be food + refreshments, DJ sets, live performances, special Paten Locke tees, merch and more. Records on the Roof hosted by Hoptinger - Five Points - "Records on the Roof" is held every Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. on the Hoptinger rooftop! This event is BYOV (Bring your own vinyl), bring your own record with you to spin or trade! Records are available for purchase as well. Moth Presents: Makerspace Movies hosted by Jax Makerspace - Movies On The House (MOTH) screens films that help contribute to the important cultural discussions around the art, artists, and ideas of our time. This Summer, MOCA Jacksonville teams up with the Jacksonville Public Library to offer MOTH presents: Makerspace Movies. This series features films that support the Main Library art exhibition, Reclaimed: Life Beyond the Landfill, and include themes of refusing, reducing, reusing, and recycling. NightCrawler Live at Justice Pub hosted by NightCrawler - NightCrawler return to the Justice Pub stage bringing their signature intergalactic Astrobeat funk alongside DJ Papidisco, spinning the hardest classic afrobeat. No Cover!

Friday // 8.30

The Volstead Block Party! hosted by The Volstead - Do we really need a reason to host a block party? Come and hang with a couple hundred of your closest friends as we shut down the street and throw the hottest party of the year! We will have live music, dancing in the streets, giant games, delicious food from some of your favorite Downtown restaurants and so much more. GeeXella Live Dj Set at Volstead Block Party hosted by GeeXella - BLOCK PARTY IN DOWNTOWN JAX! That's it. That's the event. Summer Friday: Latin American Celebre’ hosted by The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens - Kick-start your weekend in a new way by enjoying FREE admission to the Museum’s permanent collection and gardens — now with extended hours from 4 to 9 p.m.! NETFLIC Owning My Immigration Story hosted by Florida Immigrant Coalition and Women Writing for a Change, Jacksonville - Own your immigration story! We all have one, whether we were born in this country or not. Sharing our stories and the stories of our ancestors helps us connect with one another in today’s world, to find our common ground and appreciate our differences. Potluck night: Bring ethnic dish to share. Cofresi and Artifakts - "Blossom Tour" at 1904 Music Hall - 1904 Booking Presents: COFRESI / Artifakts / Matthew Connor (Patio) / Drewlface / DJsquared on Friday, August 30th at 1904. 8p Doors // 18 + Welcome $15 ADV - $18 DOS

Saturday // 8.31

Beats, Brunch & Bubbly hosted by Mas Appeal - Kick your weekend off right, with Bunch, Music and All You Can Drink Mimosas! Opening of Home: The Stories of Arab Immigrant & Refugee Women hosted by Yellow House - Join us for opening night of this special exhibition and experience, where art, food, and conversation come together to empower, educate, inspire and build empathy. The event is free. Light refreshments will be served. It is also the 2nd Anniversary of the launch of Yellow House. Celebrate with us by diving deep into our work. The Neo Sound Soiree at Myth Terrace | Saturday 08.31.19 hosted by Myth Nightclub, Element Bistro & Craft Bar - DJ Shotgun (AKA Introkut) Presents on The Myth Teraace | Saturday 08.31.19 THE NEO SOUND SOIREE (Soul Driven House With a Mosh Posh of Funk & Groove) Featuring: DJ INTROKUT | DJ ERA | PAPI DISCO Music, Dancers, Arts, Decor and Culture Brought to you by Myth Nightclub RnB & Hookah hosted by Black Calla Music, RnB Mostly and Nighthawks - RnB & Hookah returns with more hookah & new artists! August 31st come out and experience it LIVE at Nighthawks. Featuring live performances with Kris Vega, Sabrina Sol,Biz Levin, Ebonique, & Avehre backed by On 1 Band! Not to mention DJ Kiki Bangdhat with us inside while DJ 2 Live keeps the party going on the back patio. Women's Walk hosted by Sexy&Fit - Sexy & Fit is hosting a 3 mile Women's Walk August 31,2019 @9 a.m. We are encouraging all women to come out and join us as we strive to GET SEXY & GET FIT! Women of all ages are welcome to come. The 2019 Dog Film Fest hosted by Sun-Ray Cinema and Friends of Jacksonville Animals, Inc. - The NY Dog Film Festival™ is an annual celebration of the love between dogs and their people, through short films from around the world that inspire, educate and entertain, benefiting the Friends of Jacksonville Animals

