A look into the archival records of my 9th great-grandfather, Mathieu D’Amours, a 17th-century council member in New France. His stubborn loyalty to the king, clashes with Frontenac, and efforts to secure his family’s legacy paint a vivid picture of the man behind my lineage.
Second Pass | December 2025
The content discusses a fictional meeting of a "Council of Nicks," representing various facets of self, reflecting on how to measure a year beyond traditional metrics. They debate the importance of consistency, survival, and education amidst personal challenges, ultimately deciding that simply living and being happy may be the most meaningful metric.
Why Travel: Genealogy
The author reflects on their previous three-month trip to Europe, emphasizing the goal of exploring genealogy for future travels in 2026. They aim to trace their ancestry, specifically focusing on Mathieu D’Amours. While acknowledging challenges like language barriers and research demands, the journey’s purpose is to understand their heritage and connections.
Research on Mathieu D’Amours
The author reflects on the concept of dual death—physical death and the fading memory of one's name. They aim to honor their ancestors by reviving their names, starting with Mathieu D'Amours, a significant historical figure. The author seeks to uncover Mathieu's early life and plans future travels to connect with this heritage.
Who Leads: Story or Form?
The piece discusses the relationship between story and form in writing, emphasizing that story ideas often guide their appropriate form. Different formats, including long-form, short stories, poems, and films, reveal new elements of the narrative. Experimentation with forms enhances storytelling, as seen in adaptations like Forrest Gump and Killer Angels, leading to varied experiences and insights.
Form in Writing
Form is the way a story is presented: written, visual, audio. While adaptations prove that stories can work in multiple forms, the first one is often the truest.
Shower Thoughts
The shower creates an intimate space for deep reflection on life and death. Contemplating existence, the writer grapples with beliefs shaped by a Catholic upbringing while embracing kindness over doctrine. They ponder the continuity of matter post-death and express a desire to live fully, prioritizing meaningful experiences before life's inevitable end.
Second Pass | November 2025
Where the drafts go, try on their snow gear, can’t fit in the jacket, and realize they need a diet Table of Contents Featured Essay: Two Weeks Annotation Writing Prompts What I’m Reading: Dear Delia Bonus Subscriber Content Featured Essay Two Weeks Far off in another dimension, Two Weeks tilts back in a warped rockingContinue reading "Second Pass | November 2025"
Opportunity List
The author reflects on a weekend vlog focusing on a mindset shift from a "To-Do List" to an "Opportunity List," enhancing productivity and enjoyment in daily tasks. Key tasks include writing a blog post and preparing for a new teaching trimester with engaging content. The author emphasizes prioritizing personal enjoyment alongside responsibilities.
Revision Practice
The author reflects on their ambivalence towards revising written work, likening it to the structural assessment of a house. They explore personal memories tied to the phrase "two weeks," stemming from a high school musical experience. The English classroom serves as a sanctuary from time, prompting deeper self-reflection.