Hey internet,
so I've been on the road since the first week of June. Before that was Harbour Water Fest 2.
Both events have been incredible, but I'm not quite up to writing about them yet.
Be patient!
♥ Riot
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Box-cutter Haircut #1
So, at 23 years of age, I am finally putting out my first zine.
(Well, first real, solo zine. I'm not sure if the Thom Thom Colouring Book really counts).
It's all about my relationship with my body.
And my eating disorder.
Heavy stuff (oh god, no pun intended!).
I have most of it written up, so now it's all the cutting and the gluing and the colouring backgrounds in black.
Thanks, a solid week of rain, for finally kicking my ass into gear.
(Well, first real, solo zine. I'm not sure if the Thom Thom Colouring Book really counts).
It's all about my relationship with my body.
And my eating disorder.
Heavy stuff (oh god, no pun intended!).
I have most of it written up, so now it's all the cutting and the gluing and the colouring backgrounds in black.
Thanks, a solid week of rain, for finally kicking my ass into gear.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Woah, I have had such a productive day that I don't know what to do with the rest of my week.
I got up and went to work this morning, and even though I was only there fro 9:30 - noon, I got some shit done and made some money and it was a way to get me out of bed before 11.
Once I got off work I went to the post office and mailed a couple of things that I've been procrastinating on. It makes such a huge difference that there's a new employee at the post office, the guy that used to work there was a complete asshole. Who knew that little things like post office employees would make such a huge difference?
Once I got home I finished up both posters that I've been working on; one for a film screening and dinner that Molly and I are putting on (a fundraiser for Food Not Bombs' new community garden plot) and the other for the Harbour Water Fest 2 workshops. I'll probably scan them later so that everyone in the country will wind up flocking to Halifax to learn how to pick locks and become self-employed!
While I was waiting for Anchor Archive to open so I could use their photocopier I ran to Quinpool and rented the movie that we're screening next week, picked up a phone card, and bought some wort so that we'll have beer for Harbour Water!
Then I went to Anchor Archive and printed off a bajillion posters whilst ignoring the dudes volunteering there. Of course it would turn out that both volunteers were people that make me extreeemely uncomfortable.
Right after that I went to Bike Again to see if I could finally get a bike that suits me/fits me. Since my bike got stolen last summer I've tried a couple different bikes, but the first one was a piece of shit and only 3 speeds, and the second one was way too small and had shitty handle bars. I worked for close to an hour on a shiny black road bike (an All Pro? I've never heard of them before. Google says they're shitty k-mart bikes from the 70's. oh well!). I always get super self-conscious before I go to Bike Again and I'm always worried that I'm going to need to ask people for help and get all embarrassed, but whenever I actually find a bike and start to work on it I'm usually pretty comfortable. Tonight I was able to raise the seat, adjust the handlebars, and trim the gear cables and casings (for some reason they were outrageously long and hanging off the bike). Next time I go, all I'll really have to do is see if the tires hold air and maybe adjust the back brakes and rear derailleur. If I keep on this ultra productive roll, then I'll be able to finish the bike by Friday and attend my first Critical Mass of the year. Fingers crossed.
I feel good about the things I did today. I'm self conscious about my bike mechanic knowledge, my photocopier capabilities, and my brewing abilities, but I just fucking went for it. Even though an obnoxious dude had to get the paper to stop jamming in the People's Photocopier, things went pretty smoothly. I also don't usually like going places alone, but I really wasn't up to hanging out with anyone today so I bit the bullet.
Go team getting shit done!
Bonnie
Some evening last week I was walking home along Gottingen street.
For those not familiar with the area, there's an abandoned department store on the block nearest my street. It's been boarded up for as long as I can remember, and is usually covered in posters and graffiti. Recently they've started cleaning it out so they can tear it down to build housing (they claim 50% is going to be reserved for "affordable housing", but I'll believe that when I see it).
Anyway, my eye was caught by a poster on a phone pole as I was walking past the building. While I was reading the poster, I noticed one of the "doors" (really just a giant slab of plywood) shift, and a woman emerged. I watched her out of the corner of my eye. She was white, probably in her late 30's, and had a travel mug and was wearing a lanyard with an id tag around her neck. I guess you could say she looked pretty normal. Except that in addition to her travel mug, she also had a can of spray paint in her hand.
Trying not to stare, I watched her slide the plywood closed again, saunter over a couple of feet, and paint something on the building. She then capped her can, and walked past me down the street.
A couple days later, I went back to see what it was that she had painted.
For those not familiar with the area, there's an abandoned department store on the block nearest my street. It's been boarded up for as long as I can remember, and is usually covered in posters and graffiti. Recently they've started cleaning it out so they can tear it down to build housing (they claim 50% is going to be reserved for "affordable housing", but I'll believe that when I see it).
