Dear My Gorgeous Pretties,

I awoke early this morning from a horrendous nightmare of time travel back to my younger self, only my awareness was as I am now. I was forced to relive the terror of naivety; young “love” with a foolish knave who I, in my current form, was/am completely disgusted by, and whom my younger self was wholly enamored with. Just when he was about to strike me, I jolted awake, shivering sweat in my nakedness. Did that really happen? Or ‘twas it all a dream?

In my journalistic thoroughness I was doing some investigative research on some people online. Tryna dig up the goods, ya know what I mean? See if the stories they tell match up with who they are. Who they’ve been. In my inspection I came across a video from this PYT who shall remain nameless for the moment—we protect the lives of the innocent around here—where they said something that has stuck with me every waking moment since. It has truly irritated my spirit. Not in an annoyed way, but like the recognition that what they were saying was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And it reminded me of this podcast clip I had seen a while ago from my OG muse, Nip Hussle tha Great, before his passing, where he pretty much said the exact same thing: It’s not about what they expect from you. It’s about reaching your potential. Now, this was a several years old video from PYT and idk if they are/were a fan of Nipsey’s work, but the resonance was clear and my soul has been trigggggerred.

And that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes we need to be shaken awake to remember who the fuq we are. To be reminded of why we began. And to hold fast to the vision of where we are going. Miyamoto Musashi says, “There is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” Though everyday we may be moving forward, life is very seldom linear. We are constantly becoming and unbecoming, molding, reshaping, and evolving. And while in the pursuit of excellence, of course we want the accolades, the applause, the recognition, especially when we know that other people are feeding off of our hard work, our thoughts, our blood sweat and tears, and simultaneously pretending as if they don’t see you because their ego won’t allow them to acknowledge the greatness that is you, and so the unhealed version of you is left feeling like you don’t fit in or you don’t belong, or that, generally speaking, something is simply wrong with you. But SweetHaHt, lemme tell you as I tell myself: You don’t fit into their box because you’re not a square. Be obtuse.

Our Canadian adventures continue at the iconic Calgary Central Public Library.

This spectacular flagship—literally in the shape of a ship!—is massive, spanning 4 stories, 240, 000 square feet and, the coolest part—ok actually one of the coolest, but it’s prob top!—is that it encapsulates the LRT. Like literally it was built to allow the train to pass directly underneath as part of the structure!

I was totally geeking out over this fun fact. And get this: The final steel beam of Central Library’s skeletal structure serves a dual-purpose; it’s a time capsule of steel. In March 2017, nearly 700 library lovers of all ages inscribed the massive beam with messages of congratulations and inspiration for future generations. (Calgarylibrary.ca) Icooooooonic!

Directly outside the building main entrance is a moving art exhibit titled, Trio, commissioned from LA based artist Christian Moeller.

Swinging back and forth like on a pendulum, these sculptures stand approximately 10 meters tall, and are reminiscent of drinking birds. The 3rd sculpture, making up the Trio, is allegedly on the other side of the building but there was a lot of construction going on in the area so I didn’t see it/missed it. But here are the 2 mid drink.

Entering the building you are greeted by the friendly staff and Tourism Calgary info desk. There was a talk/tour happening nearby that was just wrapping up, but the attendees seemed thoroughly engaged.

The first floor contains a number of artwork and rotating exhibits. We visited during Historic Calgary Week (36th edition), honoring the Influences and Icons of Chinook Country.

And now a little commotion for the ceiling. Arriba!

Proceeding on up to the first landing is another art structure, we’ll call him Standing Bull, though I didn’t see what it’s actual name was.

Comprised of metal cut letters, I’m preeeeety sure this sculpture was also a part of the week’s exhibit, but I didn’t find exact information on it as there were a number of people standing by waiting to take a pic.

Speak to the knowledgeable librarians on site about all the details of each floor, but I do recall passing a children’s section/learning center on my way to the cafe, but you know me, once I saw coffee, it was coffee tiiiiiime!

*How iconic of them to have a coffee shop inside the library. They know the nerds need brain food.*

Carrying on to the 4th floor to the Great Reading Room and skylight seating area, the exhibit continues on with a few more pieces. On the way we also passed the Indigenous Languages Resource Center.

It was closed for the day, but how cute the puppets 😍

*Chinook tribal regalia. Most people recognize the light but can’t handle the glare…*

And I neglected to mention earlier how the bee hive hexagon symbol is incorporated in all aspects of the design structure here, including the outside of the building, which you’ll note in the images above. A gorgeous reflection of the importance of harmony with our natural elements 🐝

Aside from the coffee 😝 The Great Reading Room was probably my favorite part of the library, although admittedly I didn’t stop on all floors. This place is frickin huge and my Dad had a lot of things on his list of things to do while I was visiting. As you can see! So you’re getting the highlights ok, My Pretties?

Also oval/ship shaped, this great room was a sanctuary for the studious—a bit of quiet if you so please—featuring work stations in the middle and these gorgeous wooden slat panels along the hallway corridor.

The walls were lined with a slew of featured works for the young babushkas and the older folks alike. And you know they had to have a staple for the cowboys in Cowboy Cuntry.

You will also note that this image is also the very same as the mascot for my high school alma mater: The Rough Rider. Cue DMX. Ruff Rydaz what time iz it? It’s time to get loud! It’s time to represent! Ayyyyyy

Then there were these awesome side rooms filled with other works and wonders

*and wooden slat ceilings to match the walls*

*A wall dedicated to upcoming author readings*

*Complete with interactive signed reversible panels. (Look again)*

*No, but I really do love this library forevvuhhhh.*

And then we grabbed a good book and ended this quest in the open area skylight lounge, with comfy couch & chair seating complete with tabletop plug ins for your electronics.

