Reflections Off A Discoball

Red Lightning (Beta Read)

I’m happy with the progress so here’s the first bit of ‘Red Lightning’ the first story you’ll read in ‘Phantasmagoria’. Enjoy 🙂 Cecil Cecil laid out on his stomach naked with his legs criss-crossed under the red glow of Christmas lights hung above his bed. The closed blinds shut the world out, save for the blue hue reflected onto his face form his iPhone. He had just finished posing for some…

It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn

As September draws to a close, I am reminded that I have just over a month before a 7 year chapter draws to a close, and I begin my next one back in my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Tonight I have made a big helping of homestyle chilli with a nice side of white jasmine rice. Rice is such a supreme side for chilli for a multitude of reasons and I hope you agree. Either way, chilli is a great…

‘Patient Number 9’ Album Review

For me, I feel when new music is released its best reception is that from the reaction by the fans. Because it’s the fans that will ultimately find refuge in the songs of their favourite artist, and staple them as the soundtracks to their lives. There was a lot of air-drumming and air-guitar while writing this album review. That being said, I hope to offer a digestible and intelligent piece of…

Crossley Listening – In A Dream

I recently revised Troye Sivan’s ‘In A Dream’ EP. At the time of its release it didn’t quite speak to me except for two of its songs. ‘Take Yourself Home’ (very covid-esque, self reflective), and ‘Easy’ (a gut wrenching pop tranquilizer). It was at the height of the pandemic and the package as an EP just didn’t resonate for whatever reason. It still was and is a fantastically raw and personal…

If you asked me this time last year that by this year I would be bald, I probably would’ve developed a certain amount of low self-esteem about myself. Because now I am sporting a bald look. I’m freshly twenty-nine and enjoying the best form of confidence that I’ve ever had in myself. I remember the day. It was a few weeks ago in early July where I pulled up to a Denim & Smith’s and walked in to…

Nearly three years ago I crossed the borer coming from Alberta, Canada into The United States Of America and drove all the way to Idaho to see one of my life long friends. Its a trip I will never forget because it was one of the few experiences that truly elevated my life as a young man. Once I made my way passed the border patrol and switched my mileage count from kilometres to miles, I chased…

This blog post came as an after thought from much ado about nothing. Really, in hindsight, there’s nothing of interest, other than my day to day. Some friends and I saw Dr. strange: The Multiverse of Madness. It was a marvel to behold, that’s for sure. Those movies, as “theme park” as they may be present great abstract artworks of humanity in impossible situations, only to make them fun, light…

This is Where it Happens

I’m laid out on my sectional and over my shoulder is the living room window where just enough working light is let in from an evening of overcast. It’s the perfect time to write. I still have enough energy after working my day job, and I’m not too tired yet. Even though I’m still reeling from 1883’s finale, my mind is already geared up to write and contend with other matters. But if you haven’t…

Writing this project ‘Phantasmagoria’ in some ways is like constructing an album. The cadence and flow of the assortment of stories operate on a concise level. It’s the only thing I can compare the structure of this project to. The first story of this project ‘Red Lightning’ has been the hardest to write. The longer I stay with it the more I discover and figure out for the rest of the stories. In…

“Cheers to You, Oh Wonderful You” with Colby Crossley – Stephanie Tracy

“Cheers to You, Oh Wonderful You” with Colby Crossley – Stephanie Tracy — Read on stephanietracywrites.com/cheers-to-you-oh-wonderful-you-with-colby-crossley/ I was interviewed for an on-going series that celebrates people by telling their stories. I hope you enjoy the interview. It was great to do. Cheers,

I am reassured when I see reasonable, decent people yield their opposing political views, so that above all friendship and respect is maintained. Two or more friends can have opposing views in the political ring, but still go for a drink and enjoy an evening without toxic existentialism. It’s a sad realization when folks find their friends block/unfriend them because they merely attempted to…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted about the death of Candy Palmater, to which whom I did not know of before hand. His tweet follows… “Canada lost an incredible talent and advocate yesterday. Candy Palmater, a member of the Mi’kmaw Nation in NB, entertained and educated so many through her work – her passing is a huge loss. My thoughts are with her family and partner, Denise, during this…

Every now and then I have this urge to tell people what I’m listening to. It’s in that moment of euphoria where I know other people need to hear this RIGHT NOW. In desperation, I often share screenshots of the cover art in my instagram stories, but apart from seeing the screenshot it’s never known why I like it or why I think others should check it out. So I figure I would jot down ten tracks…

I’ve spent the last few months wondering how to re-connect with an audience after taking a several month blogging hiatus. If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know I write with a personal flare. There’s an attachment I have with my work. Everything is held to a critical, passionate eye. So, with this being a returning blog what should be said? How do I say it? There is no clear cut answer other…

Just Don’t Call Her a Ghostwriter – The New York Times

Michelle Burford has carved out a niche helping famous Black women like Cicely Tyson, Alicia Keys and Gabby Douglas write their memoirs. But she can tell many kinds of stories, including her own. — Read on www.nytimes.com/2021/01/24/books/michelle-burford-celebrity-memoir.html

12 Things I’ve Learned in My First Year of Being a Mama – Stephanie Tracy

12 Things I’ve Learned in My First Year of Being a Mama – Stephanie Tracy — Read on stephanietracywrites.com/12-things-ive-learned-in-my-first-year-of-being-a-mama/