Anyway, my eye was caught by a poster on a phone pole as I was walking past the building. While I was reading the poster, I noticed one of the "doors" (really just a giant slab of plywood) shift, and a woman emerged. I watched her out of the corner of my eye. She was white, probably in her late 30's, and had a travel mug and was wearing a lanyard with an id tag around her neck. I guess you could say she looked pretty normal. Except that in addition to her travel mug, she also had a can of spray paint in her hand.
Trying not to stare, I watched her slide the plywood closed again, saunter over a couple of feet, and paint something on the building. She then capped her can, and walked past me down the street.
A couple days later, I went back to see what it was that she had painted.
Fuck yes.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
It's Easter Sunday, and that means...
OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH, YOUR FOLLOWERS ARE BLIND!
TOO MUCH HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS! IT WAS BEAUTIFUL BUT NOW IT'S SOUR.
YES IT'S ALLLLLLLL GOOOOOOONNNEEEEE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUURRRRR!
Easter = only holiday that I celebrate via rock opera
Monday, April 18, 2011
adventures in being a house punk
When I get anxious, depressed, flustered and so on, I find that what I tend to do is just hole up alone and stare off into space. I avoid people around me, neglect my immediate surroundings, and usually just dwell inside my own disturbed mind.
This is why one of the best ways for me to work through these bad times is to work hard to come out of my head and work on the space that I inhabit. Cleaning, building shit, fixing shit, etc. It's a real struggle to get to the point where I can start this kind of work, but if I can pull myself together then it's excellent therapy.
Today I'm finally starting to muster myself. I didn't make it as far as getting up to go to the food bank, but because Cory just moved in and needed a key to the apartment I found myself in Canadian Tire this morning. I figured that since I was there, I should get a new hinge for our toilet seat/lid since one of ours is broken and the fucking thing slides around all the time. While hunting for the hinge, I also found shower curtain liners and figured it was time to replace ours, which is so fucking mouldy that taking a shower is an exercise in making myself as small as possible so it doesn't brush up against me.
Cory ended up actually paying for these things out of a desire to contribute to the house, but as soon I as got home I got to work. The shower curtain liner was already ripped, which is a bummer but it was like, $2 so I guess I can't really complain. As I was putting it up I found myself wondering really inane shit, like "I wonder who standardized the amount of holes in shower curtains and liners. Did they like, have a conference about it?".
I wish someone had standardized the size of toilet seat hinges and the holes they're supposed to go through because, as it turns out, the hinge was way too big. I didn't want to have to go back to the store (and to be honest, they probably wouldn't give me an exchange on something I had tried to shove into a hole in my punk house toilet), so I ended up whittling the hinge down with my leatherman, and cramming it in. Voila, another successful repair on the Orphanage toilet (we also had to replace the rubber flapper last year. That was more annoying to fix, but was a bigger problem to begin with.)
I can't help but think of that lady who warned me not to become too domestic. I wonder at what point one becomes "too" domestic, you know? I mean, being comfortable in my home is important to me. Having shit to work on here gives me little bursts of satisfaction. I still get an incredible thrill out of travel, and I feel extremely comfortable hitchhiking, but having a home to be proud of is something I really desire. Otherwise I would probably just end up wallowing in a filthy, uncomfortable, poorly lit, stinky hovel and would never have a break from my own mental poisons.
Now I'm going to go busk with Ryley, because playing music is also really therapeutic for me and I really don't get to do it often enough these days. All I want to do is distract myself and occupy my mind with more positive thoughts until I can find a way to get to sleep, and then do it again the next day. Living day to day.
Fuck.
This is why one of the best ways for me to work through these bad times is to work hard to come out of my head and work on the space that I inhabit. Cleaning, building shit, fixing shit, etc. It's a real struggle to get to the point where I can start this kind of work, but if I can pull myself together then it's excellent therapy.
Today I'm finally starting to muster myself. I didn't make it as far as getting up to go to the food bank, but because Cory just moved in and needed a key to the apartment I found myself in Canadian Tire this morning. I figured that since I was there, I should get a new hinge for our toilet seat/lid since one of ours is broken and the fucking thing slides around all the time. While hunting for the hinge, I also found shower curtain liners and figured it was time to replace ours, which is so fucking mouldy that taking a shower is an exercise in making myself as small as possible so it doesn't brush up against me.
Cory ended up actually paying for these things out of a desire to contribute to the house, but as soon I as got home I got to work. The shower curtain liner was already ripped, which is a bummer but it was like, $2 so I guess I can't really complain. As I was putting it up I found myself wondering really inane shit, like "I wonder who standardized the amount of holes in shower curtains and liners. Did they like, have a conference about it?".
