Antenna

Prakash Krishnan: It was a book - Useless Magic by Florence Welch. Despite being one of my favourite musical artists (she is the lead singer of Florence and the Machine, who I’ve seen in concert several times) I wasn’t aware she had written this book. It was a very welcome and unexpected gift from a family member that showed me that even though we live apart, they still love and care for me enough to research my interests…

KJ: I love Florence and the Machine. What a beautiful and significant gift!

KJ: Good question… I’m usually quite reserved when it comes to talking about my future plans, because everything can change so quickly! I’d say that what I’m most excited about in the near future is the idea of spending quality time over the holidays with the people I love most, especially my puppy, Pickle!

PK: Ahh, Pickle! He’s so cute! I can’t wait to meet him in person. You’ll have to bring him to the PHI Foundation one of these days. Dogs are always welcome!

PK: As an Aries, I’m known for being fairly courageous… I like a thrill and have already done “scary” activities such as skydiving. However, I have always had the urge to pack up and move abroad… but I’m afraid of the consequences of leaving behind all of my amazing friends, family, colleagues, and opportunities that I have nurtured here.

KJ: I understand that feeling, the desire for newness is often tinged with a kind of ambivalence. I think the genuine bonds you’ve created here in Montréal will live on, regardless of where you choose to live.

PK: My relationships are really what keep me grounded and feeling secure. Since I live quite far away from my biological family, continuing to nurture my relationships with my chosen family and community here in Montréal, and taking care of them, is my top priority right now.

KJ: I really recognize myself in what you’re saying. I’m lucky to have my parents close by, but as an only child, sincere friendships are really important to me, and my closest friends are like my brothers and sisters.

KJ: Mr. Bean’s Holiday. I love that movie because its humour is very sweet and childlike. The main character, Mr. Bean, communicates mostly through gestures and facial expressions, which means that my anglophone father and my francophone partner can laugh together at the same jokes when we watch it together. It is a wonderful shared moment. Laughter truly is an international language! What’s yours, Prakash?

PK: The film I’ve seen the most and never get tired of is Spirited Away… I couldn’t tell you the number of times I’ve watched it since it was released. I find every aspect of it immeasurably beautiful: the story, the themes, the iconic characters, the animation style, the music… it’s a perfect film in my opinion. When I feel upset, it is my go-to comfort film and never fails to make me feel better.

KJ: Oh yes, it’s a masterpiece of animation! Some films have that kind of magic ability to connect us to our emotions and to others.