When the pandemic hit, I found myself, like many of you, cancelling trips, concerts and events that were sure to make 2020 a memorable year. Whenever possible, I postponed rather than cancelled, knowing that these destinations and businesses would need our support in the months to come.

That's how my April birthday retreat became an autumn getaway at Estérel Resort.

A luxury hotel and spa in the Laurentian mountains just north of Montreal, Estérel offered the perfect setting to relax, unwind, enjoy gourmet meals and bask in the sun as summer gently turns into fall.

I was happy to notice, immediately upon arrival, that all the guidelines for health and safety were being closely followed. Visitors' temperature was taken at the entrance. Staff members were professional and attentive, working extra hard to ensure that the site was immaculately clean, that lawn chairs, tables, life-vests and even pens were routinely disinfected, and that social distancing was being respected in all the pools and indoors. At the time of my stay, masks were mandatory indoors. 

Although the three saunas are temporarily closed to prevent outbreaks, visitors can still enjoy several hot tubs, the polar bath and two outdoor pools, in addition to the three lakes: Lac Dupuis, Lac Masson and Lac du Nord.

The summer water activities (pedalo, paddleboard, canoe, kayak, bike or motor boat) are available until mid-October, until they get replaced by winter activities (skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating). If you're in the mood to leave the grounds, you can enjoy the nearby Parc Estérel hiking trails or go golfing. ​

Estérel Resort offers many wonderful packages to its guests, depending on their interests and mood. I had booked the Emotion Suite "Cocooning" Package for my birthday, which included several tasting platters and full breakfast delivered straight to my suite!

I really did feel a bit like royalty, sitting in my suite facing a see-through fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the spa, the lake and the surrounding countryside. 

​The gourmet platter was quite a treat, with oysters, foie gras, a selection of local cheeses, a selection of local pâtés, beef tartare, smoked white fish, lobster rolls, grilled vegetables, prosciutto and melon, caramelized nuts and dried fruit, all served with toasted crostini and warm bread rolls. 

If you don't feel like dining in your room, the resort has three high-end restaurants and a wine cellar to choose from, each of them offering special gastronomic experiences and tasting menus with wine pairings tailored for you by on-site sommeliers. 

I do recommend having breakfast in bed at least once, though. Early in the morning, the setting becomes all the more enchanting. I woke up with the sunrise and my senses were overwhelmed by the fiery colors, the mystical fog on the lake and the cacophony of geese, ducks and crows. 

After getting a little chill by the lake after sunrise, I was happy to crawl back into bed with the fireplace lit to enjoy the abundant breakfast that was served at my suite. Didn't someone once say that waffles taste better in bed? No? I'll say it, then, because it's true. 

And I'm beginning to think that coffee tastes better in the countryside.

The thermal spa is open until 11 pm every night, so you can wake up with the sun and fall asleep to your TV after a toasty warm night soak under the stars. (The fireplace in the room is on a timer, so you don't even need to get up to turn it off!)

It was a perfect weekend getaway. If you're itching to get into the countryside to see our spectacular autumn colors and feel like pampering yourself a little, I recommend Estérel Resort & Spa. You can do (and eat!) as much or as little as you want, while taking some time to relax your mind and body. 

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It always astonishes me how much good a short stroll does.

This spring is by far the strangest spring we've ever experienced - living in confinement until the threat of this virus subsides, we have no choice but to adapt to a new reality and cherish the simple joys hidden in each day.

To stretch my legs and clear my mind, I took a short stroll in Old Montreal. It was a little surreal - the streets and squares that are usually packed with locals and tourists, no matter the season, were like movie sets eerily devoid of their players.  

And although I had had a string of days where optimism floundered, I could not help but find a bit of peace and hope in the clearing skies and budding trees, no matter how anxious Time (and the loss of it) always makes me feel.

I hope that you're able to go for a short stroll to fill your lungs with air (and seagulls), and that you're able to hold onto the glimmer of hope and optimism hidden in each day.

Some cities call out to you even more during a particular season. I always seem to crave New York City at the height of autumn. The way the fiery foliage makes Central Park come alive, the way the autumn light hits brownstones and staircases, the way pumpkins and spooky Halloween decorations adorn the front of homes on gorgeous tree-lined residential lanes. 

Last weekend, I had the perfect excuse to spend a day in New York: a Sunday wedding on Long Island. That left Saturday free for a long stroll in Brooklyn and part of Manhattan, and time to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in a very long time.