I wish someone had standardized the size of toilet seat hinges and the holes they're supposed to go through because, as it turns out, the hinge was way too big. I didn't want to have to go back to the store (and to be honest, they probably wouldn't give me an exchange on something I had tried to shove into a hole in my punk house toilet), so I ended up whittling the hinge down with my leatherman, and cramming it in. Voila, another successful repair on the Orphanage toilet (we also had to replace the rubber flapper last year. That was more annoying to fix, but was a bigger problem to begin with.)
I can't help but think of that lady who warned me not to become too domestic. I wonder at what point one becomes "too" domestic, you know? I mean, being comfortable in my home is important to me. Having shit to work on here gives me little bursts of satisfaction. I still get an incredible thrill out of travel, and I feel extremely comfortable hitchhiking, but having a home to be proud of is something I really desire. Otherwise I would probably just end up wallowing in a filthy, uncomfortable, poorly lit, stinky hovel and would never have a break from my own mental poisons.
Now I'm going to go busk with Ryley, because playing music is also really therapeutic for me and I really don't get to do it often enough these days. All I want to do is distract myself and occupy my mind with more positive thoughts until I can find a way to get to sleep, and then do it again the next day. Living day to day.
Fuck.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
oh barf; anxiety
How many times a day can I possibly check my e-mail? I am losing my shit. I've been pacing around since yesterday, my heart is freaking out, and I can't concentrate on anything.
Fucking get in touch, please. You know who you are.
Fucking get in touch, please. You know who you are.
Friday, April 15, 2011
oh barf; feelings!
Today marks 6 months since Steve and I got over our awkwardness and decided that maybe kissing each other would be a good idea. I still stand by it! Steve is a babe and a sweetheart and I feel enormously lucky to someone like him to call a partner. He's in London, On right now with the Rumble Strips, so I miss him a lot but am also a little jealous that he gets to hang out with Davita G. tonight.
I love you Steve, here's to enjoying the warmer half of the year together!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
fight fer yer rights Thursday
I woke up this morning to shouts of:
"WOMEN OF COLOUR, UNDER ATTACK, WHAT DO WE DO?"
"STAND UP, FIGHT BACK!"
I was super confused, as it was 8am on a Thursday morning. At first I thought Ryley was watching a movie or something, but then I peeked out my window and saw that there was a big, noisy picket going on at the corner of my block. Metro Housing Coalition, I think. They stayed noisy for several hours, then marched down to the legislature. I guess maybe they didn't get what they want yet because now they're picketing and chanting again and there are a lot of honking horns and stuff.
Well, it's spring, and with spring time comes evictions. Our upstairs neighbors are being informally evicted (they're not really putting up much of a fuss), and our friends across the commons are also getting the boot. After an unofficial notice of eviction showed up at their house (dated April 8th, telling them to be gone by the 30th, with a "thorough inspection" happening on the 14th), they decided to rally support on hold a tea party today to greet the landlord.
At first it didn't seem so bad, there was the aforementioned tea, and a lot of people came out and most dressed up. The landlord and his lackey moved through the apartment taking pictures and writing stuff down. They didn't really engage too much with the guests, but asked if anyone actually lived there a couple times.
Once they left (and slammed the door behind them) we thought we were home free and started to relax a bit...and then the cops showed up.
Long story short, landlords and cops are scummy, neither of them obey their own laws, and bureaucracy is a fucking headache. Incidentally, I stopped attending cop watch meetings and was removed from the mailing list, but I filmed the entire interaction with the police. Heh.
No one got arrested, but it was threatened. Thankfully we were able to keep them from coming inside the house, they're going to "investigate", and try to get an "emergency eviction". Not much has changed, but our friends might just have less time to figure their shit out. As much as I would love to see the land lord get dragged around and embarrassed at a hearing, it's not my house and I can totally understand that people wouldn't want to put that kind of energy into a place they aren't going to live anymore.
"WOMEN OF COLOUR, UNDER ATTACK, WHAT DO WE DO?"
"STAND UP, FIGHT BACK!"
I was super confused, as it was 8am on a Thursday morning. At first I thought Ryley was watching a movie or something, but then I peeked out my window and saw that there was a big, noisy picket going on at the corner of my block. Metro Housing Coalition, I think. They stayed noisy for several hours, then marched down to the legislature. I guess maybe they didn't get what they want yet because now they're picketing and chanting again and there are a lot of honking horns and stuff.
