yolo.

Sometimes, girl has gotta do what a girl has gotta do. 

Been an interesting, inspiring and eye-opening week so far. Lots of lessons learned, taught and inevitable for the future. 

Have a great rest of the week. 

don.

Tonight was one of the first that I noticed how early the sun was starting to set. 

I know these carefree days will be gone too all too soon...that means I'm becoming the yes woman. 

Dinner on the beach? Yes. 

Going for an early morning hike? Absolutely. 

Let's go out on the boat. Done. 

There is no time like the present. Off we go! 

Enjoy and soak in August in all its glory. 

playlist.

NXNE is a milestone in the classic Toronto summer. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was running around covering it. This year, NXNE is making me nostaligic.

I started reviewing concerts and albums for The Take Media during the summer of 2010. I trekked all over the city watching rock, indie, metal and pop shows and writing whatever I thought about the band, the performance and most importantly, the music.

Even though I've put my pen down as a music writer to pursue other projects, (although, I'll never say never if the opportunity comes up again), I'm finding myself drifting back into this world again.

I can't get enough of classic rock and new electronic music. I'm wearing clothing that my friends say makes me look like a roadie or disco queen. I'm inspired by the music, persona's and lifestyles of ages past that I want to tap into for a new dance project this fall.

Hey, just like Penny Lane said, "it's all happening."

With that, here's my refresher playlist of songs I'm loving when I come up for air out of my rock-heavy world. Think new Daft Punk, lounge beats and some oldies thrown in for good taste.

Enjoy.

mondays.

A few years ago in a restaurant in the middle of Mexico, I remember reading this quote scribbled on the wall in black sharpie: 

"If we don't meet your epxectations, lower them. Then everything is a bonus". 

This year so far has been a bonus. I went into 2012 knowing I would graduate from university. I had it set my mind that I would work as hard possible to pursue my passions. 

Growing up, I was a control freak. I hated not knowing what was coming at my next. However, with the news, live performances and well, life, I have finally freed myself from these constriants.

Personally, I have had a few friends experience loss or have had their world turned upside down by things they can't control. This really hit me how small the window is for us to grab opportunities and run. Yes, not every one may be perfect, but it's experience. 

I've gotten some really lovely tweets, messages and texts in the last week of people saying it looks like I'm doing well. I'm very lucky to be in the right place at the right time, working with some incredible people. Looking at each day as an opportunity has changed what I do, and I am in full, wild pursuit to make my time here (whether it be in Toronto, or on Earth) as valuable as possible. 

However, I wouldn't be able to live the dream without the support of my amazing family and friends. Major shout out to you all, you're my village that has picked me up when I tripped and have my back. 

Just a thought.