Sunday // 9.1

The 2019 NY Cat Film Fest hosted by Sun-Ray Cinema and Friends of Jacksonville Animals, Inc. - The NY Cat Film Festival™ is an annual celebration of the cats who share our lives, through short films from around the world that inspire, educate and entertain, benefiting The Friends of Jacksonville Animals Local Publisher Offers Writing Workshops hosted by Deadsteins - SAVE 50% off for a Limited Time on this 5 week Children's Book Writing and Publishing Workshop beginning this September!!! Deadsteins and Little Chick Lit Books are happy to announce that they are working together with Children’s Author B.C. Hatch, to help bring to the Jacksonville community a series of writing workshops focused on Children's Books. Sound Wave Music Fest-Street Party hosted by Summer Dance Street Party - Hudson Enterprises Presents: Soundwave Music Festival- Summer Dance Street Party - part of the All-White Weekend takeover. We are blocking off Forsyth street from Market to Liberty and hosting a FREE Labor Day Weekend Block Party Downtown Jacksonville. Come Together Day Festival for Peace hosted by Northside Coalition of Jacksonville Inc. - LABOR DAY WEEKEND - Come Together Day Festival for Peace! Live Music - Food Trucks - Bounce House - Face Painting- Mac & Cheese Contest - Raffles & More * Free to the public // Bring out your lawn chairs. The purpose of this event is to engage citizens in the effort to Stop the Violence in our city! Labor Day Luau at Salt, The Wreck and Myth | Sunday 09.01.19 hosted by Myth Nightclub, Element Bistro & Craft Bar - Kinesis Productions Presents: LABOR DAY LUAU 2019 || 3 VENUES | 13 HOURS | OVER A DOZEN DJ'S AND PRODUCERS #RUMROAD OPENBAR DAYPARTY hosted by Afrosoca Central1 - Your favorite RumPunch Party has gone Drinks inclusive! HENNY, CIROC, WRAY, JOHNNY WALKER. Everything!!! And of course RUMPUNCH. Bring your flags and rep your country. This will be the largest RumNjerk YET! Labor Day Eve Pub Crawl hosted by King Street District - Most of you have Labor Day off, so we're throwing a big all-day/night pub crawl on Sunday, Labor Day Eve in the King Street District! This bar crawl has two versions, both of which we promise will be extra fun. You can follow the pub crawl and hit each location during the specific time windows for your chance to win some big prizes OR you can do the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Bar Crawl.

Monday // 9.2

HAPPY LABOR DAY!! GO TO THE BEACH OR SOMETHING!!

SAVE THE DATE!!

Brought to you by the Jax Bashment Crew and title sponsor Compassionate Alternative Care, the next installment of The Bashment RETURNS on Saturday, September 14th! Join Mas Appeal, DJ Monsta, and EnerJi at Shantytown Pub from 9PM until 2AM for Jacksonville’s Underground Reggae, Latin, & Island Dance Party!

Mas Appeal & DJ Monsta will be spinning the best Afro Beat, Salsa, Reggae, Reggaeton, Dancehall and more all night long. Food will be available for purchase from Tay’s Homestyle Cooking, shop with local vendors, and drink $2 Naturday’s all night!

Click the link for more details!

This listing publishes on Tuesday of each week! Make sure you come back and visit to stay updated or join our mailing list to get information delivered straight to your inbox! (You can sign up at the bottom of any page on HipHopAndHookah.com!) Have an event you’d like to share or have featured? Hit up iAm EnerJi at iAmEnerJi@gmail.com with the subject heading HIP HOP & HOOKAH EVENT SUBMISSION to be considered! Events MUST be submitted by the Friday PRIOR to the week of the event to be considered.

[argocitycosplay]

This was one of those weekends where there was too much going on to choose. Over in Eastlake, my buddy Ed was heading out to Weplcon, while I noticed Mark and Brandi hitting Grossfest in Pittsburg. Maddie had already bailed on Geekfest in Akron (which I was planning on skipping anyhow – great show, but it’s always EXACTLY the same thing every year) and I figured I would just take the weekend off.

Then a notification popped up in my feed from Craig, a friend from Panels : The Comic Club. Pekar Park Comic fest was also happening this weekend up in Cleveland Heights. I haven’t been out to Coventry since Big Fun moved out. The heights district just seemed to lose some of it’s soul when the shop shot down. Still, this is an event that’s been around for a long time, a celebration of indie comic artist Harvy Pekar and as such, very focused on that style of comic book. When I say “Indie” by the way, I don’t mean Image and Dark horse. I mean R Crumb, American Splender, underground comix and the ‘Zine scene. I noticed that Urban Otaku was also involved, taking a good 1/3 – 1/2 of the activities, infusing the event with a significant anime influence. It’s a show that I’ve always meant to get out to, but keep forgetting about. That and the screening of My Friend Dahmer, complete with a Q and A afterwards was enough to get me moving.