Well, it's spring, and with spring time comes evictions. Our upstairs neighbors are being informally evicted (they're not really putting up much of a fuss), and our friends across the commons are also getting the boot. After an unofficial notice of eviction showed up at their house (dated April 8th, telling them to be gone by the 30th, with a "thorough inspection" happening on the 14th), they decided to rally support on hold a tea party today to greet the landlord.
At first it didn't seem so bad, there was the aforementioned tea, and a lot of people came out and most dressed up. The landlord and his lackey moved through the apartment taking pictures and writing stuff down. They didn't really engage too much with the guests, but asked if anyone actually lived there a couple times.
Once they left (and slammed the door behind them) we thought we were home free and started to relax a bit...and then the cops showed up.
Long story short, landlords and cops are scummy, neither of them obey their own laws, and bureaucracy is a fucking headache. Incidentally, I stopped attending cop watch meetings and was removed from the mailing list, but I filmed the entire interaction with the police. Heh.
No one got arrested, but it was threatened. Thankfully we were able to keep them from coming inside the house, they're going to "investigate", and try to get an "emergency eviction". Not much has changed, but our friends might just have less time to figure their shit out. As much as I would love to see the land lord get dragged around and embarrassed at a hearing, it's not my house and I can totally understand that people wouldn't want to put that kind of energy into a place they aren't going to live anymore.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Ronny is the most hilarious cat
"Excuse me for a second, Ronny Boy, I'm just gonna take a self-portrait for my Tumblr"
"YOUR WHAT?!"
Sunday, April 10, 2011
I got my GST cheque last week, which was a huge windfall to a person like me. I deposited it yesterday, and as a treat for...I don't know, getting a bunch of money without really having to work for it, I bought myself a new mop (one that I can actually wring out. I swear I have not mopped this apartment more than twice since I've lived here and frankly that's kinda gross) and a chin-up bar (surprise! I have become a huge jock!).
While I was walking back home with Molly, a lady that was walking her (enormous, beautiful) dog shouted out "DON'T BECOME TOO DOMESTIC!"
I assured her that there was no danger of that.
I've been to two punk shows in two days. I didn't know anyone playing! Weird! One was in a shed and one was in a bar. One I went to with my rad roommate and one I went to with my rad friend (not to say that my roommate isn't my friend, of course). One show had a lot of pot smokers, and the other had a lot of leather jackets with silver spikes and dudes wearing their own band's merch and dudes with reeeeeeaaally long hair. One show had a puppy, the other was seriously lacking in that department.
Today I used my new mop and my new chin-up bar and drank wine at work while talking about oppression and racism and then I just set up a TUMBLR what is wrong with me. I also talked to Steve on the phone and it sure as hell did not make me miss him any less.
While I was walking back home with Molly, a lady that was walking her (enormous, beautiful) dog shouted out "DON'T BECOME TOO DOMESTIC!"
I assured her that there was no danger of that.
I've been to two punk shows in two days. I didn't know anyone playing! Weird! One was in a shed and one was in a bar. One I went to with my rad roommate and one I went to with my rad friend (not to say that my roommate isn't my friend, of course). One show had a lot of pot smokers, and the other had a lot of leather jackets with silver spikes and dudes wearing their own band's merch and dudes with reeeeeeaaally long hair. One show had a puppy, the other was seriously lacking in that department.
Today I used my new mop and my new chin-up bar and drank wine at work while talking about oppression and racism and then I just set up a TUMBLR what is wrong with me. I also talked to Steve on the phone and it sure as hell did not make me miss him any less.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Canada has 3 seasons: Busking, traveling, and winter
Well it's officially busking season here in Halifax! Despite the fact it was 0 degrees today, Ryley and I went downtown for the third day in a row. Now my fingers are super sore, my freckles are out in full force and my coin purse is significantly heavier. Each day we do a little better as we stay out longer, learn more songs, and become more comfortable with the songs we know.
I ran into another prominent Halifax busker today (his name is Matt, he's older than us and usually plays Beatles and Bob Dylan tunes) and he told us about how he'd just gotten a dish washing job after being "free" for 6 years. I think it was the first time I'd seen him downtown without his guitar, and he agreed he felt naked without it. It funny to think that he got a job to supplement his busking, and I busk to supplement my job.
Ryley and I are going to some random punk show in the north end tonight, so check on DIY Halifax soon for show photos and a review!
I ran into another prominent Halifax busker today (his name is Matt, he's older than us and usually plays Beatles and Bob Dylan tunes) and he told us about how he'd just gotten a dish washing job after being "free" for 6 years. I think it was the first time I'd seen him downtown without his guitar, and he agreed he felt naked without it. It funny to think that he got a job to supplement his busking, and I busk to supplement my job.