Can’t take this guy anywhere…. Thanks Calgary Public Library! Support them and your local library today!

Making our way through the streets of downtown, we cut through the Municipal Building across the street, which was honestly its own kind of museum.

*Complete with iconic structures outside as well. Rawr.*

Get a load of this gorgeous interior. I simply caHn’t daHling.

*Zoom in for a closeup of the inscription underneath the horses: <ONWARD>*

*And always paying homage to the natives of the land*

*What should be the first patch in our friendship quilt, Sweets?*

*Perhaps a cowboy hat for crown & country*

*Will you join me next year for the annual Stampede, if you so pretty PYT please?? 🙇🏾‍♀️*

*This sculpture reminds me of a hummingbird. Dost thou see it?*

*Best believe I’m ackin a ____ (finish my lyrics 😉)*

Out the doors we went, passing by my 2nd home—first is wherevuh you are—the theatuhhh

Before we make it to our foodie destination for a quick bite. And the Delectable Dining Award of the Week goes to: Mazza Afghan Cuisine!

We were the only ones in there luckily, so I was able to get all the pics my pretty little haHt desired.

*An elevated interior to match the night when the restaurant comes alive.*

*But very much a tranquil & serene vibe.*

We opted for something light as we still had much more walking and exploring to do.

We both had lentil soup infused with traditional Afghani spices. Dad got veggie samosas filled with spiced potatoes & green peas and served with a house made kinda sweet kinda spicy dipping sauce. I got the Bolani—thin, crispy Afghan flatbread stuffed with a savoury mix of leeks and herbs, served with house made yogurt and a side of chutni. You can also get this with potatoes but our server said that Afghans traditonally eat this with leeks and since we already had potato with the samosas, I opted for a more well-rounded approach. 10/10 *HIGH KEY* recommend

There were traditional paintings and photos along the wall, in a addition to a case filled with traditional Afghani instruments, flags, and other works of art, as well as a picture from the store in its original form, which appears to have just been more of an open market style, but I didn’t get much info on this bit.

Overall ‘twas a delightful dining experience and I very much look forward to sitting down and having a full meal when I come back again. Are you coming with? What is your favorite dish?

And just know *I got the memory of a elephant*, so anyone who’s been good (or bad 👿) to us, is something I’ll neva forget. ✌️

And now we’re off to our final destination of the day, admiring all the city works of art along the way.

*The art scene here is truly legendary. From murals to sculptures, next time you’re in town delight yourself with an* *Art Tour* *of all the iconic sites. If that’s your jam.*

Speaking of jams…we have arrived at the National Music Center housed in the luxurious Studio Bell, the first of its kind facility in North America.

*He literally refuses to let let me take a pic without him in it. Can I get my photographer on please 😅*

Consisting of 5 floors that house a performance hall

A recording facility, broadcast studio, live music venue, and museum, this Goliath of a structure is 160, 000 sq ft of 9 interlocking towers that look out to the iconic Bow River and glorious city views. Calgary, I think I love you, honestly.

You enter the building into the grand lobby that sits just below the performance hall on the next level.

Immediately to your right is the children’s Playlab which is really stinking cool. Featuring a sound stage, kids can learn to play wind, string, percussion, and electronic instruments.

After getting our tickets we headed upstairs to the 5th floor special exhibits gallery to see the timeless Oscar Peterson exhibit, one-of-one jazz pianist, composer, humanitarian officianado.

Showcasing set pieces, awards, photography, and interactive displays that allowed you to peruse, enjoy, sit down & listen and even learn to play.

His impact & contribution to the world of music is unmatched. I could’ve listened to him all day.

What I loved most was learning about his unwavering family support—he was one of five kids—and how playing piano only came about because his initial mastery of the trumpet was stopped after a childhood bout of tuberculosis. Just goes to show that whatever God has for you will be for you regardless.

Circling around the floor we are met with the iconic Canadian rock band Sum 41 🤘

The Arlene (hey mama) Flock McKen Cloud Lounge showcasing Canadian Idols & Icons and their equally iconic outfits

*Drizzy got da money, and Drizzy gon pay and das my bro yeen een gotta say.*

A special room with showcasing select Canadian Music Royalty

And then a center stage—literally center of the floor, as soon as you get off the elevator—exhibit of the man-eater herself, Nelly Furtadooooo, spanning from her early childhood days to her legendary career shaking up the charts from the stereotypical—no shade cuz I love dem too—pop girlies of the 2000’s with her enigmatic sound, style, and savoire faire.

*You’ll wish you nevuh evuh met her at all…*

Concluding our tour with the pinnacle of the visit: The Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Icons whose legacy transcends beyond the Canadian stage

*How. Did. You. Get. Here? Nobody ‘sposedta be here… Dad!*

Though there’s much more to see, we’ll fa real this time, end this tour with a pop into the gift shop

A quaint & cozy cafe where they offer a plethora of memorabilia and items to forever immortalize your visit

I’ll be sure to recap the other floors in subsequent editions, but for now My Gorgeous Pretties, that’s all she’s written. Idk this trip has got me recounting my days as a musician, OR, maybe I’m just trippin. Anywho, it is with profound gratitude and a clean heart, that at this hour I must depart. I wish you all the most spectacular rest of your week—whoever you are, wherever you may be—you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are with me. And I love that for you. And I love that for me. I’ll see you all right back here same time next week. Until then, stay blessed out there will you? And of course, God speed.

Love Always (& besitos!),

She Who Marches to the Beat of Her Own Drum

recipe for a beautiful life part 2, or, be obtuse

Who’s bad?