McSweeney’s List (10 January 2024)
There's a quote that I think of often:
Live like the past was destiny, and the future is up to you.
I don't know where I heard this, and Google isn't helping. I do know that it's the answer to the question of fate vs freewill, and projecting my lived (living) experience through this lens clarifies my view.
The concept resonates with me. At some point I switched from thoughts of fate to thoughts of faith. When people lament “bad timing”, I'm the positive prick who quips that there's no such thing. This works better in my head, as people experiencing “bad timing” need to process that in their own way. I truly believe it, though. To everything, turn, turn turn…seasons, et cetera. In the grand scheme, the big picture tapestry will go off without a hitch, we’re just so busy being tangled threads we get confused.
“Good timing”, on the other hand, feels like a miracle. Don't panic, I recognize my contradiction and give zero fucks, thank you very much. When good things happen, they feel like miracles, like pickpocketing abundance from the universe, whichever you prefer. Consider the people nearest and dearest to you. Chances are, when you look back on how you met them, it seems like a stroke of random luck. I have dear friends that I met through dear friends, and those who made introductions faded away, while those friends of friends now hold prominent and honoured space in my life. Or maybe you knew someone peripherally for years, and one day over a spilled coffee (or an emergency tampon, or a flat tire, or a shared enemy), you formed a bond that grew into Bestieship. And how wild is that? Can you imagine your life without them? No! They’re inherent to your journey now. They are part of your network, your daily habits, your family. And yet, looking back, it all seems like such a fluke that you met this person at all. If you're prone to What-Ifing, you could work yourself into a veritable tizzy wondering where you might be now if that moment hadn't happened, but the quote snaps you back: the past was predetermined. It had to happen as it did. It was always going to happen that way.
There's another theory I've heard that supports this. It floats around yoga studios (and I'll assume anywhere else people are hugging strangers and working through shit). That one states that we choose our parents before we’re born. Yikes. Ok, don't panic, I know this may be getting touchy for some, but there's a strength in it. It affirms that you chose: not fate, not chaos theory, not random genetics in a blender. Your Soul, with clarity, wisdom, and a bird's eye view of the cosmos chose the spot where you would learn the truths and gain the skills that would make you the You that you're here to be. Without that, you would be someone else entirely. I understand that may sound appealing depending on what kind of day you're having, but shit days happen across the board. You are the only You, and that's pretty amazing. Promise.
Last but not least, there's a short line that is the icing on this quotable cake, and it comes from Ginsberg: Follow your inner moonlight / don't hide the madness. Once we get a handle (even for a moment) on the Past and how it unfolded as it should (yes, including that cringe thing you did at the office three months ago that still keeps you up at night), we can move on to the Future. Made up as it is of the choices we make at the Present, the time has come to focus on Now. While it's prudent to remember that we must set ourselves up for success, make healthy choices, body, temple, you are what you think, you know all that. I, via Ginsberg, would like to remind you to be your truest, strangest, most vulnerable self. Follow each passion earnestly. Let one author you love lead you to the next, and next, until you're surrounded by voices that call to you through time. Let a musician you like lead you into a world of music you've never heard before. Google a painting you saw on TV once and deep dive into a genre of art you didn't know had a name. Whatever floats your boat, My Bizzles. Let each whim inspire your next without concern for where they might lead. Follow your inner moonlight.
Don't hide the madness reminds me that we must show up in our truest form to attract and hold those who will fulfill us most deeply. In a Universe that has a natural tendency of providing what you ask for, even (often) to the point of malicious compliance, we must beware the prayers we repeat. If you're faking, you will find someone who loves your artificial self. Or, even more dramatically ugly in the long run, you will find another fake, and then you will build a fake life where everyone has to remember to pretend all the time, or the illusion will crumble to the ground. Those do make for fantastic reality shows, so I mean, if you do it, get a cameraman. And while it's super easy to oversimplify and say be yourself, I would argue that we must do the hard work and go deeper. We must know ourselves honestly and intimately, which is not a project for the faint of heart. Even the brave must grind before they can track down the magic sword to slay the dragon. It's a fucking longer project than it appears at the outset. At our best, we have infinite layers to explore and painfully finite time, so hustle up and polish your boots. With each dragon slain, you will gain strength. You will learn skills, level up, get a li’l posse going, get a new cooler outfit, and at each stage you will give it your all. And that's how everything works. You must give it your all. Show people your weird shit. Let them love you as you are. If they don't, they weren't for you. No bad timing. The past was set in stone. But the Future, baby, that's all you. Make it wild.
