Okay, London — show this Paris girl what you’ve got.
There are places that have had you wrapped around their little finger since as long as you can remember, and there are those you grow to love over time. The latter will never replace the former, but there’s room in your heart for both. This month’s been a reminder of that.
I didn’t expect to get back across the (big) pond this year after my amazing time in Paris, but life has a way of surprising you. And now, thanks to my day job, I’ve had the opportunity to visit another iconic world capital for the first time — still a long journey from Victoria, but a smaller pond away from France.
It’s hard not to let your first love influence your opinion on somewhere new. Despite trying to keep an open mind, I notice the sites that most closely resemble something I’ve seen in Paris. These are the ones that have me saying, “Oh, I like this!” The Mall, for example, had me back strolling along the Tuileries. The gardens at Buckingham Palace? Automatic comparison with the paths at Giverny, (waterlilies or not).
And so I tell myself it’s natural to compare and contrast. That’s what we humans do, how we learn. At the same time, once I’ve gotten that bit out of the way, it’s a cue to shift my thinking. To see what sets this city apart. Because if I don’t, I’m doing both London and myself a disservice.
So, what’s London showed me? Its culture, fashion, and history. Bustling streets. Gorgeous gowns and art masterpieces. And yes, a room full of Monet. More confections than can be comprehended. Libraries with tall bookshelves and ladders to match. A miniature book with an equally small magnifying glass (my Edwardian era souvenirs).
Everywhere has its challenges, but in London, there’s certainly a lot to love.
Reflections
It’s been a while since I’ve woken up to a poetry acceptance. I was hoping my piece “reflections” might be a fit for a “mirrors” theme, and the editorial team at Monograph Magazine agreed.
The poem is inspired by a line from How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery: “Elle est belle, le monstre.”
Read the poem “reflections” and the rest of the issue.
Harvest Moon
It’s such an honour to have my work included in this anthology by Moonlit Getaway, a Canadian 🇨🇦 literary journal. Support them (and the contributors) by picking up a copy and spreading the word!
Harvest Moon Volume Two is available now. This anthology features seven short stories, seven poems, and four artworks of diverse styles and genres. Pick up a digital copy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee! (Print edition also available.)
Strike a Pose
Fun new headshots courtesy of the wonderful UVic Alumni team (thank you!). I admit I’m notoriously awkward, so I’m pleasantly surprised to have a few images turn out. They make a great addition to my existing author photos.
Taking Flight
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Andorinha Press contributors for allowing us to share your work through our little magazine. It feels appropriate that the publication date is September 28, which happens to be the first day of #LitMagWeek! We would not exist without you.
Issue 2: Art has now been published! Read and share it here, and support our fellow creatives:
We’ll be sharing a post on Instagram and Threads each weekday featuring a contributor and their work. Ours is a small endeavour, but we believe in the community we’re building. Whether you’re a contributor, reader, or general supporter: thanks for being part of our nest.
This issue comes on the first day of #LitMagWeek, and we’re excited to officially be part of it! Be sure to browse through the list of Literary & Cultural review magazines taking part. During this week, each publication will be offering discounts, sharing behind the scenes content, and sharing stories of their literary magazines.
Fun bird-related side note from the editor: I spotted this bird-themed vintage needlework in a local thrift shop and you’d better believe it’s now hanging in our office. 🐦⬛
Mirador Artistries Collective
Andorinha is the Portuguese word for the swallow, a nod to our EIC’s ancestry. And so we’re happy to share that our friends from the new Mirador Artistries Collective have published their first pieces in Milénio Stadium out of Toronto. Read them here.
Mirador Artistries Collective (MAC) is a group of Canadian artists that acknowledges a broadly shared cultural past from the Portuguese-speaking world (Lusophony) while also looking to the present and future.
With an inclusive curatorial goal of artistic excellence, the collective is a platform that aims to showcase creations that reflect the complexities and aesthetics of communities/individuals while also considering relevant sociological issues.
Mirador supports and promotes the work of its members and a broad network of community and collaborators in English and/or Portuguese, by serving as an arts presentation pathway for publication, exhibition, special events, and promotion.
You can submit too! What we are seeking for future features is:
- A work of fiction, or creative non-fiction, up to 1500 words
- A poem up to 30 lines
- An original graphic or photograph
Submissions should be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12 pt font and should not include any identifying information about the author in the submission itself. Your identifying information will be entered in the portal and will not be visible to the readers of your submissions.
In reviewing submissions for this feature our thematic scope is broad and inclusive and can range from migration experiences, socio-political critical accounts, cultural and historical memory, trans-cultural intersections and recreations, inter-generational conflicts, trauma, aging, feminism, masculinity, colonialism, or any other subject. Submissions can be in English or Portuguese and should be original and previously unpublished. Work generated by AI will not be accepted. Work previously presented in whole or part on personal web pages, blogs, or social media feeds by the authors is acceptable. All submissions should be respectful of diversity—language that is deemed sexist, racist, homophobic or oppressive in any other way is not welcome.
Submissions deadline for the next features is September 30, 2026. [If you miss out this time, please submit for the next round!]
Les Bouquinistes
How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits, by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas
I received this book as a gift. It was a quick read, and fun. This particular page is less so, but it really got me because I could relate.
From the blurb:
How To Be Parisian brilliantly deconstructs the French woman’s views on culture, fashion and attitude.
Bohemian free-thinkers and iconoclasts, Anne Berest, Caroline De Maigret, Audrey Diwan and Sophie Mas cut through the myths in this gorgeous, witty guide to Parisienne savoir faire.
These modern Parisiennes say what you don’t expect to hear, just the way you want to hear it.
They are not against smoking in bed, and are all for art, politics and culture, making everything look easy, and going against the grain. They will take you on a first date, to a party and through a hangover. They will tell you how to be mysterious and sensual, make your boyfriend jealous, the right way to approach weddings and the gym, and they will share their address book in Paris for where to go at the end of the night, for a birthday, for a smart date, for vintage finds and much more.
Full of wit and self-deprecating humour, and full of life lessons, photographs and personal anecdotes, How To Be Parisian explains those confusing subjects of clothes, makeup, men, culture and lifestyle as only a true Parisienne can.
As always, thanks for reading. Merci!
Sonia