Ryley and I are going to some random punk show in the north end tonight, so check on DIY Halifax soon for show photos and a review!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Dear The Girl Who Came Up To Me in the Library Today,
I'm sorry if I seemed rude when you told me I looked like someone who was going to the Disturbed concert tonight. And again when you said like I looked like someone who wanted to go. And again when you asked me how long it took me to stretch my ears. You caught me off guard.
When I was your age, I never would've had the guts to approach a stranger, especially one I thought might share common ground with me. Either you worked up some nerve to talk to me, or you are very weird. Also, you are stretching your ears way too fast, but you disappeared into the library before I had a chance to tell you that.
I hope you had fun at the concert.
I'm sorry if I seemed rude when you told me I looked like someone who was going to the Disturbed concert tonight. And again when you said like I looked like someone who wanted to go. And again when you asked me how long it took me to stretch my ears. You caught me off guard.
When I was your age, I never would've had the guts to approach a stranger, especially one I thought might share common ground with me. Either you worked up some nerve to talk to me, or you are very weird. Also, you are stretching your ears way too fast, but you disappeared into the library before I had a chance to tell you that.
I hope you had fun at the concert.
Riot Squat
Last night I had a dream that I was living in a huge, multi-level squat with a large group of (mostly) queer women. It was like, an apartment building or a school or something and it was called Riot Squat.
There was some sort of party, I think it was an anniversary celebration and there were people and christmas lights and food all over the place. At one point I made out with a girl I've never met and stole her lip ring...
But then I remember running really fast up and down stairs and hiding under tables and behind doors as the squat got evicted by cops.
It weird, even though I didn't dream about actually setting up the squat or living there for any amount of time, I was really crushed by the eviction. I mean, I guess I always have a really emotional reaction to cops doing especially shitty things, and I've been through a squat eviction, but in the dream it still all felt really personal.
Also, does anyone else think Riot Squat is fucking sweet name?
There was some sort of party, I think it was an anniversary celebration and there were people and christmas lights and food all over the place. At one point I made out with a girl I've never met and stole her lip ring...
But then I remember running really fast up and down stairs and hiding under tables and behind doors as the squat got evicted by cops.
It weird, even though I didn't dream about actually setting up the squat or living there for any amount of time, I was really crushed by the eviction. I mean, I guess I always have a really emotional reaction to cops doing especially shitty things, and I've been through a squat eviction, but in the dream it still all felt really personal.
Also, does anyone else think Riot Squat is fucking sweet name?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Weird weekend
Last night we had the Rumble Strips tour kickoff show. I'll admit that I found it a little under-attended, but that's understandable considering how terrible the weather was and the fact that so many people are out of town.
It was a good show, though. Intimate. Also, Storm's parents came out and now I'm really regretting not telling them personally how great it was that they were there. My dad comes to house shows occasionally, and while there may be a few awkward moments where unfamiliar people think he's a cop or a landlord, everyone enjoys having him there and he has a great time. It feel really good to have that support. On the other hand, no matter how many times I invite my mother to house shows she never accepts. She's too uncomfortable, and says how "no one will want [her] there because [she's] too old". I wish we could make it so that all ages really means all ages.
Speaking of landlords, unfortunately the show had a lengthy intermission because of one. I guess Tyrone, the landlord of both the Orphanage and Skeletech, wandered up into Skeletech last night without any notice. Someone that was actually on the lease had to go out and negotiate with him, so we decided it would probably be a good idea to stop the show for a while (which is a shame, because Bramble is damn good, and folks ended up leaving before the Rumble Strips even played).
Everyone's pretty upset about Tyrone's tendency to just show up at the apartments. We have cats and paint on the walls, which is against the conditions in our lease. We're not bad tenants, though! We pay our rent on time and we love the neighborhood and Ryley busts her ass keeping the property clean and making sure that garbage and recycling and compost all get to the curb on time. Tyrone's not a bad landlord, either. He needs to start respecting our space and our boundaries, but he keeps the rent low and isn't breathing down our necks all the time. It's tough to know what to do. I know we could kick his ass about the fact that he comes over without proper notice, but then what? We find another place to live with a landlord that's probably no better? Pay exponentially more rent? It really sucks.
Despite the snafu with Tyrone, the show went well. Here are some shots -
It was a good show, though. Intimate. Also, Storm's parents came out and now I'm really regretting not telling them personally how great it was that they were there. My dad comes to house shows occasionally, and while there may be a few awkward moments where unfamiliar people think he's a cop or a landlord, everyone enjoys having him there and he has a great time. It feel really good to have that support. On the other hand, no matter how many times I invite my mother to house shows she never accepts. She's too uncomfortable, and says how "no one will want [her] there because [she's] too old". I wish we could make it so that all ages really means all ages.