While screenings and panels are held in the library, normally the vendors and most of  the events set up outside, but this weekend Cleveland was in the middle of a record heat wave and the decision had been made to move as much as possible indoors. Vendors were split between the Library and the Grog Shop across the street. A tent popped up to give shade to the chalk art section and the cosplay fashion show had been moved to the Grog shop.

I settled into the screening room at the Library around noon for the anime shorts. Some confusion with the laptop led to us watching One Small Step three times. Still, Control Bear and Out of Sight were charming. On Your Mark  and Poulette’s Chair were beautifully done and Cat’s Run was lighthearted and fun – almost loony toons meets Anime.

I ran out into the artist alley while Urban Otaku set up for their panel, grabbing stickers for the girls, a flyer here, a zine there, and a couple of indie graphic novels I’ve never heard of before. I was back in time for Pocky at the Anime panel where we discussed the history, themes and diverse art styles in Anime. Just over a dozen people filled out the back room and we each went around sharing names and our favorite anime. The moderators kept conversation flowing, tossing candy and pocky to anyone who answered questions and participated in the discussion.

Afterwards, I decided to head over to the Grog shop and check out what was going on over there. An entire second set of artists and vendors were set up inside the club, but I never made it across the street. Between the Library and the shop, I ran into the chalk art contest.  As I was looking around I noticed a few empty squares. A quick watch check showed me I had well over an hour before the next panel that I was interested in, so I grabbed a square near some pastels and pulled up a reference picture of Stitch on my phone before rendering him on the sidewalk.

Before I knew it, an hour had passed and I realized I needed to  move my car from one of the three hour parking spots to a different one. My phone was dead so I sat and charged it for about ten minuets (enough to be able to take more pictures)  while I read one of my new comics.

Recharged and ready to go, I popped into Mac’s Back bookstore for a moment (Used book shops are becoming an increaing rarity in northeast Ohio and I hate to miss an opportunity to browse one) then moved on to the Grog Shop for the other vendors. Scott (Formerly of Comics are Go, and writer of the book by the same name) caught me near the entrance and we talked about NEO comic con coming up in two weeks. The summer is flying by. A little further down, one of the Urban Otaku guys was there and pointed out my Excel Saga shirt.

“Much respect for the old school anime,” he told me. We chatted a while about the different eras in the genre and reminisced about the late and lamented Retropolis – an anime store hidden near the border of Lakewood. It was a closet. A hole in the wall that you could only find if you actually knew about it. This sort of lace could only exist back in the days when the only way to get certain anime was to pirate it – THEN transfer it to VHS. Funny, most of my Anime collection is STILL on VHS.

I realized I had missed the last two panels but made it back to the Library in time for the film screening. My Friend Dahmer is a graphic novel as infamous in Cleveland as it’s subject matter. Told from the perspective of a high school friend, it chronicles serial killer Jeffery Dahmer’s adolescence and was only recently made into a film. As the end credits rolled, the author of the book wandered in.

“Hi, I’m Derf,” he said in a friendly, casual tone. Derf took up a spot in the corner and proceeded to field questions about the graphic novel and how the movie may have altered certain parts to fit the narrative. The director had done a great deal of research to expand the story beyond Derf’s work, detailing events that hadn’t been a part of his experience. I sat, fascinated.

Afterwards, as the library was kicking us out so they could close, derf signed an autograph for one person and took a photo with a young lady who had mentioned they were studying his work in her college class.

“Do you get extra credit for getting a photo with me?”

“I better!”

You know, I had come out to the comic fest on a whim, mostly out of curiosity. I wasn’t sure I’d stay that long, but they managed to keep me engaged and entertained all day. It was well past seven before I made the walk down the block to my car. I had a good time here. A REALLY good time, and I wish I’d made it out sooner.

    Pekar Park Comic Fest This was one of those weekends where there was too much going on to choose. Over in Eastlake, my buddy Ed was heading out to…

[headspacepress]

http://headspacepress.com/montreals-folk-fest-celebrates-10-year-anniversary/

Montreal's Folk Fest celebrates its 10-year anniversary

Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore my neighbourhood. Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough (the South West as it’s commonly referred to by Anglophones) is such a big part of who I am and what I do on a daily basis. I’ve paddled in the Lachine Canal for close to 17 years now, worked in the area for over a decade, and have resided here for close to six. This area fits me like a glove.

A big part of my love for this neighborhood (aside from the fact that I can’t walk out the door with0ut bumping into at least 3-4 people I know and like) has to do with the activities and the happenings that take place in this part of Montreal.

