Never adept at accounting for time in the traditional sense, I have come to realize I much prefer counting the minutes and days by tracking the emotional imprints left by life’s experiences, as it is these kind of sentiments which are often related to growth. On a related note, though a digression to say the least, a recent chance merging of life paths with an inspiring individual made me acutely aware of a specific life truth: Life is merely a series of steps towards handcrafting a world in a manner you desire your existence to be.

Certain paths that lead to self enlightenment–that blind journey toward all the dreams that lie ahead–can inadvertently cause you to stumble upon other individuals who share a passion for your unique endeavors–individuals that come in all forms, whether they be friends, work associates, or lovers. And if you’re very good, you may discover that singular puzzle piece who’s very soul aligns with the life you strive to lead to make you both one in the same, fated to never be alone. To summarize in the words of Jimi Hendrix, “Loneliness is such a drag.” (From “Burning Of The Midnight Lamp”–how appropriate.) With that in mind, it is my hope that through Pretext Social Club’s meticulous curation, I may bestow upon you the pleasures that I and fellow contributors hold dear.

With the end of 2014 having past and the unknown 2015 taking over in its place, we find ourselves humming along like planets in orbit of our own individual pursuits…remember to look further and acknowledge those outside yourself throttling along the timeline of existence within the greater cosmic universe, because it’s with them that you’ll find the answers to a happy and fulfilling existence on this humble planet–all of us together, working as one. For what is time by any other definition than the meaning invested in those you choose to stand next to, enriching the experiences of your soul’s short journey till death? Get in that good, cram it so full while the gettin’ is good!

So I say to you, dear readers, of whom Pretext could not exist without, perhaps a few days (or weeks) past a time considered acceptably late, may your new year and every year henceforth be as long if not longer than the one you lived before it.

Yours truly,
Jessica Straw

P.S. Enjoy these pictures that 2014 could not handle releasing in a timely manner.