Speaking of landlords, unfortunately the show had a lengthy intermission because of one. I guess Tyrone, the landlord of both the Orphanage and Skeletech, wandered up into Skeletech last night without any notice. Someone that was actually on the lease had to go out and negotiate with him, so we decided it would probably be a good idea to stop the show for a while (which is a shame, because Bramble is damn good, and folks ended up leaving before the Rumble Strips even played).
Everyone's pretty upset about Tyrone's tendency to just show up at the apartments. We have cats and paint on the walls, which is against the conditions in our lease. We're not bad tenants, though! We pay our rent on time and we love the neighborhood and Ryley busts her ass keeping the property clean and making sure that garbage and recycling and compost all get to the curb on time. Tyrone's not a bad landlord, either. He needs to start respecting our space and our boundaries, but he keeps the rent low and isn't breathing down our necks all the time. It's tough to know what to do. I know we could kick his ass about the fact that he comes over without proper notice, but then what? We find another place to live with a landlord that's probably no better? Pay exponentially more rent? It really sucks.
Despite the snafu with Tyrone, the show went well. Here are some shots -
Now the Rumble Strips have taken off on their grand adventure across the country. I'm excited for them, but also a little jealous.
Also, I am going to miss this guy a whole heck of a lot:
Friday, April 1, 2011
There's a show here tonight...
...but I already feel really uncomfortable in this house. I don't need hateful d-bags coming in here and ruining my last night with my partner for the next 2 months.
This is a hater-free house. If you don't like me, stay the fuck home.
This is a hater-free house. If you don't like me, stay the fuck home.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sprung
It's finally spring, and for once the weather is actually synchronizing with the calendar. It's been warm, sunny, and sure pleasant in general here on the east coast.
Today all the Orphans (and surrogate Orphans Jawsh and Steve) stooped for a little bit, probably the first official stoop of the season!
Today all the Orphans (and surrogate Orphans Jawsh and Steve) stooped for a little bit, probably the first official stoop of the season!
Well I have to say, I think my friends are pretty cool.
Monday, March 21, 2011
“It takes a massive, unbelievable amount of courage to stand up and say something is racist. Or sexist. Or ableist. Or any kind of -ist. A person who stands up does not do it for entertainment or enjoyment, because being looked upon as uncouth for interrupting others’ good times is not enjoyable or entertaining. Nor do they do it because it hurt their feelings, because -isms do not hurt feelings. -Isms are not that kind. -Isms kick people to the ground and hold them there for others to walk upon. Don’t be mistaken—if someone calls you racist or sexist or any -ist, they do not wish to annoy you or cause you problems. I can almost guarantee you that they are feeling scared or weak when they call you out, because what they are doing is telling someone who is walking upon them for a hand up, for consideration. And you need to give them that. You need to listen.”
I found this on Cera's tumblr today. It came at just the right time, since I've been feeling pretty crummy about all the that's been going on surrounding Friday's party.
Last night a delegate from upstairs came down to talk to me. I guess folks were offended by the words I chose to use (like "disappointed" and "fucked up"). I didn't go up there to just piss people off, I went up there because I needed to make sure they understood why what happened was so terrible. I didn't go up there to make enemies, if anything I went up there to repair and strengthen relationships for the future.
Having said that, I don't feel sorry for making anyone feel uncomfortable. Being called out is embarrassing and awkward. If it makes you feel good it probably isn't being done correctly.
I know everyone up there already considers me a "PC Weiner", but I genuinely want them to stop and think about how their actions affect others in the future. Maybe it's necessary for me to play the bad guy?
I don't know.
I found this on Cera's tumblr today. It came at just the right time, since I've been feeling pretty crummy about all the that's been going on surrounding Friday's party.
Last night a delegate from upstairs came down to talk to me. I guess folks were offended by the words I chose to use (like "disappointed" and "fucked up"). I didn't go up there to just piss people off, I went up there because I needed to make sure they understood why what happened was so terrible. I didn't go up there to make enemies, if anything I went up there to repair and strengthen relationships for the future.
Having said that, I don't feel sorry for making anyone feel uncomfortable. Being called out is embarrassing and awkward. If it makes you feel good it probably isn't being done correctly.
I know everyone up there already considers me a "PC Weiner", but I genuinely want them to stop and think about how their actions affect others in the future. Maybe it's necessary for me to play the bad guy?
I don't know.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tried to talk to 3 people today about the poor taste of last night's party. One of them stared silently at their laptop, one actually got up and left the room, and one was defensive, snarky, and told me that they were "sorry I was offended by the name of a Facebook event."
