Checkpoint

A whole year had passed since he set out on his journey. He was tired. He had walked for miles and miles with little rest and only the company of the birds singing melodies in his ear. Sounds can be deceiving. At times he lacked direction but, willfully opposing any signs of doubt, he kept moving. To be frank, he thought that he might see the sun by now or that he would have reached a checkpoint designed by the stars. It would tell him not to fear and to remind him that not all sounds are audible to the human ear. Instead he found little to no reassurance. The path was long and tiresome and he never quite learned the song of the birds. 

A whole year had passed and he found himself exactly where he'd started- only a little worst for wear. As he strained his eyes to see what lay ahead he couldn't help but reexamine his route. It was time to make different choices- not only for him but, for the birds. He harnessed his greed, bottled his emotions and unleashed his ambition. It was time to listen to desire if he ever wanted to find his treasure. Whether or not the treasure truly exists is not the point of departure, it is the belief that there is something, anything out there just for him and him alone. And, in that moment, he quitely hummed to himself as he set out on his journey, alone but not lonely.

Yesterday is Lost

Today, I managed to open my curtains to escape the winter gloom that has patronized my well-being over the past few months. This is officially the Winter that went on for too long and  it's easy to see the weight of it's lingering presence on the city streets. As I let in the light, I took a moment to embrace the smiles on passersby, the pedestrian populated intersection and a few birds chirping on newly awakened trees. In moments like this it feels like the whole city comes together to express their gratitude for the gifts of a changing season with underlying relief that they survived multiple snow wars. It's been a long time coming but, I think Spring might be here to stay a while- keeping us safe, warm and wildly optimistic as we prepare for another summer in the park with endless summer night escapades and romance under the maple trees. If you got lost this winter, feel comfort in knowing that you aren't the only one. Take more comfort in knowing that summer is much better for playing hide and seek. You may not find what you're looking for but it's the journey that counts.

                   "

I don't know what the weather will be

 Whether we'll see a tomorrow.
 But, if Today is all I have to give

I'll give it to you. 

So, Do what you want to. 

                                       "

En Route

I took the bus to work today. Usually I sit by the window and gaze at people going by. I wonder where people could be traveling to, if they are late, if they had a chance to eat breakfast and if they are cold. I can usually answer all of the above with a glance but sometimes I listen for "stomach talk" and chattering teeth. I've been making an effort to consciously engage all of my senses. Sometimes I fear that if I lose my sight in old age that this loss might define me. Close your eyes. There are Four other fantastic ways to engage in the world.

Like I said, I took the bus to work today- surprisingly on schedule, had a smoothie for breakfast and was mildly overheated on the bus. If one was observing me they might see a bead of sweat meander on my stubble. Sometimes I wonder if people have the same questions as I do... Not because I think they are brilliant questions or anything but rather because I realize that there are billions of people in world and it is probable that one might share my curiosities. 

I took the bus to work today and the window seats were taken. I don't blame anyone for taking my seat but I do think I have the right to be silently annoyed. Sometimes I feel an overwhelming sense of ownership over public spaces. At times it helps to maintain the beauty in the shared spaces of my city and at other times I find it hard to co-exist. I'm in my 20s and I'm still learning how to share. I think this is something we should all admit to ourselves at least once in a lifetime.

I took the bus to work today and I sat opposite a young boy wearing a stunning shirt. It was elaborately encrypted with a secret code that a realist might call pattern. I am a dreamer and I often see things upside down. It is this type of thinking that is often shunned but ironically enough leads to innovation. I wondered where he was going, if he was late, if he was enjoying his banana and most importantly if he was greasy or sweating. As I went through my list of questions I became transfixed by the design of his shirt. 

I took the bus to work today and traveled a new route. I worked through the maze on his shirt weaving in and out of fibers and dyes in hopes of reaching an exotic destination. Instead, I found an infinity of loops and swirls creating a cycle that could only be repeated. I was in awe. The bus came to a startling halt and I spiraled out of my adventure unharmed.

I took the bus to work today and was reminded of the simple pleasures of good design and passive interaction.

Moving Forward

I got this lovely e-mail from my professor a few days ago and I'm still smiling about it. It's rare to find people that change the way you perceive the world and I feel so fortunate to have been influenced by quite a few admirable minds in the past four years. So this is me moving forward in hopes that I will turn out to be a more exciting 20 something year old with a little help from friends, family and mentors.

" Dear Independent Studio,

During the last few weeks of class I came across these words, by Michael Ondaatje in ‘The Cat’s Table’, that made me think about you moving on from RSID -

‘There is a story, always ahead of you. Barely existing. Only gradually do you attach yourself to it and feed it. You discover the carapace that will contain and test your character. You find in this way the path of your life….’

I wish you well with what comes next and hope you keep in-touch.

It has been an inspiration and pleasure getting to know the way you look at the world.

-CD "

Berri-Uqam

In just a few short days, with minimal sleep, I fell in love with a cute city called Montreal. 

Toronto, you have competition.

20s

" The Roaring twenties. I hear it's a Golden Era...."

KNOCK KNOCK

I don't know what it is about the door.
There's something about the way it opens and closes always in onomatopoeia.
It’s not like it’s over animated in anyway and if so, only in scale. It’s a moment of transition- a threshold from one chapter to the next.

I remember the exact moment when I read DO NOT ENTER on your door. It was typed in bold letters (probably in Helvetica.) I had mistaken it for art before I understood its meaning by definition. I tried the knob but It was locked to further enforce its stance. I panicked. Suddenly the door that always proposed a window of opportunity or a transition to new and better experiences became a dead end, a bump in the road and a pain in my heart.
So I’m jiggling the knob- coaxing it to unlock. I shake it like an Etch-a-sketch praying that the door will dissolve in front of me. I need a key or secret password and since I don’t have either of those I realize I’m royally screwed. It’s one of those moments when it starts to rain indoors and before you realize the absurdity of the situation, you close your eyes and hope that your imagination is simply soaring ahead of you.
I go over my options once again and I remember that the only gentleman-like thing to do in a moment like this is to knock.

So now I’m here, at your door in contemplation and in metaphor.