Twas The Last Day of 2014

So, here we are… a week after Christmas (or, as I like to call it – Capitalismas), two weeks after the start of Hanukkah (Capitaliskah) and the last day of 2014. We somehow made it around the Sun another year without being hit by an asteroid, melted by global warming or blown up by our fellow humans. That, my friends, is success! Seriously though, I hope you’ve all had a restful holiday and are feeling recharged and fueled up to take on another year with new hopes, big dreams and infinite possibilities.

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I hit the gym on December 23rd (a Festivus for the rest of us!) and prepared myself for the impending marathon of eating that can only be described as painfully unnecessary (and necessarily painful). I signed up to the gym nearly a year ago after an extended absence and I now go three to four times a week. It keeps me healthy and happy, literally. I mostly run and do yoga, both of which I really love doing, but, I do switch things up. Speaking of which, I recently got a haircut… I think it helps me run faster.

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We visited my family on Christmas Eve which means we visited twenty-plus relatives because, well, we’re Portuguese and there’s a lot of us. The next day, after stuffing our faces with vegan eats, we ended the festivities the same way we have every year since Sky was born – a (vegan) cheesy family photo in front of the Christmas tree at Chelsea’s Gramma‘s house. This year, we went for a less formal, more candid shot that shows what we do best together – laugh. Next year, we’ll have another little boy in our arms!

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Tonight, Chels and I are going out to dinner together which is something we don’t often get a chance to do. Keep an eye on my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as I’m sure I’ll be posting something about it later tonight. Please have a safe and enjoyable new year’s eve celebration doing whatever works for you. I sincerely thank you for all your support in 2014 and I cannot wait to share more of my art with you in the coming year. I send my love and positive vibes your way for a healthy, happy and successful 2015!

2013: A Year in Review

2013 was a busy year for me as a solo artist with the physical release of It’s Not An Excuse, It’s A Reason, the premiere of my documentary Walking Proof, the release of my first music video, my tour out east, two HMA nominations, and my return to acting amongst many other things which all included doing a ton of press to promote each venture.

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Most importantly, I had the privilege of spending nearly every day with my beautiful wife Chelsea and adorable son Skyler by my side. We traveled to Florida and Los Angeles together and I experienced the honour that was my first Father’s Day. I learned to appreciate the little things in life that mean most of all… Like Sky’s very first birthday!

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If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen our first family Christmas photo together back in December 2012. Even though we’re vegan, we like to keep it cheesy. Here we are last month posing for our second annual (vegan) cheesy Christmas photo. Half sincerity, half hilarity.

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Our second Christmas together as a family was a highlight because, this time around, Skyler was old enough to really interact with our extended families, including his new cousins, and he quickly became a pro at opening his own gifts – something he learned on his birthday. At only fifteen months of age, he now has his first guitar.

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Before we knew it, it was time to ring in the new year. I don’t usually drink (except for two or three celebratory adult beverages I have each year) so I blame the beer I consumed on New Year’s Eve for this terribly awkward yet awesome moment I captured of Chels and I as the clock struck twelve and the year 2014 began.

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Thank you for all the love and support I received in 2013. With your help, I achieved many of the goals I set for myself. I’m working on a lot of new music and staying focused on what I want to attract into my life this year. I am grateful for my health, my family, my friends, and my fans. Life is what you make it and I plan on continuing the pursuit of living in the moment and appreciating the little things that matter most.

Los Angeles

I made my way to Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago with my wife Chelsea and son Skyler. We stayed in Santa Monica on Ocean Avenue which is right on the beach. The air was clean, the sky was blue and the water was incredibly refreshing.

Morning View

Skyler couldn’t get enough of the water. At first, he was a bit hesitant and a little unsure of the waves crashing onto the shoreline but, once I showed him that there was nothing to be afraid of, he really embraced the North Pacific washing over his tiny feet.

Mornings on the Beach

We spent our mornings on the beach, our afternoons exploring museums, and our evenings eating some of the most delicious vegan food I’ve ever had (aside from my wife’s cooking, of course!) After a wonderful week, we flew home from the famous LAX airport which was really nothing special when compared to the beautiful airport we have here in Toronto. However, the view from our hotel room was spectacular.

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Skyler was an absolute angel during our flights to and from Los Angeles, both of which included a layover. He passed the time by waving at fellow passengers, playing with his toys, napping, and staring out the window at the clouds as we floated atop of them.

Sky in the Sky

I don’t think he wanted to come back home.