The Old Moon in Her Arms by Lorri Neilsen Glenn | Kings Co-op Bookstore

During Residency, Lorri Neilsen Glenn read from this book a moment that felt like a personal connection. Her unique way of weaving words, a trait only the best writers possess, left me enraptured and filled with anticipation for the two years ahead. After attending one of her classes, it became even more apparent that she continues to masterfully weave in her words and her craft of creation and life.

These are the women who catch my breath every time. I find their appearance and approach magical, mystical, and otherworldly.
I am honoured that she signed it, and I am so excited to read it officially over the summer.

Stoic Reminders Cards | Intelligent Change

I love quotes and reminders in life, and these packs of historically evergreen quotes alight my desk from week to week, helping me to stay mindful, present and awake in all of life's ups and downs.

Black Backpack | Lo & Sons

A friend asked me if I would get a backpack for my new journey as a master's student, and I laughed at first. Yet, realistically, it was the smartest choice. Over the last decade, I have made do in all my work adventures with three or more bags. I need a bag for my laptop, a bag for my notebooks and books, a bag for my gear, and a purse. Also, a lunch bag if needed. All of these bags have led to a very heavily laden me. Considering this year's life changes and adventures, I felt that purchasing a backpack that could be both work and air-travel-efficient is a great ‘all in one.’ Having it during residency proved to be exactly what I needed. I am so happy with it. It is worth all the shipping and currency costs.

Lindtt Chocolate Bars | Lindtt

During my first residency, I found motivation and energy by having a square of chocolate per session on any given day, which could be four to six sessions of taking in material, feedback, etc. I toted my tin around with broken pieces of this chocolate and shared it with my new residency friends when they, too, needed a ‘pick me up’.
Carrying these squares with me as I proceed to work on my book.

A La Sala by Khruangbin Vinyl | Taz Records

After having May Ninth sent to me by my best friend in amusement over its title being my birthday day and the lyrics having my favourite weather embedded in them, it felt fitting that this record arrived for my birthday after my partner heard the lyrics and agreed with her that it felt very much like a song made just for me.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Vinyl | Second Hand

Not in make anymore, we could find a copy second hand over the various vinyl stores on the internet, and this addition makes rainy spring days feel even more magical. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is one of my favourite musicals of all time. Its bittersweet story speaks of more than sure sugar-sweet. It’s real, it's raw, and it’s ever so rainy. My favourite thing.

University of Kings College Hoodie | Kings Co-op Bookstore

Making sure my first semester of a master’s degree has a hoodie to do during late-night edits and early-morning writing sessions.

Happier Than Ever Vinyl | Billie Eilish

For my Winter record, I chose Billie’s crooning voice mixed with all those intense beats. This is my favourite record of hers so far. She captures that confusion, anger, heart ache and hopeful plot twist in a handful of songs.

Gold Note Pad | Duly Noted

I Christmas shopped around this particular square notepad for weeks. Finally, in the new year, I indulged in purchasing it for my desk.

[EDIT] Magazine Winter Edition | [EDIT]

I appreciate an artistic think piece packaged in a magazine, and [Edit] here in the Maritimes delivers such a thing. I enjoyed slowly reading a copy and encouraged anyone local to order the latest or another magazine that offers a similarly immersive experience in words, images, and culture.

Remedy Kombucha | Sobeys / Local Stores

This became a staple in our fridge during the many weeks of winter while I observed Lent. (this year, I chose to give up alcohol. Other years, social media, etc)
I love the lack of sugar in this kombucha brand, and my favourite flavour is not pictured here: mango passion.

Moleskin Pocket Notebooks | Duly Noted

Although can find these in many places, I like being able to purchase them from a more locally owned store. Duly Noted is a favourite of mine.

Vessels & Muses Oracle Deck | Zoë Pawlak

A Christmas gift from a best friend. These beautiful cards come with engaging journal prompts and thought pieces. Perfect for a creative spirit. I have taken to the habit of pulling a new card every new moon to meditate on and reflect over the month while I work.

.Watching the resurgence of the vinyl experience come back to mainstream spoke to my cassette tape and CD upbringing. Being a romantic by nature, any chance to luxuriate in the knowledge of art, be it food, dance, music, film, plays, atmosphere, nature - any of it, I will take it.

Since purchasing a flueance turntable, I have followed a few values to keep this hobby intentional.

One New Vinyl a Season.

As with anything in this day and age, it would be easy to begin collecting as many records as fast as possible for the display recognition, as well as the clout, but for me, it’s imperative that each added record has meaning to me, merit musically, adds to my atmosphere and creates conversation. Adding only one every season allows me to think each new one through and enjoy the luxury of each new listen.
***gifted vinyls & an annual Christmas album notwithstanding

The Album must be an EXPERIENCE.

Each new album must be musically and or lyrically an impactful experience. We all have individual tastes in music, and what speaks to one of us may not speak to all of us, but it must at least speak to me and have a throughline that one can follow within the whole album.

First Listening Sessions.

Upon purchase of a new album, the first listen is accompanied by a beverage (whiskey or wine are my favourites), a sit-down, and reading along with the music of the lyrics. These nights open up much discussion about art, life, love and all the natural and raw things music often finds a way to discuss and explore.

Sound & Color Album by Alabama Shakes | Taz Records

The ultimate favourite thing of the summer is our record player and my first vinyl I purchased for myself ‘Sound & Color’ by Alabama Shakes.

SPF 40 Tinted Moisturizer by Origins | Sephora

I adore this moisturizer and love that I can put it on and know that my face has coverage from the sun before I go out.

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Chapters

A perfect summer read if you enjoy the intricacies and antics of families. These reads often give me a good laugh, a nod of understanding and if they are done right a sense of solidarity along with entertainment. Jenny did just that.

White Birkenstock Flip Flops | Softmoc

Admittedly I have had the same silly blue flip flops from Old Navy since I was 20. After 14 years I felt it was time to retire them. They were quite literally falling apart. I replaced them with these. Hopefully a solid pair of flip flops for pool / beach days.

T3 Single Pass Curl 0.75 inch Barrel Iron | Sephora

Over the past year I have committed to a shorter hair style. I enjoy the ease and lack of fuss it makes me feel, that being said, it unfortunately meant that my barrel iron I would use for waves or curls was too big for shorter hair. Hopefully this is a one and done purchase.

Pocket Rocks | White Point Beach

Every summer we go to White Point Beach to spend a week in the sand, waves and under the stars of its natural beauty. I always look for a token from that year and these were the precious stones I found and brought back with me to carry for the year.