McSweeney’s List (6 March 2024)
It feels like the flowers could bloom at any moment. I've had to dress for rain more often than snow in the past few weeks, and I heard the bravest gaggle of geese returning from southern climes. (They were followed by waves of less brave but still bold birds over the next few days.) We're in the hopeful in-between as we move from winter to spring, and the former already feels long gone.
Only 60ish days ago we were donning sequins and popping bubbly, ringing in the new year. 60 days from now, we won't even remember winter. It took us all about a week before realizing (as we do every year) that the changing number does not change the world. Each year is a continuation of the last, in many ways simply an object in motion, remaining in motion. That is, of course, until it meets an opposing force. Now as we're entering the last month of the first quarter of the year (holy shit! That went so fast!) it seems like the perfect time to check-in on the promises we made to ourselves about where this year will take us.
*Pulls up a chair, pours tea for two. How are you doing, Dear? Yes, the world is on fire, but that doesn't mean you have to be. Take a breath and consider things calmly. Have you been treating yourself as you would someone you love, both in speech and action? I gettit, that's one of those habits that seems so easy in one moment and so easily forgotten the next. Remember though, that everything grows better with nurturing, so calling yourself a dumbass won't get you to your goals. Oh, and shitting on yourself the moment you notice you've been talking trash is an ugly spiral to start down on. Cut that out. You deserve better. How are your relationships? How are your boundaries? A Dear Friend helped me with mine when she told me that boundaries are not limits but rather, invitations. I'm inviting people into my life in ways that will make me want them to stay in my life. I'm letting them know how to join me. That blew my whole mind open, and I genuinely feel like I've been considering and implementing my boundaries differently since she said it. Boundaries are still new and tricky for me, but I'm doing it despite that. And that's another lesson I'm implementing (and hope you are too): saying yes to the uncomfortable things that are good for me. This includes events that feel outside of my comfort zone, as well as raising standards that I've grown accustomed to keeping low. It's far from a perfect science, more of a messy art at best, but I'm doing the damn thing.
Those of us prepping for new digs this year might feel stuck in time and space at the moment. I know I do. Too soon to pack (I have been assured by level heads), and too late to redecorate. It's an odd suspension, so I am trying to channel my nervous energy back into myself. I'm focusing on rest and health, balancing strength and vulnerability, getting as ready as I can for the shifts that are so slowly in motion. If you find yourself sharing my boat, know that I believe we both have this under control, and I can't wait for us to feel settled and comfy again.
For those who made big promises to themselves when the clock struck midnight, I don't think the road is a straight or simple one. Huge changes are in fact a collection of tiny choices set in motion, like clockwork. Each choice turns a gear that turns another, setting a chain of events in motion for good or bad. Keep your faith-fire stoked, and the reasons for which you've set this goal clear in your mind. Nothing worth doing is easy.
Each day provides us a fresh start, but each day also builds on the last. Random blessings are as likely to strike you as setbacks, and you need both. Plants need the fresh lovely rain and the scorching sun, but everyone forgets how shit (actual poop) makes flowers bloom. I guess no one wants to consider the origins while nose deep in a bouquet, much like people don't want to see how their sausages are made. Character is built similarly: we admire those who have walked through fire and overcome adversity, but we don't like to see the suffering any more than we want to suffer ourselves. It's the season to reap what we have sown while planting the seeds for the next, and that's the way it always is.
While we're talking gardening, I have a prediction for you: we will see more snow before the season ends. I know this because years ago I learned that there are flowers called perce neige (snowdrops, in English). The purple ones look like crocuses, and bloom at the same time as snow crocuses. You’ll catch these bad boys literally piercing through the snow towards the sunlight, or standing stoically while the white stuff falls all over them. And they just keep blooming. Because these flowers know (as well as a flower can know) that the hard parts are not an exception, but part of their process..so when that snow comes, as it will, don't be one of the people who rage and whine, that won't change the weather. Just put on a sweater, stretch out your petals, and keep growing.
TONIGHT! OUT WEST!
The suburbs need more laughs, and I say that as someone who knows the West Island too well for my own liking. While I can't fix the general vibe of the place, Montreal comedians are doing their best by hitting the highway and heading out West once again.
