I didn't really write about this but back in December I went to Toronto to see The New Pornographers for two consecutive nights. It, like the rest of my life, was chaotic, not fully planned, and did come with its ups and downs, but I will remember this trip, and the cold, for the rest of my life. Here is one specific memory I'll cherish for as long as I can remember:
It's the morning of Tuesday, December 7th. Night one of The New Pornographers was amazing. Despite standing behind a tall individual, I am forever changed, in the best way ever. I'm walking through the empty, and cold Ward's Island, off the coast of Toronto, moving to stay warm. Last I checked, the temperature was below zero degrees Celsius. And, on my AirPods, on non-stop replay, is To Wild Homes by said New Pornos. Is it their most popular song? No. But the night before, when looking up at the stage and witnessing the brilliance that they are, this is the song that moved me. This is the song that will resonate with me. This is the song that will define this trip and I absolutely love it. I have no videos of this song being performed. This is a mild bummer but then I remember I was so entranced by the performance and Carl Newman drawing out "to wild homes" in his graceful manner that I am okay with this. Before smartphones and cameras you just had to be there to witness it. I was there and this is now one of my core memories. I keep moving, this island and these residences are too cute to waste. I finish my walk it time to return to the heated ferry. While seated, I make a new friend, Penny. She is warm and fuzzy and reminds me that I miss my cats. The trip back to the mainland is short. Despite the cold, I know I have to come back here when it's warmer.
I thank the crew, walk off the boat, and keep on going. It's only noon after all.