There’s something special about the vibe in the South West. Something current and underground, yet very laid back and welcoming. No one’s really trying to impress anyone in this hood. Sure, just like in all rapidly changing neighborhoods, valid issues of gentrification occasionally rear their ugly head, and you do get business entrepreneurs with no real feel for the area looking to swoop in and cash in on its current trendiness, but for the most part that “vibe” some are looking to capture and exploit —  like lightning in a bottle — can’t be forcibly contained and utilized for someone’s commercial purposes. Those who get it wrong (and many do), die a quick death.

That “vibe” has been built up over decades and carefully nurtured by artists and people who wanted to bring something special to the hood and share a little of their own passion with the rest of us. Those small affairs full of heart sometimes turn into big things.

Montreal Folk Fest

One of those small affairs turned big is the Montreal Folk Festival sur le canal, celebrating its 10-year-anniversary this year. Looking back, it’s almost impossible for me to believe that it all started at the St. Ambroise Terrace at McAuslan’s Brewery an entire decade ago with very humble expectations, a small but enthusiastic folk-loving crowd, and an even smaller reach. I remember it well because I was in the audience and have been ever since.

And when I say “St. Ambroise Terrace” I’m not referring to today’s spanking brand new and vastly expanded terrace that employs dozens of people and works like a well-oiled machine welcoming hundreds and hundreds of beer-guzzlers on any given day to take in the sun and the south west love in the shadow of my beloved and rapidly crumbling Canada Malting plant silos.

I’m talking a tiny little part of all that (mainly the stage area to the far left and the bar area) played host to the very first Montreal Folk Festival sur le canal, organized (still to this day) by Matt Large and Carl Comeau, for whom it’s still a real (and often, very stressful) labour of love.

Attendance was tiny and the buzz was minimal, but the bluegrass and folk bands were extraordinary, the audience was enthusiastic, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, full of kids and animals and smiling faces — exactly what you want a folk fest to be.

An impressive 10-year anniversary lineup

Celebrating a decade is no small feat for the little folk festival that could. It’s only understandable that the good people behind it want to commemorate it with something special, and that’s exactly what they’ll be doing.

From June 14 to 18, the annual family-friendly festival announces five days of world-class music with singer/songwriter, world music, Quebec traditional, Indigenous music, bluegrass, and indie-folk options in both French and English.

It all kicks off on Wednesday, June 14, with a free opening party at my favourite bar in the world Bar de Courcelle featuring The Off-Whites.

On Thursday evening, concerts at the beautiful Maison de la culture Marie-Uguay and the gorgeous Paradoxe Theatre will simultaneously pay homage to Montreal’s queen of folk, Penny Lang, and country music legend Willie Nelson. Organized in partnership with FamGroup, the Penny Lang tribute will see musicians from across the country coalesce in Montreal to show their love and respect for the late singer/songwriter. Across the street at the Paradoxe Theatre, some of Montreal’s finest folk and country musicians will perform classic Willie Nelson hits and deeper cuts.

Free outdoor venue

Donovan Woods, Sarah Harmer, John Jacob Magistery, Les Tireux d’Roches, Ian Kelly, Birds of Chicago, and Beyries are just a few of the world-class musical acts playing at the free outdoor venue at Centennial Esplanade (corner of St-Patrick and Pitt). From Friday afternoon to Sunday night, the outdoor venue along the Lachine Canal will host music and dance, local food and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

The Lhasa de Sela tent will host close to 20 young local musicians, plus a feature concert showcasing cherished youth performer Henri Godon. This year’s Quartier du Canal stage will feature a dozen homegrown acts.

An array of auction items will be up for grabs to raise funds for the Lhasa de Sela Youth Bursary for Excellence in Music. The bursary is an annual financial award intended to support young Sud-Ouest musicians who wish to further their study or practice of music.

New to the Folk Fest this year, veteran Montreal folkie and current Yellow Door Coffeehouse director, Marc Nerenberg and Les Troubadours du Yellow Door will host a singalong under the Lhasa Tent.

On Friday, June 17, an old-time community square dance will be held under the Lhasa Tent we will hold a square dance with renowned caller Peg Evans and an all-star old-time band featuring members of the All Day Breakfast Stringband.

On Saturday, June 18, the celebrated Veillée du canal will be hosted by traditional Quebecois dance caller Michel Payer and a stellar dance band led by fiddler Marie-Pierre Lecault from Bon Débarras and Zogma.

Every night, festivalgoers can head to Bar de Courcelle, the official after-hours venue!

If you’ve never been to the Folk Fest, you’re missing out. It’s one of the most chill summer events a city already known for its chill summer events has to offer. Bring your blankets, your friends, your kids, your pets, and your good vibes and just prepare to spend the day outside, hanging by the beautiful Lachine Canal on a gorgeous summer day, taking in the relaxing sounds of banjos, bluegrass, acoustic harmonies, and harmonicas, as you watch the sun set and become convinced the world can be a little softer.