I told them to realize how fucked up it was, and how the fact they could even consider it irony was a sign of great privilege denying, and to consider how much words can hurt in future.
Then I stepped on a fucking staple poking out of a piece of cardboard on the floor as I left their house, side-stepping the pile of cat shit that's been in their foyer for at least two days.
Why do I bother?
I told them to realize how fucked up it was, and how the fact they could even consider it irony was a sign of great privilege denying, and to consider how much words can hurt in future.
Then I stepped on a fucking staple poking out of a piece of cardboard on the floor as I left their house, side-stepping the pile of cat shit that's been in their foyer for at least two days.
Why do I bother?
Ok, so I may have jumped the gun with my angry post.
I went to the party, and it seems the "theme" never came in to play.
Never the less, someone decided that would be a party theme and thought it was a good enough idea to spread it around.
Does the fact that people are too apathetic to carry out a party theme redeem anything? Did they decide it was a bad idea? Was there a miscommunication?
I don't know, but everyone is drunk on hooch and someone I really love just got back in to town, so I'm going to save my rage for tomorrow.
I went to the party, and it seems the "theme" never came in to play.
Never the less, someone decided that would be a party theme and thought it was a good enough idea to spread it around.
Does the fact that people are too apathetic to carry out a party theme redeem anything? Did they decide it was a bad idea? Was there a miscommunication?
I don't know, but everyone is drunk on hooch and someone I really love just got back in to town, so I'm going to save my rage for tomorrow.
Friday, March 18, 2011
HYPOCRISY!
You run around the neighborhood spray-painting circle A's and writing words like "EQUALITY" and "WE ARE WINNING", you help organize rallies, you spew Crimethinc all over everyone you encounter, you dress and do your hair in "alternative ways" and then you have A FUCKING BLIGHT THEMED PARTY IN YOUR FUCKING HOUSE!
FUCK YOU AND YOUR RACISM, YOUR BLINDNESS TO YOUR PRIVILEGE, AND YOUR GODDAMN HYPOCRISY!
WALK THE FUCKING WALK, ALREADY!
FUCK YOU AND YOUR RACISM, YOUR BLINDNESS TO YOUR PRIVILEGE, AND YOUR GODDAMN HYPOCRISY!
WALK THE FUCKING WALK, ALREADY!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
*whew*
In the past 24 hours I have:
- hitch hiked home with my best friend
- Showered twice
- become a brunette
- been interviewed for a job
- slept reeeeeeally well
- inked and scanned 9 comics
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE
Got in to Montreal last night to discover that several of our friends have been arrested on extremely bullshit charges. Everyone was extremely tense and upset after having 3 demos in 2 days, and we walked right into the middle of it.
I am so sick of this shit. What the fuck makes them think they can arrest people just for being part of the fucking black bloc? Since when does that make someone a conspirator? How can people just sit back and watch pigs on horseback swarm a group of people walking down a street and keep them for days on weapons charges?
We went out for court support this morning, which means I've already been up for nearly 12 hours, and we still have our show tonight. The 12 hour drive tomorrow is going to be extremely shitty.
Tomorrow is the international day against police brutality. Even if there's nothing planned in your city, I strongly encourage you to be heard, and speak out LOUDLY and BOLDLY against the police and all forms of opression and authority.
I am so sick of this shit. What the fuck makes them think they can arrest people just for being part of the fucking black bloc? Since when does that make someone a conspirator? How can people just sit back and watch pigs on horseback swarm a group of people walking down a street and keep them for days on weapons charges?
We went out for court support this morning, which means I've already been up for nearly 12 hours, and we still have our show tonight. The 12 hour drive tomorrow is going to be extremely shitty.
Tomorrow is the international day against police brutality. Even if there's nothing planned in your city, I strongly encourage you to be heard, and speak out LOUDLY and BOLDLY against the police and all forms of opression and authority.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Kitchener punk show birthday party
Class War Kids
Mark It Zero, once again. Love these guys!
Bonus shot of hilarious crowd member.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Birthday!!
We're in London, Ontario right now hanging out with our sweet friend Davita G. While it certainly seems like there are plenty of cool kids in London, Davita shines high above them all and is seriously the nicest person I've ever met. We're hanging out at her Grandparent's house while they're away, which is especially nice considering all the extra beds they have laying around here. Slept very comfortably, very late.
Anyway, here are some shots from our show last night here in London. I seem to be losing my low-light touch, so they're pretty grainy. Bummer.
The ever-amazing Davita G.
Um, I don't remember this guy's name, but he reminded me a whole bunch of Laurie,
and he actually played Wagon Wheel during his set.