YOU'VE GOT SKILLS
It's time to show off your talent! Just starting out? A pro looking for a fun night? Whether you're a singer, musician, poet, comedian, or something I haven't even thought of, this is the spot for you. This open mic is hosted in a lovely space filled with supportive folks, so there's no need to be shy. (In fact, I love this venue and the ladies who run it so much that I have a feature on it and them in the works, so watch this space.) The spot is BYOB, plus refreshments are included in the entrance cost, so it's a steal of a deal for your Saturday fun. Bring your skills or just come cheer these folks on! You can even sign up to perform ahead of time! Simply email laurielynn@espacejoiedevivre.com or isabelle@espacejoiedevivre.com stating your artistic contribution so they can add you to the line-up.
WHAT: Open Mic
WHERE: Espace Joie de Vivre, 1485 Atateken St., Montreal, H2L 3L2,
WHEN: Saturday, January 13, Doors @ 730 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Espace Joie de Vivre
DREAMY
You are safe here.
But out there
I’m not always sure.
- Christine Quintana
Somewhere between awake and asleep, you are summoned to receive a special message from a forgotten old friend. Blending a dreamy sonic landscape and an unexpected use of technology, you are invited to place yourself within a dreamscape in which you possess extraordinary powers.
An immersive and solitary experience, Good Things To Do is a meditation on goodness, generosity, and the struggle to stay soft in a world that asks us to be hard.
This is an online event with only 12 tickets available per show. Some showtimes are already sold out, so get on this ASAP.
WHAT: Good Things To Do
WHERE: online
WHEN: Saturday, January 13 (1 PM, 245 PM, 6 PM, 745 PM)
Sunday January 14 ((1 PM, 245 PM, 6 PM, 745 PM)
Saturday January 20 (6 PM)
Sunday January 21 (1 PM, 245 PM, 6 PM, 745 PM)
DETAILS: Imago Theatre
NEW MIC, SAME GREAT HOST
It feels like just last week that Avery Jane bid farewell to hosting an open mic (because it was). This week she announced brand new hosting duties! (She moves fast). Join her Thursdays at Big Trouble Café to perform or watch (you get a free treat for performing, too). This spot has food, snacks, sweets, coffee, and cocktails, so you can bring the group that never agrees on a plan. If you've never seen Avery Jane on stage, what are you actually waiting for?! She's a delight and a star, a consummate professional and helluva singer. Tell her I sent you.
WHAT: Open Mic
WHERE: Big Trouble Café, 2054 St. Denis St., Montreal, H2X 3K8
WHEN: Thursdays, 5 PM - 9 PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
EVERY DAY HE’S HUSTLING
Vance Michel is a comedian, producer, podcaster, and all around entertainer. He's also a hustler, always on his grind, so I shouldn't be surprised that he submitted three shows this week. He went through the proper channels, sent each individually, and there's no rule on the books against this (I checked). Plus, we at FTB love a good self promotion, and plus plus, Vance is hilarious.
Every Wednesday (hey, that's tonight!) at 8 PM, test your knowledge while having a blast with friends! Trivia night at Hurley's Irish Pub offers the perfect setting for fun (and good natured ribbing when you find out your friends aren't as bright as they claimed). Gather your team and get ready! Whether you're a history buff, a pop culture guru, or a sports fanatic, there's something for everyone. Grab a pint, enjoy delicious pub fare, win prizes, and priceless bragging rights!
Every Monday at 8 PM (at Hurley's) Vance and Zak Kik host The World's Smallest Comedy Night, a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics and more surprises! Both hosts have performed at JFL Zoofest, and have been growing this mic for a minute. It's must see TV…but like, in person.
If you prefer your jokes raunchy (and I do), The Monday Dirty Mic kicks off (Hurley's at 1030 PM, so you can double your dose of laughs. Vance hosts a lineup of professional comedians that have performed for JFL, and have been on CBC, CTV, and KiLL Tony. Whether you're a comedy enthusiast or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. Grab your friends, family, or even that neighbour who always cracks you up, and enjoy an evening of pure entertainment.
These shows are technically free to attend, but when they “pass the hat” don't be that dude who doesn't put anything in, you know?
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, Quebec H3G 2B1
METRO: Lucien Allier (Orange) / Guy-Concordia (Green)
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