As always, food trucks and beer tents will be out and available to supply everything you need to make your day (or weekend) there a wonderful experience, as well as a family area for the kiddies.

A closing party for Folk Fest volunteers (volunteer if you’ve got the time, it’s a great way to help out a festival that’s big on enthusiasm but always low on funds) will be held at Bar de Courcelle. Montreal musician and long-time favourite of mine, Shane Murphy, will be ending the festivities on a loud note.

See you there!

Where and when

When: Wednesday, June 14 to Sunday, June 18.

For the entire schedule and to purchase tickets for the indoor events you can check out their website.

[cover2covermom]

Happy Sunday bookworms!

Did everyone have a good weekend?  Mine was low key, as my kids are now on spring break.  I think I look forward to school breaks just as much as my kids because it means I am not chauffeuring my two humans around all day to and from school and extracurricular activities.

Anyways!  My wrap-up this week is a pretty long one, but filled with lots of good stuff (at least I think so).  I talk about some upcoming projects on Cover2CoverMom and pose a few questions to my fellow book bloggers.  So pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee/tea/wine (I won’t judge if you go with the wine) and let’s see what I had going on this past week, shall we?

*Weekly Wrap-Up is a weekly post where I feature what posts were published on the blog for the past week, any bookish/blog happenings, what I recently finished reading, what I am currently reading, what I will be reading next, noteworthy posts around the bookish blogosphere, and any interesting bookish articles I came across.

This week on the blog:

Tuesday 3/28

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I’ve Met & A Few I’d Like to Meet

Wednesday 3/29

Kids’ Corner: Diverse Children’s Picture Books in Review (March 2017)

Friday 3/30

March 2017 Wrap-Up + Book Haul

Bookish/Blog happenings:

» I have been working on a little project and I need some help from you all !  What I need from you all is book blogger recs for bloggers who read & review predominantly within a certain genre. 

For example, bloggers who read & review mostly…

• Young Adult • Middle Grade/Children’s Books • Diverse Books • Graphic Novels • Historical Fiction • Fantasy/Science Fiction • Contemporary • Thriller/Suspense • Romance • Horror

You get the idea.  Keep in mind I said bloggers who read & review predominantly within these categories/genres.  They do not need to review 100% within these categories/genres, but a good majority.  So a blogger like myself would not fit into any of these categories because I read & review all types of books.

*Does this make any sense?  Or have I lost everyone?

If you know of a book blogger who fits into any of these (or a different category/genre not listed) please leave them in the comments down below!  Thanks in advance.

*I would also like to mention they won’t have to do anything, this is going to be more like a feature project :)

» I have been wanting to redesign my blog and graphics for a while now, but it is a hot mess.  Basically I have no idea what I am doing.  What I am struggling with the most is the graphics department.  How did you all do your headers/logos and graphics?  Is there some free graphics site that I do not know about?!  Do you draw/design them yourselves?!  Did you pay someone to do it?  I wish I had the money to pay someone to do all this for me, but I can’t justify spending money on my blog when we are a one income family while I am at home with the kids.  Any advice, suggestions, or direction in this would be much appreciated.

» I realized this weekend that I really need to step up my bookstagram game.  I posted a picture that got over 140 likes, which hadn’t happened to me before.  I know this is probably not a big deal to those of you who are used to getting hundreds (or thousands) of likes every time you post a picture, but I had never gotten over 70 likes before on a picture before.  So what I want to know is, how do you juggle being active on bookstagram if you also have a book blog?

» This week I will be marathon reading to get ready for the Ohioana Book Festival that is taking place in Columbus Ohio on Saturday, April 8th.  I may be a little MIA this week around the blogosphere, but fear not, I’ll be back.

What have I been reading?

*Book titles link to Goodreads

Recently finished reading:

» The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell

Summary of feelings: No one is more shocked then me that I actually really enjoyed this book.  If you have followed me for a while, you know that thriller novels are not my go-to books, but I kept throwing them into the mix.  Girls in the Garden is one of those books where you learn about “the incident” first, then go back in time leading up to the incident.  I thought the author did a great job of holding my attention the entire time.  I really liked how Jewell introduced all kinds of characters/scenarios to thrown the reader off the trail.  The conclusion wasn’t exactly a huge shocker, BUT it was definitely more involved and complicated then I was anticipating.  Typically I don’t like when the author leaves things unresolved, but Jewell does leave a few things up in the air.  I think it worked here.

*Full review to come

» The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker

Summary of feelings:  I am going to venture to say that The Animators is going to be the biggest surprise of 2017 for me.  This book is so much more than I was anticipating.  I was anticipating a light hearted contemporary novel with friendship being a central theme.  While friendship is a major theme, The Animators is NOT a light hearted read.  It is very gritty and raw… definitely more of a darker novel.

