Field Notes is where I post short, observational pieces about the week behind me—work, home, heritage, and whatever else insists on being noticed.
Field Notes. #11. The Summer Wrap Up
It’s been a while since I’ve done Field Notes.
This is the place where I reflect on culture, heritage, and my writing endeavours at large. Since the last time I wrote one, I’ve diverted my attention and efforts to a number of projects outside of the blog. Ironically, I’ve actually been more active on Luso Loonie than I would typically anticipate for the summer months. Most of which, my dear readers, have been apprised of along the way but this will be my summer wrap up.
Historically, I disappear between June and August, as if that time serves as some sort of off-season or annual retreat — crossing the desert of the cityscape, looking for inspiration, which it actually does. All while filling my lungs with enough weed smoke to smother any rational thoughts before plucking out the good ones when the high wears off.
Well, I’m happy to report that these months did me well for recovery and rejuvenation with a lot of work, hustle and fun bike rides intertwined. A great balance of productivity and fucking around.
My involvement with a nonprofit board to construct a replica of the Portas da Cidade was fruitful, and definitely a feather in my cap. Knowing that my family’s surname is etched onto that donor wall as a founding member of the monument warms my heart like nothing else.
The original structure served as a compass for my ancestors, just as the CN Tower — or its likeness — does the same for me as a Torontonian. To know that an accurate, well-thought-out and carefully constructed replica now stands merely kilometres from home, eliciting that same feeling in other families with similar origin stories, is one of my greatest achievements.
I must thank my long time friend, Matthew Correia, an influential, highly-involved member of the community, whom is deeply respected, and whom I admire, for recruiting me, and the founding father of the initiative, Guido Pacheco, who’s vision made it all possible. And of course everyone on the board who contributed so much along the way. Needless to say, the project used a good chunk of my time as the Communications Coordinator.
Otherwise, my involvement in another Portuguese-related project, as a founding member of the Mirador Artistries Collective has also kept me busy. About a dozen Portuguese-identifying writers and artists have come together to promote our work and contributions to an underserved community that, in my opinion, needs to foster more appreciation and support of the arts. The collective has now been officially announced in newspapers and online, and there is currently an open call for submissions for anybody who may resonate with our mission. You can find out more here.
All in all, the summer of 2026 was epic for all the right reasons — and for providing me with plenty of great insights that have kick-started many ideas. I currently have several projects on the go. Some might see the light of day; others may go nowhere. But trust, in good faith, my readers, that Luso Loonie is working — and the legacy I’m building has only just begun.
Outside of all this, I do want to mention a few media discoveries that have inspired me to create: Bossa nova and jazz, for one. I’ve always recognized the sounds, but I’ve recently found myself able to put them into words — and now I’m a big fan. There are also some Canadian filmmakers that produced some excellent material this year, and I want to see more of it. And, to wind down, there have been some great shows that have made my shortlist, including The Rehearsal and The Lizzie Borden Story.
With Halloween season not too far away, I think I’ll lean into a spooky horror kick for a little while. And, of course, fall brings movie theatre season. I’m looking forward to all of it. And, as always, to sharing as much of it as I can with you all.
Photos From the Field.
Field Notes.
Fragments from a Portuguese descendant learning where he stands
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