MONTHLY MISSIVE: AUGUST

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

August always feels bittersweet to me. The end of summer has a way of making you look back on all the fun you had, but also remind you of everything you failed to accomplish. There's always a bit of regret for all those unchecked bucket list items. I did pretty well at actually getting through a majority of mine this year though, as well as a few fun surprises that were never on the list. So while we're all trying to squeeze in that last dip in the pool, camping trip or late night adventure, here's some of the things I loved this month.

• Is The Future of Art Augmented? - I really love hope artists are embracing digital potential, and am so excited for the projects and possibilities this article talks about.
• My Buddy - It seems we've lost so many great musicians lately. Patti Smith's piece on Sam Shepard is beautiful and heartbreaking, and definitely a must read. 
• The Village Legacy Project - This was absolutely my favourite part of pride this year. Projects like this, that curate lgtbq history, are so so crucial and I am so happy that my city is working to preserve it. 
• Fate Core - I recently started designing a campaign using this system and I am in love. I first heard about it on TableTop (of course) and it piqued my interest enough to look into it more and pretty soon I was set on forcing my friends to play with me, and knee deep in campaign design. It's going to be so cool, I am extremely excited.
• The Dance Cartel Presents: Wet Clutch - A live performance where dancers interpret the female film icons of the last four decades, all in a simulated drive-in setting? Sign me right up. I only wish that I could go see it in person, but just knowing something like this will exist in the world brings joy to my heart.
• Tea - Okay, so this is something I love every month, but I'm especially glad for the return of some of my favourite seasonal flavours (honeycrisp apple tea I love you so), and with the cooler weather this past week I've been drinking even more than usual.
• Season of Lust - I really liked this photo essay for the way it explored more than just sexual lust. It got me thinking about the other things we lust for, in the ways indulging in some foods can be hedonistic, the way you can long for a place as much as a lover - a lot of impact in such a sort article.
• Letter of Recommendation: Ghosting - Absolutely everyone should read this. "Ghosting" is often a topic that will bring up strong opinions, but I really enjoyed the softer take this article has.
• Conversations With People Who Hate Me - This is such a fascinating podcast. Dylan Marron (of Youtube, or perhaps you know him as the voice of Carlos on Welcome to Night Vale) sits down to talk with people who've trolled him online. There's a great interview on Fast Company about it if you want to know more, but I kind of recommend just jumping in and listening.
• Ice Cold Summer Snacks - Popsicles and creamsicles and ice cream and frozen yogurt and every other frosty snack that is essential to the summer. There's an actual ice cream truck that goes to the park near my apartment and every time I hear the music I have to restrain myself from running over. 

Sweet dreams of endless summer nights,