This band was very silly. Laura Mann & the Fairly Odd Folk from Calgary. They seemed really disinterested in the whole thing, and the dude was the most serious glockenspiel player I've ever witnessed, and had quite the 'tude.
All The Trendy Kids! These folks were great, super adorable,
and really knew how to work a crowd. A++, would play a show with again.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
More from our tour
We've had a few more shows and several days off.
We spent a few days in Ottawa, which was super lovely. I really miss my dad and my brother, and I'm super lucky for how supportive they are of everything I do.
The Ottawa show was amazing, but impossible to photograph. Not only was the basement tiny, dark, and super crowded, but I ended up socializing to the point of missing a bunch of the bands that played. (whoops). Very unlike me!
Our set went over extremely well, and the crowd was really enthusiastic. It was especially nice to be surrounded by good friends we don't get to see very often, and to share with them what we've been working on over the last year.
We're in Guelph now, at Cory's new house. I feel much more comfortable here than I did at his old place, which was like a black hole of despair. The show last night was nice, especially because our pal Jeffery from New Haven happened to be in town and opened for us. We first met him almost exactly a year ago when the Official Suckers toured through the states. I'm happy that we've been able to create these lasting relationships with folks from all over.
The band that headlined last night played some super fun pop-punk, and are going to join us tomorrow night at our show in Kitchener. Hopefully I'll be able to take better shots of them there! Then again, I'll be celebrating my birthday at that show so I might just have fun and dance.
We spent a few days in Ottawa, which was super lovely. I really miss my dad and my brother, and I'm super lucky for how supportive they are of everything I do.
The Ottawa show was amazing, but impossible to photograph. Not only was the basement tiny, dark, and super crowded, but I ended up socializing to the point of missing a bunch of the bands that played. (whoops). Very unlike me!
Our set went over extremely well, and the crowd was really enthusiastic. It was especially nice to be surrounded by good friends we don't get to see very often, and to share with them what we've been working on over the last year.
We're in Guelph now, at Cory's new house. I feel much more comfortable here than I did at his old place, which was like a black hole of despair. The show last night was nice, especially because our pal Jeffery from New Haven happened to be in town and opened for us. We first met him almost exactly a year ago when the Official Suckers toured through the states. I'm happy that we've been able to create these lasting relationships with folks from all over.
The band that headlined last night played some super fun pop-punk, and are going to join us tomorrow night at our show in Kitchener. Hopefully I'll be able to take better shots of them there! Then again, I'll be celebrating my birthday at that show so I might just have fun and dance.
Cute friends
Adventuring through the horribly slushy streets of the capital city
Black Is The Color, our friend from New Haven, CT
Mark It Zero, from Kitchener, ON
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tour!
So we've been on tour now for about 4 days, and we're taking some time to relax in Ottawa.
It's funny- when I first started hanging out with folks in Ottawa, I was really surprised at how they were able to make a home here as it never used to feel residential to me. These days, however, it's starting to feel really comfortable. My brother and father both live here, Steve's brother lives here, and there seems to be a genuine wealth of awesome places to hang out (I want to live in Raw Sugar cafe for the rest of my life).
I've been taking tons of photos, but I don't want to A) bore you all or B) use Steve's laptop for the next 6 hours uploading them, so here is a small sample of what's been going on so far:
It's funny- when I first started hanging out with folks in Ottawa, I was really surprised at how they were able to make a home here as it never used to feel residential to me. These days, however, it's starting to feel really comfortable. My brother and father both live here, Steve's brother lives here, and there seems to be a genuine wealth of awesome places to hang out (I want to live in Raw Sugar cafe for the rest of my life).
I've been taking tons of photos, but I don't want to A) bore you all or B) use Steve's laptop for the next 6 hours uploading them, so here is a small sample of what's been going on so far:
The traditional Oxford Blueberry photo
Star wars figurines! At the house in Sackville! I'm not going to tell you where because damn, if I were to burgle something...
Buzz Buzz, in Sackville
Noise Hounds
Sandman Viper Command, from Burlington, Ontario
Matt (A) at the Gallery we played in Moncton
Money In The Banana Stand, from Charlottetown, PEI
The Fucking Gummi Bears, our sweet friends from Moncton, NB
Crowd shots from Moncton! Kelly Belly and Sonny Bones hitched to see us in both Sackville and Moncton, which was super sweet. Also there was this SUPER WEIRD lady who danced to the FGB and then bought a bunch of Steve's zines and made him SIGN them.
That's all for now. I'm going to continue being all cozy inside while the rain and slush carries on outdoors. We're in Ottawa for a few more days, then off to Guelph!
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