Over the past several months I've spent immeasurable hours discovering, uncovering, editing, publishing and showcasing the unique stories of some truly incredible small businesses here in Greater Victoria. Never before have I been surrounded by so much youthful, hopeful and contagious positivity. I can safely say that's certainly rubbed off on me. My radar has become focused like a laser beam; a red-hot laser beam of local-loving intensity. I've entered a new hyper-reality where my neighbourhood is my backyard and my city is my universe. Sure I love certain things about other countries and other towns but nothing holds a candle to this town - my town. At least not as far as I'm concerned. 

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     I remember when I was nineteen years old I read Ishmael, a little fictional tale about a man and a silver-back gorilla that fundamentally and irrevocably changed the way I would view the world and mankind's place in it. I recall a feeling in my heart and mind, simultaneously heavy and light at the same time - a paradox of shifting paradigms trying to find their place in my persona. (Try saying THAT ten times fast!) I felt on top of the world for the possibilities of wonder that were whizzing around inside my newly minted mind whilst suffers unimaginable lows as I discovered time and time again through conversation trial and error that really, ultimately, nobody else gave two shits. I was beside myself with inspiration and stressed to anxiety by the future global apathy as I was surely doomed to endure.

     That was 16 years ago, and while the global exchange of information has certainly made it far easier to explore in the ideas and passions of my earlier years and ally myself with like-minded passionate individuals from every corner of the globe, I've come to find that local is the truest desire of my growing heart and mind. Yet while I have changed and slowed the brow-beating fervor of my former younger self into a more focused and experienced perspective on such matters, I still find the waters around me to be tepid to the touch where local passion meets local purpose. Through my free weekly newsletter, The Sunday Evening Post, I have the incredible opportunity to explore, learn and discover the tales of amazing local men and women with unimaginable depths of passion seemingly ready at the call yet while there's a slight flutter of activity when the stories are published,  it's not enough. It's not nearly enough.

     Maybe my fire burns too hot and my expectations continue to be unattainable but I believe in with cell in my body that we are capable of a deeper and richer community. I'm convinced that you and I can collaborate and work together to build it - one new brick at a time. I wholeheartedly feel that without you none of my own dreams are possible. I'll do whatever it takes to bring more greatness and to share more inspiring tales and insightful information to your eyes and ears for as long as I can - but I need your help.

Here is where passion meets it's purpoose; uniting those around you and fueling the great abilities of one another with a supportive network of positive possibilities. It's not just sharing that shows caring, it's lending your voice to the conversation that matters most.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you as we work toward a greater Victoria.