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Paw Print Staff Find the Awesome in the Most Unusual Places
Paige Stacey:
Food
You know what I really love? A nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth. Food. I love food. First off, it’s simply delicious and there’s so much variety. All the different kinds of cuisine are spectacular in their own unique way, from the Lebanese’s hummus all the way to the Chinese’s chow mein. The contrast between the many traditional dishes around the world is amazing, and everything is beyond mouthwatering. Taking a bite of your favorite food, truly absorbing, and appreciating its flavour is honestly one of the best feelings in the world; there’s nothing better than that perfect bite. In addition, our bodies need food to function which is honestly a big plus - it gives us an excuse to eat and who wouldn’t want that right? I’m aware not everyone has a healthy relationship with food, but at some point in all of our lives there’s been a moment where food, whether it be a sole thought or a physical being, has made us feel like the happiest person on the planet. It’s crazy how such a basic thing can bring such joy. Today, I encourage you to treat yourself; eat your favourite food, drink your favourite drink and allow yourself to cherish the splendid gift of food.
Caitlin Croskery:
Music
It’s a Sunday, and you’re going through the motions of menial tasks such as fixing yourself a snack, or drying the dishes. Bored beyond belief, you glance over your shoulder to spot a phone and earbuds sitting nearby, as if anticipating a plea for a break from the day’s monotony. You consider it for a second, then pop the little devices into your ears and click play.
It starts in your foot. A little twitch of the toes, if you will. Next is the ankle, twisting out and back in to the tap tap of the beat in your ears. Your head starts to give in as well, bobbing up and down in a visualisation of the sound waves that weave together to create this wondrous feeling. What would have been a simple step to the right is instead a quick spin and slide, and the cupboards close and open on counts four and eight. Steps become lighter, as do thoughts, drifting away as you become so irrevocably in the moment that time becomes irrelevant in this state of absolute elation. A smile stretches across your face, and you beam with glee, unaware or uncaring about how you are currently dancing around the kitchen like a mad monkey. A flush warms your cheeks, but not of embarrassment—only exhilaration.
Soon, the song draws to a close, and you are left breathless and warm. Silence replaces the joy and colour that seemed to fill the world for a brief minute, and you take out the earbuds, placing them back where they belong. The day’s monotony returns swiftly, and you settle back into the comfort and dignity of routine. But as you finally depart the kitchen, there is a little extra spring in your step.
Haley Miller:
Coffee
There are certain pivotal moments in your life where you realize things have changed. You have a sudden epiphany. An illuminating instance of complete self awareness where you realize for whatever odd reason that you were not the same as you were last week, last month, or even last year. Normally, because these alterations are ever so slight, you can get away with a simple double take in the mirror. But every once in a while, a colossal change appears one day, shaking you to your core and questioning every fibre of your being. It is the grandest of transitions, those crossing you over the fine line from childhood into the inevitable adulthood. This climacteric change most notably being: the first time you can truly and utterly enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Leading up to this pinnacle moment, the hot beverage had always left a bitter aftertaste in your mouth, as your tastebuds were unable to grasp the complexity and appreciate the true beauty of such a drink. But for some reason on this particular day, your brain will be wired a little differently. Today, you will treasure the pungent aroma and value the heat this simple liquid projects. Subconsciously, you may even begin to cradle the little mug, as both hands begin wrapping around its side . You will then take a slow sip, savoring this tiny perfect moment. And as it will travel down, making its descent to its final destination, its warm nature will remain. It will feel like a hug. An inside out hug but nevertheless, a perfect parody of an embrace.
