Reflection: Turning 40, Tuning Out the Noise, and Turning the Page

Notes from My Queer World | Cusp of November 2025

There’s a lot of noise in the world right now, especially here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Between the controversial headlines and the ongoing political chaos, it can feel like Danielle Smith is running this province with the same kind of energy we’ve all seen before in our neighbouring country down south (mini-Trump vibes, anyone?).

For queer folks, that noise isn’t just frustrating, it’s heavy; it's scary; it's consuming. It’s the constant hum of policies and rhetoric that make it harder to simply be.

But through all the noise, I’m reminding myself (and you) that queer joy is resistance. Our creativity, our connection, and our compassion are all forms of activism and resistance.

Life Lately: Busy, Grateful, and Growing

Between my full-time job and running Lavender Library Press, life feels like a whirlwind of deadlines, dreams, and coffee. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This November marks two major milestones for me: my 40th birthday and my 9th canceversary. Both are reminders of just how precious and unpredictable this life really is -

reminding me a lot about growth and how much we change, how much we carry, and how much we still have to look forward to.

On the business side of things, there’s so much happening behind the scenes: new book projects, new goodie bags in our shoppe, exciting collaborations with the LGBTQ community, and submissions rolling in for Rainbow Soup for the Queer Soul: Book 2.  I can’t wait to see it all come together and share it with you.

Journaling Through the Chaos

When the world feels loud, journaling helps me turn down the volume. Writing has always been my way of processing, of grounding myself in something real. Whether it’s a single page of venting, a poem about healing, or a gratitude list scribbled on a napkin, it’s a way of saying: I’m still here. I am present. I am grounded. I am worth taking a moment to myself to better my mental health. I am allowed to step away from the noise.

That’s part of why Lavender Library Press exists. It’s not just about publishing books and having a cute website to play with; it’s about creating a space where LGBTQ+ and queer stories, reflections, and creative expression can thrive. Journaling is more than a hobby; it’s a survival skill, a creative act, and a radical form of self-love.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of Alberta’s political climate, (very similar to that of Trump and the USA right now) or just life in general, grab a notebook and start writing. Let it be messy. Let it be honest. Let it be yours.

What’s Next for Lavender Library Press

So here is how we are putting resistance into action this month: November is a month of celebration and giving back for me. We’re donating all profits from 40+ book sales to a local LGBTQ+ charity (we’re considering Edmonton’s Dragon Youth Program through the Unitarian Church; suggestions welcome!).

We’re also giving away a free PDF copy of Rainbow Soup for the Queer Soul all month long as a birthday gift to our readers. And for every submission we receive for Rainbow Soup: Book 2, we’ll donate $1 to the same cause.

It’s our way of turning stories into support: one book, one story, one act of kindness at a time.

Closing Thoughts

Turning 40 this upcoming month feels surreal, but it also feels like a new chapter; one where I’m more grounded in who I am, what I stand for, and what I want Lavender Library Press to become.

Here’s to tuning out the noise, turning the page, and continuing to write our way toward something brighter.

Because no matter what’s happening in Alberta or anywhere else in the world, queer love and LGBTQ+ creativity will always find a way to bloom.

✨— Ashley

Founder, Lavender Library Press