Photo by Ming Wu

Ottawa is a very vibrant culturally-active scene that is poised for some sort of boom.  I was reminded of this only two weeks ago when I attended the launch of PosterLoop and the OIFF 72 Film Festival.  PosterLoop is going to revolutionize how events get advertised in the capital using videoscreens in local businesses.

My friends won for "Polar Bear Love"! So proud of them!

However, at the film awards I met so many amazing and interesting people! It was so refreshing to meet people in the city genuinely excited and involved in local film.   The premise of the film festival is that filmmakers get given phrases, places, and actions they must include in the creation of a short film that must be created, shot, and edited all in 3 days.  The winning team admitted they did not sleep.  Check out their winning film, which is to be screened at the Mayfair’s Painted Lips and Lolly Lips Valentine’s Film Festival on February 11th.

I apparently 'smel'

Outside of “The Dude” jokes, I still suck at bowling.  But! in a twist of fate, since I have carpal tunnel in my right hand, I started to use my left- and got two strikes!  This was a post-christmas party for the radio station and full of awesome people that make me so glad I didn’t walk from the job.

Thanks, Hot!

Initially I was in it for the extra cash, and now with promo/writing work, I can’t work as much as I did.  Now I’m simply elated with the connections it’s provided me.  (and free stuff- like this!)

I hit the town with my coworkers at the stations’ Live Lounge to check out Grand Motel.  HUGE crowd for them.

Blogger Brunch - photo by ming wu

The First Ottawa Indie Blogger Brunch was held last Sunday to much success.   It was really positive sharing a meal with bloggers/writers involved in fashion, arts, film, food, music, and a lot of laughs were had.  There was about 15 of us, despite the time change and was held at the Imperial on Bank Street that is one of few places that accommodates vegan breakfasts.  The next one will be held at February 27 at Chez Lucien, I’m one of the organizers so please do come by and say hi

In terms of writing work, I have not talked to any rock stars or celebrities this week, though was reflecting how lucky I was that at such a young age artists like Thomas of Strike Anywhere and Kevin Devine were willing to talk to me at lengths about music, politics and art.  Those conversations had a huge influence on me later.

I chopped off all my hair!

People have been approaching me lately asking for advice when it comes to writing or everything else I am involved with.  Don’t get my wrong, it’s flattering and I am happy to help and offer support (within reason).  My advice to you, if you’re passionate about something, JUST DO IT!  Do it for yourself, do it for your friends; if you want to create something, all the power to you.  Douglas Coupland said he meets dozens of people in a year that tell him they’re written a novel but it’s uncompleted.  His advice?  “Just finish the damn thing and you’re already published.”  That’s encouragement for me as well since I’ve been trudging away with my own book, Marty McFly since last March now.  A grant I was working on recently got canceled (thanks Harper government) so it’s back to the drawing board.  I’d really like to make a proper business model and have a mentor take me under their wing to show me how to write and be financially stable whilst doing so.  I’m pitching like crazy in the meantime.

I realize as well I need to add a promotions toggle button at the top of my site as this is something I’ve been doing for the last 8 years.  More on that later.

Thanks for reading!

Snowday- It ain't over 'til she sings.

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