I've only known you two months, but I feel more comfortable around you than anyone I've ever met. You're thoughtful, fun, intelligent and silly. I want to thank you for helping me change my lifestyle, and for all the fantastic adventures we've had. I hope there's many, many more.
—Arty A

Once upon a time, there was a sweet little ticker tape that ran through the entire print edition of The Coast. It was situated at the bottom (or the top?) of each page. I can't recall if there was a specific focus for the ticker, how often I even read it all the way through or why I have had this thought so many times.
—Fuzzy Memories

Among the contentious debate in the United States concerning women’s right to choose, I found myself in the midst of making my own choice: To continue with an unplanned pregnancy, or to access Halifax’s abortion services. I chose the latter. Naturally, I was scared of the process, and scared about the judgement that I could face from pro-life medical practitioners.

All I can say is thank god for the staff at the clinic. They were nothing short of miracle workers, and made a really, really shitty situation into an empowering, validating experience. They helped me to understand that it is OK—and well within my right—to say that it is not my time to be a parent. They allowed me to cry, and they understood that while I was confident in my choice, I was still harbouring guilt over having to make it. I did not experience ANY judgment towards my choice, and felt nothing but a sense of deep personal respect.

To the one nurse in particular (you know who you are), please know that you are a beacon of hope in an otherwise traumatic situation. You held my hand and wiped tears of emotional and physical discomfort from my face, all while telling me that I was doing the right thing for me. I will never forget the kindness you showed me, and I hope you know that you and your colleagues are making a huge difference in the lives of women in Halifax.
—The PhD Candidate

I really enjoyed talking with you over the last few days, A. I had planned to ask you out today but was disappointed to see you’d disappeared (one of the many cons of today’s dating culture). If I see you around, I shall bite the bullet and risk asking. Happy summer!

If you read this and Georgia is on your mind, this is for you.
—G

A steady stream,
Of music playing,
Almost on the daily.
I miss the serenity of that.
Chance encounters,
With interesting strangers,
Finding common ground,
At after-parties in Halifax.
Whether it be,
Day or night,
In the east.
I never once felt lonely.
There is depth to people,
Genuine kindness and empathy.
You just gotta be open to that.
Love and miss you Halifax.
—Awestruck With Tears Of Longing For A Return

On Tuesday morning I had a bad fall on the edge of Victoria Park. I fell into the boxes for The Coast and Metro, they both went over and the base of one came up and made a serious gash in my leg. I want to thank the young man who came to my assistance, he helped me up and was quite concerned. I had no idea how badly I was injured until 37 staples later. Many thanks to the young man who rushed to help me.
—On the mend 😊

Saturday morning at the Joe Howe Superstore I locked my keys and cell in my car. I had my daughter with me and we were on our way to go camping. I was very distressed and asked this guy if I could use his cell to call someone to help me. When I couldn't remember anyone's numbers because, well, they're all in my contacts, he drove us to my apartment to get my spare keys and then even drove us back to the car. I just wanted to say thank you so much. If you ever need anything you know where I live ( if you can remember lol). I hope you had a good time at the wedding you were going to, and that there were not too many cow patties.
—So Thankful

You are the adorable person who sat across from me on the bus and then across from me at the Dyke and Trans March. Were we making eye contact? I genuinely can’t tell! My vision is very bad! Either way to you and anyone else who was there, thank goodness for you and your fabulous queer selves. Thank you for creating that community space and for giving me the opportunity to unapologetically dream and chant and ogle. I hope you went home dreaming of a marvelous future and the ways you’ll fight for it. Don’t lose any of that hope or that bitterness. And if you see me again, please say hi!
—Culotte Cutie