Here are the perspectives and moods that inspired me that day. 

If you know me a little, you know I adore the Brooklyn Bridge, so naturally it was the subject of quite a lot of photographs! ​

And of course, our short visit to Long Island gave us a last little boost of ocean air, to hopefully carry us through the harsh winter. 

What is your favorite corner of New York? What's your favorite season in the city? Leave a comment below - I would love to hear from you!

Well, that's a wrap! 

For our September show, anyway. The next Etsy Montréal show will take place in November (22-24) at the Windsor Station, and then there will be one more holiday show in December (15-16) at the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier in Hochelaga. 

Last week, I shared with you a little bit about why I love participating in AND co-organizing the Etsy Montreal shows. 

If you couldn't make it to the show to enjoy the atmosphere and shop from incredible local shops, here is a taste of what it was like! I snuck away from my booth for a few moments here and there to snap a few photos of the event.

To see my full album, visit my Facebook page.

Mark your calendar for the two next Etsy Montreal shows, will you? 

Last weekend, prioritizing fresh air and a slower pace was actually on the agenda. (Yes, sometimes it takes putting "relaxing" on the to-do list for it to become a priority. Not proud of that!)

It's been a remarkably warm and sunny autumn here in Montreal, and it makes me so eager to spend time outdoors, my face to the sun, soaking up the last warm rays before winter hits hard. I have tried to work outdoors as much as possible on tasks that don't require more than a brain, paper, a pen or a laptop!

This weekend, I wanted to get out a little bit further than the city, so I took two short daytrips to Ontario (Montreal to Cornwall along the river) and to the Eastern Townships in Quebec (Orford and Magog). The result was just as I had wanted: lots of sun, autumn colors, warm air, dazzling waterfronts and (the highlight) a horsebackriding adventure in the forests of Orford.

Doesn't it feel good when you see little reminders like this along the way? For me, the reminder to go slow, to be mindful, to make time for unwinding never goes unnoticed, because I have a natural tendency to pack my days to the brim. 

At Orford on Sunday, I became a little girl again. The little girl who was once obsessed with horses and who constantly saved up money to own a horse one day. I used to pretend that my bicycle was my horse, and would tie my skipping rope between the handlebars to use as reigns.

Oddly, I had only been horsebackriding once before Sunday, on a beach in Greece (not so bad, right?!), but it was more like a stroll than actually horse-riding. The afternoon ride in Orford was wonderful - in narrow forest paths covered in falling leaves, over streams, across deep ponds, through fields with old scraggly trees and along quiet country roads. We even picked up speed now and then, and in those moments, you really cannot think of much else other than the rhythm of the horse, the sound of its hooves and the scenery around you. 

Horses have a strangely calming effect on me, possibly because I consciously slow myself down and talk more softly, in order not to spook them. It's just the right therapy, then, to spend a sunny fall afternoon with horses in nature.

This past weekend, one of the most scorching September weekends on record in Montreal, Etsy Montreal hosted the fourth edition of Etsy Fait au Québec, a nation-wide event (called Etsy Made in Canada in other provinces) that showcases the talents of Canadian artists, designers and crafters and encourages the population to shop local.

As one of the leaders of the Etsy Montreal team and as a participating vendor with Veni Etiam Photography, various tasks in planning for this event had filled the pages of my agenda for months. It is always an amazing cause to celebrate (and a bit of a relief) when over 7000 visitors come through our doors and happily discover the creations of over 100 artists. The energy in the room is almost indescribable, the smiles all around are truly contagious, and the feedback that comes from vendors and shoppers is uplifting. The show is a true community endeavor, and puts forward so many important values that strive to make our community - and our future - better. 

During the event, I snuck away from my booth to snap some candid action shots of shoppers and vendors interacting. On my Facebook page, you can find the full album of photos (nearly 200 of them) of the event, with artists' tagged in the images and a full vendor list for you to peruse.

​But if you've only got a minute or two, here's a video compilation of some of the shots. 

As a vendor, participating in Etsy Made in Canada / Fait au Québec is one of my favorite parts of the year. I am always uplifted and humbled by the support, enthusiasm and love my work receives from attendees and fellow artists alike. 

I am not quite sure where the dream came from, this dream to make inspiring art for your homes and your heart. It just sort of snuck up on me, like the best dreams do, I suppose. A couple of years into having launched my business, some of my absolute favorite places have found a place on your walls, in your homes, in your daily routines. What could I possibly say to that? It's amazing. And what could I possibly say about the truly inspiring exchanges I have had with other incredible members of the artistic community? For everything you have taught me and continue to teach me, thank you!