I also thought this book was young adult, and it turns out that this book is very much an adult book.  I think it was because the cover gave off a YA vibe to me?  Anyways, The Animators has a lot of adult content that is not suitable for a young audience.

*Part of my SOKY Book Fest TBR

» Loving Vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case by Patricia Hruby Powell (Illustrated by Shadra Strickland)

Summary of feelings:   Loving Vs. Virginia is the Supreme Court case that legalized marriage between races.  In this book, we learn about Richard & Mildred Loving, the couple behind this infamous case.  Told in verse, Loving Vs. Virginia is very much the love story of Richard Loving, a white man, and Mildred, a biracial woman.   I was anticipating a little more historical content, but overall, this was a very well done YA book.  I must admit, I have never really read a book about interracial marriage before.  The challenges that the Lovings faced was heartbreaking to read about.

I listened to the audiobook version, but I am waiting for a copy from my library to see the illustrations.

*I am definitely interested in reading a book that goes a little deeper into the history of interracial marriage, as well as challenges that interracial couples face in today’s society.  If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.

Currently reading:

» Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb

*Part of my Ohioana Book Fest TBR

» The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett

*SOKY Book Fest TBR

On deck:

» The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

*Part of my Ohioana Book Fest TBR

» Fates and Traitors: A Novel of John Wilkes Booth by Jennifer Chiaverini

*Part of my Ohioana Book Fest TBR

Around the bookish blogosphere:

» Cait @PaperFury talks about how to come up with discussion posts for your book blog → How To Think Up Discussion Post Ideas For Your Book Blog

» Ashleigh @A Frolic Through Fiction shares her favorite underrated characters →Favourite underrated characters | Some characters just aren’t appreciated enough

» Marie @Drizzle & Hurricane Books talks about the trend of series and novellas →The series and novellas trend

» Fadwa @WordWonders asks if relating to characters is a must to enjoy a book →Relating to Characters: Is it necessary to Enjoy a Book?

» Kirsty @Kirsty and the Cat Read discusses audiobooks →Discussion: What Makes A Good Audio-Book

» Drew @The Tattooed Book Geek talks about some of the downsides to book blogging →Jaded by Blogging

» Stephanie @TeacherofYA hosts her first giveaway →TeacherofYA’s Very First GIVEAWAY! (::cheers::)

*U.S Only*

» Megan @bookslayer Reads talks about book review layout →Reading & Writing Reviews // Does the layout of a review determine whether or not you’ll read it?

» Amy @NovelGossip is hosting a giveaway →Giveaway: The Breakdown by B. A. Paris #giveaway

Interesting bookish articles:

» Quiz: Which Character Are You Based On Your Astrological Sign?

*I’m an Aries, and got Elizabeth Bennett from P&P.  Very fitting.

» 20 Best Books To Pick Up This April

» The World’s Highest Paid Authors

*I was actually shocked at #2… especially being paid more than J.K. Rowling?!?  Was also surprised who was at the bottom of this list… Happy to see so many female authors (6 out of 14)

» Twice the fun: 9 Books featuring twins

*One of my favorite books, East of Eden, is on this list :)

» Series About the Brontë Sisters Coming Soon

*Um, yes please!

» The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds

*I’ve only read 5 of these books?!?! I just added 45 books to the ole TBR

» 5 Children’s Stories That Really Freaked Us Out

*I read Coraline this past October… It definitely gave me an unsettled feeling.

» Quiz: Who’s Your Author BFF

*J.K. Rowling and I would make the bestest of friends :)

» 9 Imaginative Fairy-Tale Retellings

» 12 Images All Bookworms Can Relate To

*Yup

Whoa.  That was ridiculously long.  If you have reached this point, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back.

What are you currently reading?

What will you read next?

Have a wonderful week, and happy reading

See what I #AmReading & what's on the #TBR for this week in my #WrapUp. #BookBlogger #Bookworm Happy Sunday bookworms! Did everyone have a good weekend?  Mine was low key, as my kids are now on spring break. 

[davezini-blog]

Pt.10pt.2-what remains shall then be considered an asset

This is where things start to get personal… a glimpse into the dark hole that davezini digs himself into under the guise of glory, courage and virtue. Nobody who I had been close to in my previous 24 years of existence had a very clear idea of where I was going and under what circumstances. Not even me.

So it goes…

The episode we're transitioning into now caused me to conceive a new framework of fatalism and stoicism I'll carry around with me for the rest of my days. Keep reading; I implore thee.

