Kathy BrysonHalfway to #Halloween! To get ready, read:
The Best #Horror Books You Haven’t Read
https://bookriot.com/the-best-horror-books-you-havent-read/
CBC MontrealPen and paper enthusiasts from across Canada flock to Montreal convention
In a digitally dominant world, there's something cathartic about putting pen to paper. That's what some of the participants at a stationery and handwriting convention in downtown Montreal say about finding balance in a fast-paced world.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7218170?cmp=rss
In a digitally dominant world, there's something cathartic about putting pen to paper. That's what some of the participants at a stationery and handwriting convention in downtown Montreal say about finding balance in a fast-paced world.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7218170?cmp=rss
Annika JayneHappy Record Store Day! 🎉
For the occasion I decided to release my demo album In Moments Like These on vinyl through Elasticstage. 🥳
Back in 2023 the Lights & Lines Label from Brighton, UK, initiated the Album Writing Club. The challenge was to write and record an EP or an album within the month of May. It was also a competition: The winner would be signed to the label. I signed up and was determined to make it happen. And at the end of May I submitted an album with 10 songs on it!
Of course I didn’t have the financial resources to hire session musicians or a producer so I did everything I could myself the best of my abilities. That’s why it’s a demo album.
But why bother to release a demo album on vinyl?
For one thing, it’s tradition to release demos, unplugged recordings, live performances or even bootlegs on record store day.
The other reason is that writing and recording this album was cathartic for me. It was a lifeline after one of the most difficult times in my life. A time in which I nearly lost myself. Writing and recording this album transformed all my emotions, my grief, my anger, my sadness, into something creative and helped me reclaim my life.
I didn’t win the competition. But I gained so much more!
You could read the whole story on my Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/152723315
And you could order the record here:
https://elasticstage.com/ajaynemusic/releases/in-moments-like-these-demos-album
Today you get a 20% discount with code RSD20.
And if you don’t have a turntable, it’s available digitally through Bandcamp:
https://annikajayne.bandcamp.com/album/in-moments-like-these-demos-album
Thanks so much for your support! 🫶
#recordstoreday #bandcamp #singersongwriter #vinyl #vinyllover #cathartic #transformation
For the occasion I decided to release my demo album In Moments Like These on vinyl through Elasticstage. 🥳
Back in 2023 the Lights & Lines Label from Brighton, UK, initiated the Album Writing Club. The challenge was to write and record an EP or an album within the month of May. It was also a competition: The winner would be signed to the label. I signed up and was determined to make it happen. And at the end of May I submitted an album with 10 songs on it!
Of course I didn’t have the financial resources to hire session musicians or a producer so I did everything I could myself the best of my abilities. That’s why it’s a demo album.
But why bother to release a demo album on vinyl?
For one thing, it’s tradition to release demos, unplugged recordings, live performances or even bootlegs on record store day.
The other reason is that writing and recording this album was cathartic for me. It was a lifeline after one of the most difficult times in my life. A time in which I nearly lost myself. Writing and recording this album transformed all my emotions, my grief, my anger, my sadness, into something creative and helped me reclaim my life.
I didn’t win the competition. But I gained so much more!
You could read the whole story on my Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/152723315
And you could order the record here:
https://elasticstage.com/ajaynemusic/releases/in-moments-like-these-demos-album
Today you get a 20% discount with code RSD20.
And if you don’t have a turntable, it’s available digitally through Bandcamp:
https://annikajayne.bandcamp.com/album/in-moments-like-these-demos-album
Thanks so much for your support! 🫶
#recordstoreday #bandcamp #singersongwriter #vinyl #vinyllover #cathartic #transformation
thecasualramblerForgive me if I sound like I'm repeating myself along all of these poems, but I think they represent a progression of releasing some emotions that have been hanging around me since autumn.
#poetry #cathartic #blog #creativewriting #firesongs
http://thecasualramble.com/2026/03/17/casual-poetry-letting-go/
Futurist Jim Carroll"How you manage your disappointments defines whether you just heal, or whether you evolve!" - Futurist Jim Carroll
Skiing has defined a large part of who I am and what I do.
And I've certainly documented my history with the sport here!
For over 25 years, the slopes have been my winter sanctuary. I’m usually the first one at the chairlift, chasing that perfect morning run and the "exuberance of the carve." It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a rhythm that connects me with friends and family, acting as the backdrop for some of my best memories.
The sport has even found its way into my professional life as a futurist. I’ve often written about the "Powder Principle." It's a story about a young engineer who turned down a high-paying job because it would mess with his skiing time, which became a great way to explain shifting generational values. I’ve also explored the link between high performance and business speed, drawing lessons from sharing the slopes with Olympian Larisa Yurkiw. Then there are numerous trends and innovation pieces I have written about the sport as a way of explaining the future and opportunity.
Skiing has always been a perfect metaphor for agility and looking ahead!
Of course, this past season didn't go as planned. As many of you know, a fall on the ice left me with a spinal injury that sidelined me for the entire winter. It was a tough break - literally- but I’m making this my final word on the matter.
Yesterday, during an early morning walk, I went over to the chairlift where I would usually start my day, at the sport where I would claim 'first chair.' It was tough to be there, but it was kind of a cathartic moment, and a big learning opportunity for me!
It reminded me that dwelling on the "what ifs" doesn't help anyone, and
frankly, I’m ready to move past the injury narrative and focus entirely on the recovery.
That brings me back to the idea of evolving. Instead of being bitter about the lost season, I’ve shifted my focus to what’s next. I’m trading the ski boots for golf clubs as I prepare for a tee time at St. Andrews in just 48 days, and I'm finding joy in new roles, like being a grandfather to Mason.