​Sometimes, it’s not about where you go. It’s just about going.

It’s about changing your pace, your mindset, raising your eyes from your screen, stretching your neck, your back, your legs, breathing … and being.
 
It can be a place fifteen minutes away from your home, a place that is just simple enough that you (I!) won’t feel compelled to take 1364 photos and feel the overwhelming need to sort, edit, post and share urgently. Sometimes, disconnecting becomes urgent, and the only way to truly stop doing is by going.
 
Sometimes, the closest and simplest places can do a whole world of good for the body, mind and soul.

Last weekend, something snapped in me. I had experienced a string of sleepless nights, some mild anxiety and a noticeable (to me, at least) slump in my creativity and focus.
 
My to-do lists have been exceedingly long and complex this month, with tasks for vastly different projects bleeding into one another. A new collection, a new product line, a new season for events and buyers, new ideas for my content calendar, co-organizing and co-hosting a huge event (this one, if you’re curious), scientific deadlines, creative writing, health advocacy volunteer work and thoughts of a brand new project bubbling behind the scenes. Too many tabs open on my computer, too many thoughts competing for brain space. Colored post-it notes have been trying to rescue my ideas before they disappear like muted fireflies into the night, trying to catch them like an open palm tries to catch confetti.  
 
What’s to be stressed about?

​So, by Friday, I had decided that I needed Nature, time away from my devices, fresh air, an open space, the comfort of crickets and sunshine, a body of water and a canoe.

​We set out to a National Park which, contrary to any of the parks we have been to thus far, lies just beyond the urban city limits. Destination: the Boucherville Islands. We packed wholesome food, clothing that allowed for Nature to throw either hot summer or crisp autumn air our way, and we left the burden of time behind us on the mainland.
 
On the canoe, I let myself feel the waves of other bigger boats. I appreciated the infinite ripples on the water’s surface when the breeze picked up. I took notice of the scraggly sea plants under the clear water reaching up to grab hold of us, and let the sun warm my face and my arms as my paddle sliced through the river again and again.

​In sunset light, I walked for a long time, in golden fields livened by a symphony of crickets, cicadas and frogs. The light played on wild flowers and in my hair. In the cool shady spaces between rows and rows of slender trees, I came within a couple of feet from deer - they watched me watch them, each of us curious of the other. I let butterflies and dragonflies circle me, chase me, land on me and continue on their way, with their own secrets carried on their colored wings. 

It is amazing how the heart opens up in nature, hushing the mind a little, making sure the sounds of rustling reeds and crickets silences worry, stress and doubt.

One foot in front of the other, over roots, leaves, footpaths and grass, with the path becoming visible only little by little, revealing itself only at every bend. If a bending path can feel so good in sunset light, it can surely feel good in everyday life. ​

​Last weekend, I threw myself into Nature’s arms, like a little girl running in the fields and befriending butterflies.
 
If there is one thing I have learned over the last two years - in life, academia and business - it is to listen to the needs of your body and mind, and to recognize the need for a shift in mindset and pace when it comes.
 
And if there is one thing I have always known, it is that places call, and that we feel whole when we listen.
 
From my heart to yours.

"When I find it, I'll know" had been her reply.

She was so happy to discover my work, and to finally fill that empty wall. I was so touched, especially because we may have just as easily not have crossed paths at all.
Among the prints she chose was a brand new one in my Montreal collection called "Bloom where unlikely". This captured my eye because sometimes beautiful things come when you don't necessarily expect them, and they have the power of moving you.

It's these moments that truly boost my passion and my motivation to do what I do. Inspiring you inspires me. Thank you for that immense gift. 
 
From my heart to yours. 

Psst! I'm also on Instagram!

Last weekend, I took part in the Etsy Canada Day market that was (perfectly!) organized by Emily from Cheerfully Made, in partnership with Etsy Canada. The market took me to Almonte, Ontario for the first time.

The two-hour drive was a wee bit stressful, because the sky was dropping bucketfuls of rain - so much so, that we were forced to pull over on the side of the road for a few minutes and drive with flashers part of the way. The weather literally put a damper on some of the day's plans, and the venue had to move from outdoors to indoors. As we all set up, we hoped the community would still brave the weather to enjoy the market and discover all the Canadian talent gathered in the Town Hall. 