________________________________

Walnut Creek, CA. July 22, 2016

Jimmy, Truman, Kent, and I suit up for a hippie fest somewhere in Mendocino.

We laid out all our shit in the driveway, in lieu of trying to fit our extraneous mass of supplies and rations between Kent's VW Touareg and Truman's pickup truck.

The ole 12 sheets of insulation for the hexayurt, a generator, gas cans, popups, tables, misters, totes and totes of Jimmy's wardrobe and spirit animals, and what else.

Still had to make a Costco run for food and the exorbitant amounts of liquor necessary to get us through the weekend (though the rules of the hippie fest purported a no-alcohol policy). Also a Home Depot run to replace a few sheets of insulation injured at Woogie. Of course this series of errands kept us running around the bay for a few hours. Kent likes to be prepared.

When we were finally an hour or 2 out, Kent had the fantastic idea of munching some shrooms to spice up the ride.

Me behind the wheel, I popped a stem. Within 10 or 15 minutes things were quite a bit more colorful, vibrant. We trudged on through this winding canyon road, reality becoming all but a figment of my imagination. I was jabbin' away at Jimmy in the other car via walkie, laughing and having him guide me through the rainbow road we were on.

Kent and I were lit. He decided that we needed to make one more stop for rations before reaching the festie. He was trying to find a grocery store in the next town on his smart (-er-than-him) phone. This is never an easy task for a shroomed out co-captain.

He was doing his best though, bless his heart. Until he told me to exit, upon which I started veering towards the upcoming exit. He suddenly grabs the wheel and yanks it to the left, nearly trading paint with an innocent citizen's vehicle. I scream, “What the fuck!” and he claimed to have thought that I was losing consciousness, about to drive off the road.

We locate the grocery store and I'm still high as a kite. We both wander in and split up. I walk around exchanging strange looks with people and promptly go back to the parking lot, where Jimmy and Truman have arrived, and they're macking on some honey, trying to convince her to sneak into the fest with us. Fat chance.

She took off. And Kent emerged from the store with another cart full of enough food to feed a small Mexican village. After another 30 min trying to stuff it all into our already full load, we hit the road, the   sun soon to disappear behind those celestial Mendo mountains.

[Bear in mind that this is one small episode I've chosen to exemplify the buffoonery involved in being on the road with Kent. Plenty more of these to come. And mind you, getting there is just as eventful (depends on your standards) as being there, setting up, breaking down, and getting home.]

Enchanted Forest

So the weekend goes. I'm still new to the festival thing at this point, though it seems everyone around me is quite privy with it.

Besides Kent. He doesn't try to be anything but the boisterous, obnoxious self he is. This doesn't always vibe well with hippies of course, the jaded ass motherfuckers.

So there's the workshops; yoga, tantra, Indian chants, power foods, basket weaving, you name it. And there's a river snaking through the festival grounds. And there is music (but who gives a shit, really).

We happened to be camped next to a renegade stage run by Carnie's, in the parlance of NorCal hippies. These are folks that typically rep the “family” (referring to Grateful Dead family), look like gutter trash from Hippie Hill, and evidently run the drug trade at most festivals in the region and are immune to rules such as “no drugs”, “no renegade stages”, and “everyone must have a ticket”.

It's their land. Even hippies have a price tag.

They were bumping grimy, monotonous robot music the entire time. Nice people.

Day 2 I copped some speed (Adderall, people) and was jajajajabbin' around the festival grounds, getting acquainted, shooting video. Of course slamming the sauce as well.

I hit the media tent, told them about my project and they forked out a press pass, making me an official media guy.

The power of words.

From then on I was being my own damn silly self. Cruising around emphatically with my camera, my cocktail, my paisley pants (nicknamed the “Paisley Cowboy”), hitting on girls, shaking my ass, diffusing altercations between my traveling buds.

[I spend a decent chunk of my life helping people get along.]

The harmony at these sorts of gatherings is polished to the point of being questionable.

You don't see a lot of black people. Nor Mexicans. Some Asians (proximity to the bay, mind you).

You do see many sun baked, dreaded, smiling faces, clad in some variation of Aladdin or Bodhisahtva.

I don't know. I'm not hating. The culture that I was immersing myself in was just very peculiar to me- mostly white people pursuing a hedonist shortcut to feigned fulfillment.  

It all seemed pretty much natural to me though. I don't dress like it, or act like it, but the 3rd eye health food transcendent haughty lifestyle is how I'm wired naturally. No need to show it.

But many of these people don't take me seriously. Because of how I dress act and project my outward image.