It's the 4th edition of comedy at the Pigeon Club Café, and hosts Walter Lyng and Troy Stark will have you cracking up as they keep the show moving. Mike Paterson headlines, and the laughs just keep coming. Bribe your driving friends, or have a public transit adventure, you'll be glad you did.
WHAT: Pigeon (Comedy) Club Café #4
WHERE: Pigeon Club Café, 6321 Trans-Canada Hwy, #148, Pointe-Claire, H9R 5A5
WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, Doors @730 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Nope.
DETAILS: Facebook
CHICAGO MIX (OR HOT HONEY)
The very first Sweet & Salty Show hits the stage this week! It's giving the sugary sweetness of heartfelt storytelling, and savoury mouthfuls of brutal wit. The lineup will honour International Women's Day, celebrating wit, charm, and brilliance showcasing a range of comedic styles. Featuring Lucy Gervais, Dawn Ford, Mariam Khan, Alain-Mylène Papillon, Johanna Selvarajah, and Isabelle Trunchon. The evening will be hosted by the very brave (and very funny) Jason Yearow, who will do his best to represent the entire male gender while drowning in a sea of estrogen.
Whether you have a sweet tooth for light-hearted humour or crave the spice of edgy comedy, it’ll be a smorgasbord of fun flavors.
As for the venue, it's so fab I wrote all about it here, so get acquainted!
WHAT: Sweet & Salty Comedy Show
WHERE: Espace Joie de Vivre, 1485 Atateken St., Montreal, H2L 3L2, (entrance through the back door)
WHEN: Friday, March 8, @ 8 PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Facebook
SCRATCH’N’SNIFF
You can't tell by reading my essay, but if you know me personally, you probably know I love nice smells (and chances are I've stuck something perfumy under your nose and told you to take a whiff). From incense to fresh earth, from dryer sheets to rain on concrete, I feel like I'm in an isolation chamber if there aren't enough scents (and colours) around. So, when my like-minded nerd-nosed friend started her custom perfume company, I got hella excited. She sent the vibes into the Universe, and the Universe said this smells great, let's go places!
Where are we going? To the Le Ciel Perfum table at the Pop Finds Women's Day Pop-Up Market, where you can learn how to create a unique scent for yourself! Whether it's a personal dream or a party activity, they’ve got you covered.
All the brands on site will be women owned, local, small businesses, with plenty of beautiful things available to spoil yourself with! Jewellery, candles, soaps, and tasty treats, just to name a few. Plus a beautiful flower wall and photo booth, so get ready for your selfies! Love prezzies? Get there early, because the first 25 customers of the pop-up will receive goodie bags filled with local small business products.
WHAT: Women's Day Pop-Up
WHERE: IMAGEMOTION Studio & Event Space, 370 Guy St., Montreal, H3J 1S6
WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 10 AM - 5 PM
METRO: Lucien-L'Allier (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
TITS & TITTERS
The Lucy Show is a stand-up comedy night with a Wiggle Room twist. The second Sunday of the month, we feature Montreal's best and brightest femme/female and Queer stand-up comedians and burlesquers as well as visiting performers.
Just For Laughs has been cancelled this year, which makes 2024 the perfect time to support your local community of talent!
The Lucy Show has an amazing lineup this month of JFL festival alumni comedians as stunning burlesque in a gorgeous venue. Don’t miss out!
WHAT: The Lucy Show
WHERE: The Wiggle Room, 3874 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y2
WHEN: Sunday, March 10 @ 8PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
TICKETS: The Wiggle Room
POETEA (SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!)
Tea, art, meaningful convos, and poetry. That's the perfect combo for a Sunday. Spilt Red Wine Poetry is back for their 25th edition. Proceeds from the event will go to Water First, a wonderful organization that helps Indigenous communities maintain access to clean drinking water.
The afternoon begins with a cozy tea party, with the option to make some arts and crafts. Tea sandwiches and desserts, tea, and sparkling wine will be provided for some tasty munchies. It's a space for community bonding, a chance to meet and mingle with fellow poets, artists, and lovers of the arts. The open-mic poetry share will follow. Everyone is welcome, so don't be shy! Bring your friends!
WHAT: Afternoon Tea & Poetry Share
WHERE: Le Frigo Vert, 1448 Mackay St., Montreal, H3G 2H7
WHEN: Sunday, March 10, @ 3 PM
METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