Managing disappointment isn't just about healing the damage; it's about pivoting to new opportunities with a positive mindset!
----
Futurist Jim Carroll will start 'rotation' exercises in just a few weeks to start his rehab process for golf!
**#Disappointment** **#Evolution** **#Healing** **#Skiing** **#Resilience** **#Pivot** **#Mindset** **#Growth** **#Recovery** **#Perspective** **#NewChapter** **#Gratitude** **#Golf** **#StAndrews** **#Grandfather** **#Transformation** **#Cathartic** **#Forward** **#Opportunity** **#Positivity** **#Lessons** **#Moving** **#Letting** **#Embrace** **#Onwards**
getmusicCutworm - Swallow
"Three heavy, easily digestive tracks that leave you in a contemplative state."
#electronic #chill #darkelectronic #experimentalhiphop #cathartic #music
getmusic.fm/l/MiXkO9
Cutworm - Swallow
"Three heavy, easily digestive tracks that leave you in a contemplative state."
#electronic #chill #darkelectronic #experimentalhiphop #cathartic #music
getmusic.fm/l/MiXkO9
Professional MoronWhy I Keep Blogging in the Era of SOCIAL MEDIA ✍️
Welcome to 2026, losers! 🥳
I’m (Mr. Wapojif) kicking off the year with thoughts on blogging and the wider creative online world. Many people do still blog and I’ve been following various people on WordPress for the last 10+ years, which is pretty incredible. I’ve made some lasting ENEMIES thanks to this platform.
There’s no denying blogging is considered old hat. With more popular social media sites (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, podcasting) lowering attention spans and upping the need for in-your-face attitudes. I’m behind the game big time.
It has made me question whether to jump the blogging ship and try my hand at YouTube videos or whatnot, but the result would be the same. There’s a hell of a lot of white noise out there, millions of individuals having a go, and whatever platform you use you’re unlikely to get much attention (unless you luck out).
This grounds my love for blogging in personal enjoyment and as a cathartic release. As a raging autistic introvert, this blog has helped me make sense of society/existence and process the madness going on in the world.
I started it all in February 2012 to unleash my continuous creative desire (if you have it, you have it) and self-deprecate. Back then I thought I was dumb, then realised I’m a goddamn genius (joking, btw), before later getting an autism diagnosis. That’s when I realised this is all a hyper-fixation. A special interest. To that extent, it’s a way for me to stay sane, rather than a means to get famous, rich, and widespread recognition. Now 41, I don’t really see much worth in any of that (unlike in my 20s, when I wanted to get published as a novelist—it all feels irrelevant now).
This is why I continue with the blogging. Random thoughts, satire, silly humour, a small community of peeps I like and respect.
Why not change? If it was anything, it’d be YouTube. It’s been a fascination of mine going on 20 years, but it is also full of dross. “Rage bait” was the word of 2025 and I can see why, with all the videos crying out desperately for attention with clickbait video titles and deliberate provocations. It’s an effort to try and stand out from everyone else, but it does lack integrity.
Instagram I still love, but it’s also the same mix of great work by very creative people offset by tens of thousands of low effort accounts. By which I mean half naked people doing barely anything to trigger off men going “u iz ded fit bae”.
I’m in full-time work with a demanding new phase of my career, so going off to learn how to make great YouTube videos isn’t manageable. And, again, it’d result in about 500 views per video or whatnot. It’s also not something I’ll necessarily enjoy, as I am a writer. I’ve been writing for 30 years, thinking back circa 1995 when I was doing fanfiction of Brian Jacques’ Redwall fantasy series.
This decision ties in with bad news I got the other week. Someone I admired a great deal (Constanze Dennis), a brilliant budding physicist turned philatelist of ever-growing renown, passing away at age 34 (please consider a small donation here to make a difference: Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK). This is a quote from an interview she gave that I think is spot on:
“I’m really good at only comparing myself to what I think I’m capable of, not what those around me are doing. There’s always going to be some twat that’s better than you, but as long as you did your best then who cares?”
She was very grounded in her community. And that’s a realisation, a need for restraint, to be happy in yourself and be rid of the need for constant validation seeking. What does it matter? I do this for personal enjoyment and to entertain the people who read this ridiculous stuff. I don’t get millions of views, but that’s not what this is about.
I will be shaking things up a bit in 2026 with new features. Some of these may work and stick around, others won’t. Nothing will be AI generated, it’s all me and my daft brain. As I want to distance myself as far as possible from standard social media activities. No selfies, no clickbait, just a continuous pursuit of the absurd.
Oh, but I may (finally) enter some UK writing competitions. It’ll be my one final attempt at World Domination.
Peace and vegetables,
The esteemed editor Mr. Wapojif
🟡
#autism #autistic #Blogging #Business #Capitalism #cathartic #Creativity #essay #introvert #introverts #Lifestyle #mentalHealth #SocialMedia #Writing
Jamie Fearn TherapyI love this - connecting art and mental health 🖼️🧠
Full article here: https://thedebrief.org/simply-viewing-art-can-improve-mental-well-being-major-psychological-review-finds/
#cathARTic #art #wellbeing #mentalwellbeing #therapistsconnect #therapistsofmastadon #jamiefearntherapy
GetMusic - Free Bandcamp CodesFree download codes:
Evilartform - Leaving my Body
"“A ghostly synth hymn where EVILARTFORM blurs The Knife’s icy minimalism with Björk’s otherworldly fragility, questioning gender, body, and what it means to be free.”"
#electronic #experimental #industrial #synthwave #avantgarde #healing #darkpop #ethereal #cathartic #queer #trauma #genderfluid #transhumanism #protestmusic #liberation #music