Sue Hussein:
Every year, North Americans send roughly 10 MILLION TONNES of clothing to the landfills and the average Canadian throws away 81 pounds of clothing. Thrifting is buying recycled items which makes it less harmful to the environment. Also, thrifting is a great way to stay away from fast fashion as the clothing industry is the second highest polluter of clean water. I personally enjoy coming home with a bag full of cool finds after sifting through racks looking for gems. Some may not enjoy sifting for an hour but at the end of the day it is much more rewarding when you find nice, well-fitting things especially for the price. Thrifting is a great way to elevate your style as it has many one of a kind items most people do not have or cannot find. When I go thrifting it brings unexplainable joy just coming into a store never knowing what I will find and what I want until a while into sifting through racks and finding that one item that catches your eye, it's like winning the lottery and then it happens again… and again… and again! From oversized graphic t-shirts to unique jackets even to unmatched vinyl, thrift stores have it all, and even more than that.
Paige Stacey:
Raindrops. Rainwater. Rainfall. A liquid water in the form of droplets. Picture this: it’s an early morning, your eyes flutter open after a deep sleep, and your ears listen to the sound of raindrops plopping against your window. You simply lay there, pondering. Everything is silent, peaceful, and serene. It’s decided that you’ll go for a drive. You get out of bed, and head to your car. Just before you drive away, you notice the raindrops rolling down your car window. Watching the beads as they hit the bottom, wondering which one will go down first. Raindrop races, if you will. Just like when you were a kid. The engine powers up, and your journey begins. Everyone else is indoors. It’s just you, the road, and the rain. You hear the droplets as they hit the roof of your car, and drive through the puddles they’ve made; splashing everything around them. As you continue your drive, you pass by an empty parking lot. You decide to turn in and park your car. As you sit there with your eyes closed, hearing the pounding of the rainfall, you have an urge to go out into the rain. Opening the door and hopping out, you begin to dance in synchronization alongside it. You throw your arms wide open while the cold water drips down against your skin, soaking everything. In that moment, all you feel is pure joy, pure awe. It’s awesome. You can’t get enough. Your clothes begin sticking to you, and you start to shiver. It’s time to head back. Although you are drenched, you get back into your car. The windshield wipers turn on once more, and you return back home.
Avery Craig
When a kid hands you a hand-written card, you never really know what to expect. Is it legible? Will they make me read it out loud? Is there going to be drawings on this card? A panic runs through your body. You don’t want to make them feel bad. You shakily open the card, hands sweating, trying to pull apart pages covered with glue. Beady eyes staring up at you to catch your reaction. But then you open the card and your eyes are met with the sweetest little drawing. Something along the lines of, “I Luv You”, written with very poor spelling. A random mix of every colour from the crayon box sprawled out over the page. In the middle, lies 2 stick figures holding hands with a big heart above them. “ See, it’s me and you holding hands,” they say, giving you the biggest smile.
And I think that’s awesome.
Sue Hussein & Usva Muhammad:
Anime is awesome due to its promotion of mental wellness through self-expression. This sense of expression is formed from the distinctive and intriguing plots from countless genres of anime; the beautiful storylines, implied knowledge on life, attention to every little detail, behind Naruto, Attack On Titan and many other anime create feelings beyond explanation. Moreover, the admirable art of animation in both the televised and manga versions of anime is an added bonus, the sense of serenity from delicately drawn landscapes to the hype after an insane battle scene never ceases to amaze us. Also, the vast amount of anime and manga to choose from is the best part, along with the diverse genres which include sports, slice of life, action, supernatural, romance, horror, mystery, sci-fi, comedy and many more, this is great as it reaches many people's interests and allows anime and manga to be for everyone. The characterization portrayed throughout the multiple anime genres forms a sense of relation to the audience ultimately creating a community of watchers with similar experiences; many of our friendships have formed through anime and manga, as it’s an amazing conversation starter, no matter how socially awkward you are, (TRUST US, an anime profile picture can go a long way). Anime has and can have a positive influence on everyone, by creating feelings of expression, emotion, diversity, and friendship through a world of curiosity and imagination, this is what makes it awesome. If you are open to the endless possibilities anime has to offer, we recommend you start with Naruto, FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood, The Promised Neverland, Hunter x Hunter, Banana Fish, Attack On Titan, Anohana, Soul Eater, Code Geass, and Demon Slayer. They are all awesome.