I had no intentions of this going anywhere but what a whirl wind it has been. now after our chat it is decision time for me WOW can't sleep —sleepless in HRM

To the person who returned my iPhone to the Central Library on August 22: THANK YOU! Drunk as a skunk, I lost it, in a destination I do not recall. I had recently bought this phone too and was saddened by my stupidity. There are still good people in this world, and positive thinking really attracts positive vibes. In your honor (despite not knowing who you are) I donated $20 to the library. So thank you. —raedawn

You might not have known this (who would?), but you made my Thursday. The day was challenging, the week was blah, and this year has been downright awful at times. You made me smile, blush and feel...something. In front of a line full of customers, you offered to drive me and my wine home. You were cute as hell and I really should have told you my name. It's a little late, but it's Laura. And I was really very charmed. —Moonpie and Bordeaux

These words, "I get the Coast now just to see if you got something in!" That was great... That.. was what I needed to hear. It's a big gamble starting out on a quest for a new career in your 40s, especially with no more background than years of toiling away in factory jobs. I was blessed to take art class from a fantastic teacher, and he even turned me onto Jimi Hendrix which turned out to consume my high school years and more after. Regardless, music and art have always led my life outside of employment.
A few years ago, after a late night with friends drinking copious amounts of beer and filling in each others blank spots in our memories, I decided I wanted to write a book detailing some of the fantastic and ridiculous behaviour of me and my crew over a decade or so. The craziest decade of our lives was the 1990s,and a few of the 2000s, but the 90s brought us the grunge scene, and created an almost hippie-like scene. ...And me and my hoodlums were smack fuckin dab in the middle of it. Complete with psychedelic drugs and a shit ton of pot, acid, bennies, mesculine, hashish....well fuck, I can hardly remember, and really, I should just leave this as a teaser,...wait for the book fuckers!
I digress, I then wrote a short film script, got excited about film, moved to Halifax and started acting, voice overs and commercials. A few more scripts and TV show outlines litter my desk and surrounding living room area,...yet I have found the greatest joy in writing these short, ranting opinion pieces into the Coast, and to have a friend compliment me is par for the course.
I said some mean things in one of my recent articles about my hometown of Truro... and I'll admit, I was all fired up and shootin off. And for that,.. Truro.. I apologize. I grew up there, had my son there, and once again.. had a crazy fantastic set of 20s in my life there. It is a nice town, and you can easily surround yourself in a nice neighbourhood and raise your kids there safely. I just get hung up on the fact that I fought for years to build some kind of artistic career only to fail, year after year. I'm in Halifax now, busting away at finding an artistic outlet that will sustain me... not as easy as I thought, but I have done some wicked cool shit here in the last three months. And I just fuckin love writing for the people to read.
So thanks to the Coast for printing my rambling dribble. Thanks to you, the readers -I promise, the best is yet to come- for reading and voicing back your opinions. Good writing should stir up conversation and debate! Thanks to my friend for giving me the kind of compliment that makes you say to yourself, "Yeah. I might be able to do this!" ..... And thanks to Truro. You raised me pretty good, and I may shit on you once in a while... but in alls fair,.. you shit on me a little over the years too, love! I'm only getting started!!
(maybe the Coast could use a madman writer?) —maybe not !!??

You were so stunning , with your beautiful eyes and tattoos and I feel like we had a moment. I was getting coffee with a friend. I should have asked for your number , perhaps I will have to come back so you can make my day all over again. —Caffeine dreams

you are my absolute favourite human. I am infinitely lucky to have met you and have you be a part of my life. Although you're traveling to the other side of the world and I will miss you immensely~ I can't wait to come and explore it with you! Thank you for your love, presence, compliments, company, affection, and just for everything you do. —i love you because you're a huge deal to me

Never thought I would find someone like you among the stars in this universe. So glad I have you to share this cloud with. Thank you for putting the bounce in my step ;) —From, Blue eyes

Thank you to the kind, well mannered gentleman who said"Pardon us" as I moved for him and his friend to pass me on Windsor Street Thursday night. I find it difficult to be at ease with people behind me as I walk at night plus I was using the walk to reflect on my current situation. Your simple gesture helped remind me good men exist. I deal with disrespect from a lot of men in Halifax and you are a shining example of the way it should be. All the best! —Happy Lady

To all the people who summit 'Love the Ways' to The Coast, you are fabulous! I love the active community who comment on the online posts and enjoy reading the responses every week. It's somewhat of a shame that there is more activity on the Bitch thread than the Love thread but hey, it's certainly more entertaining. —Weekly Reader

Your glittering grin was a wonderful sight when we ran to the window to see drumming people on Barrington. I couldn't help stealing glances at you for the rest of the afternoon. I love this city and its beautiful people! —Terribly Obvious Admirer