And many are bandwagoners that don't even take the world seriously. The world is a serious place. And sacred. And it's seriously fucked up as well. Escaping to the fucking LaLaLand of the music gathering world doesn't make you any better than a punk, a gym enthusiast, or self-absorbed businessman. No qualms- most days consist of rejoicing without inhibition in the lofty way they've chosen to live their life. I have my things. Indian snake charmers have theirs. And so do festival chasing hippies.

So what's the fucking point?

As you can tell if you've been reading along, I'm a very go with the flow kind of guy. I can't help it. It's just who I am.

It has its pros and cons. Paying rent is a pain sometimes. Working with what your menial capital permits requires seasoned problem solving abilities.

Much more, in your nararator's humble opinion, than the burb dwelling townie driving a leased 2014 Hyundai Sonata smoking vape pen thinking about the next sports game or McDonald's visit.

I like to make things complicated for myself. Which ultimately makes everything quite simple; I simply live to do whatever comes next, and handle whatever issue at hand with finesse and pizazz.

I'm a hippie at heart. By ethos. The OG hippie ethos.

Rise above the savage nature of us & them, and the world will exponentially become a better place.

Finished rambling for now. TBC

[anamorales]

Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What’s going on this weekend? I’m definitely looking forward to some time with the fam and getting the info together for the new fitness plans. I’ll have all the details posted on Monday and will send it to newsletter subscribers as soon as it’s ready. 

Other than that, I’m excited to get some small projects done around the house, get in some workouts, and hopefully catch a nap. Party animal over here. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

(We cut out P’s nap because she was falling asleep WAY too late at night. But now she just falls asleep mid-afternoon on the couch instead of an official nap…so there ya go.)

(Breakfast! Plain coconut milk yogurt with oats, blueberries, cinnamon and chia seeds + 1 egg and 2 egg whites with leftover artichoke dip)

(Aloo gobi from Sunbasket. It was soooo good…and it made a ton of servings. I ended up freezing half for a rainy day.)

(Our deer friends are back!! We haven’t seen much of them since the hurricane, which had me a little worried. I was so happy to see their furry faces again!)

Friday Faves

It’s time for the usual Friday Faves party. This is where I share of my favorite finds from the week, and get the opportunity to hear about some of the things you’re loving. Please share something that’s making you smile in the comments section if you’d like to join in the fun. 

Fashion + Beauty:

Shopbop sale is going on now! This is when I usually order a couple of things I’d had my eye on for spring/summer. Since the price points on Shopbop can be higher, I’ll often wait until they have a sale.

Here are my top picks:

This daisy jumpsuit

This floral cold-shoulder dress

This tie-waist casual dress

This one piece with pom poms

This Maaji suit

This sleeveless shirtdress

This yoga crop top

This vintage style dress

APL sneaks!

Read, listen, + watch:

An interesting article about spirulina.

The Chill Hits station on Spotify. I like to listen to music while I’m working, but can’t deal with a lot of lyrics or my brain gets confused haha. At the same time, if it’s too Zen, it makes me tired. The Chill Hits station does have lyrics, but isn’t too distracting. It’s also perfect “around the house” background music. 

A beautiful story and reminder that small gestures can go a long way. 

Good eats:

THIS POPCORN. I found it at Target and opened it during an afternoon movie last weekend. We demolished the entire bag. It’s lightly sweet with a hint of salt, and the mildest coconut oil flavor. 

Easy no-cook breakfast ideas.

Creative cauliflower recipes. This sticky sesame cauliflower looks ridiculous.

Thrive Market has meat now! I mentioned on the blog that I’m trying to focus more on plant-based proteins and seafood, with occasional chicken here and there. I was so excited to see that they’re offering sustainable seafood options in addition to other meats. It’s definitely worth checking out and you get a lot of servings for the price. Finding organic at Publix can be hit or miss, so I’m pretty stoked about this. (If you haven’t tried Thrive Market yet, my link gets you 25% off your first order! All of my favorite products are in this post.)

Fitness:

Tips for working out in the morning. 

Check out this circuit workout using a stability ball. 

Momentum Fest is coming!! If you’re a fitness fanatic (especially if you love Pilates, yoga, and barre), definitely check out this all-new fitness festival, founded by my good friend Jess. She’s a rockstar instructor and Physical Therapist, and has assembled an incredible team of presenters for the event. Momentum Fest is a three-day Pilates and movement festival: three days of Pilates, yoga, barre and fusion classes, vendors, reformer classes, music, a reception, and a party Saturday night. I’m so sad I won’t be able to make it this year (IDEA is the following week and finding childcare for two weekends would be too challenging), but if you can go, it’s going to be an incredible event!!! Use the code mfgina10 to get $10 off any pass: 1, 2, or 3 day.

Happy Friday! Hope you have a beautiful weekend. 

xo

Gina

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