my new favourite place, originally uploaded by mintyfresh.

it’s been a busy few weeks, and an extraordinarily busy weekend, in particular because my sister (who I always want to call little but is really 27) was visiting.

We covered a lot of ground in the city this weekend – from St. Henri to Jean Talon and back again.

There were tacos, and macarons, a marathon, pedicures and fish nibbling our toes (not kidding), farmer’s markets, cider samplings, and an inordinate amount of shopping (including the purchase of some VERY red boots I can’t wait for a good reason to wear).

The hardest part of leaving Ottawa is cramming everyone I love into little three-day snippets like this. Two hours away is further away than it seems.

Now that listening to music is no longer “work”, it’s much more fun. I’ve gone back to my old ways – discovering new bands, seeing tiny shows, and I currently have a backlog of “I have to buy…” at least a few dozen long.

It’s been a while, but I’m restarting the Friday playlist, Maggie Mason lifelist style.

The Long Winters – Fire Island, AK

I first heard the Long Winters open for the Decemberists in the back of the Mercury Lounge in the middle of New York City. I have loved them ever since.

Diamond Rings – Wait & See

PS – you can see Diamond Rings @ Pop Montreal this year with Miracle Fortress

Catherine Feeny – Mr. Blue

Admiral Radley – Ghost of Syllables

I can’t tell you how in love with this band I am right now. We saw them a few weeks ago at the Belmont with 30 other people, which was sad (where was everyone?) but also, fantastic.

Florence & The Machine – Dog Days Are Over

I dare you to not be happy listening to this song.

Jonsi – “Animal Arithmetic”

I saw him perform this one and a half times in two different cities (that’s a LONG story), but every time it was fantastic.

School of Seven Bells – Windstorm

Happy listening, and I’ll be back with more next week!