Right when the doors opened, it became clear that the community would not disappoint the organizers and artists! Shoppers came in with smiles and tote bags, most of them all dressed up in red and white, with glitter on their faces and leis around their necks. Despite being elbow to elbow, everyone was in a fantastic mood and the atmosphere was so cheerful that I doubt anyone truly missed the sun. It was heartwarming to meet the residents of Almonte and its surroundings, and to see first-hand how much they appreciated and supported handmade goods.

By afternoon, the sun even decided it wanted to be part of the fun. Once the market closed, we joined the crowds on Mill street and enjoyed the charming feel of the town. There was a palpable positivity in the air! The local shops were bustling and people of all ages were enjoying the day, strolling with ice creams in hand and soaking up the unexpected sunshine. 

I had a lot of fun discovering Almonte, finding opportunities for photographs almost everywhere I looked. 

I visited the Cheerfully Made shop and also fell in love with the Tin Barn Market, where I honestly felt I could find a home for every item in the store. 

​If you have a chance to stop by Almonte for a few hours, it's definitely worth the visit! Thank you to all the locals of the town who made our Etsy Canada Day Market a success!

From my heart to yours.

As a maritime soul, it's no wonder that one of my favorite aspects of living in Montreal is my proximity to its Old Port. I love to go there to wander around, seamlessly blending in with the tourists as I point my camera in all directions.

I have recently noticed that I am especially drawn to the port when seasons change - I seem to go there most when autumn fades into winter, and winter fades into spring. 

Last weekend, after making a fresh delivery of fine-art prints to ImpresArts near the Basilica, I decided to clear my agenda for the hours that followed, and simply walk, look, capture and enjoy. 

It was raining when I first arrived, and the silhouette of the Notre-Dame Basilica masked with raindrops made me smile. The bells struck noon, and soon thereafter the skies cleared. A street musician started his soulful rendition of "Wicked Game", forcing me to sit down on a wet bench in the square to listen, as did dozens of others who were similarly entranced by his voice. It was fortuitous timing in every sense.

The air was thick and damp, almost visible. My curls flattened, as they do when I'm on my lagoon. Puddles and budding trees were welcome reminders that spring was in gear. There was a pleasant breeze, finally mild after a long winter, and although the skies were overcast, colors were saturated enough to contrast with one another. 

If you are familiar with some of my Old Port photographs from my Montreal collection, you know that my eye is usually drawn to moody urban scenes, architectural treasures, decay, textures, lines and symmetry. It's always a feast for the eyes when I stroll through Old Montreal, and last weekend was no exception.

After a couple of hours of walking, I stopped into the beautiful Tommy Café to enjoy a tea. I sat at a table on a step, halfway between the main floor and the second floor, facing the big open doors that let in fresh air. 

I came back from the port relaxed and happy. I hadn't had such a relaxing Saturday in a while, as my last weekends had been devoted to shows and launch preparations. Once in a while, you do need to be a tourist in your own city to feel as though you are on vacation and to take in sights with a fresh perspective. 

From my heart to yours.

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Last weekend, I took a somewhat spontaneous road trip from Montreal to Canada. The main reason for the jaunt was to prepare for the upcoming One of a Kind Show & Sale, but two major bonuses were clear: to spend some time with my dear friends and to finally welcome Toronto into my fine-art photography collection. 

​It was my first weekend in downtown Toronto since I was a little girl. I only had ONE free day, but my to-see list was disproportionately long. I wanted to see as many of T.O's distinct neighborhoods as possible, to experience something other than the city's downtown core. Yet, I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to see the CN tower, or that I didn't let out a giddy little shriek when I first caught a glimpse of it from the highway, its unmistakable silhouette standing far taller than anything in its vicinity.

I have always had a fascination with these kinds of symbolic structures, like my beloved Fernsehturm in Berlin. I love to look for them wherever I am - from a plane, car or train, and from all sorts of different corners of the city - and to feel safe and connected, simply because of this "point de repère". I love to feel small in their shadow, to look for their reflections in windows and puddles, and to wonder what it is that they see from up above. 

It was no different for the CN tower.

​Sure, it's a total cliché to love THE icon of a city's urbanscape, especially when a vibrant city has so much more to offer. ​​

But... I just can't help it.

Keep an eye on my blog for more about my weekend in Toronto, and for the reveal of the new Toronto collection. 

From my heart to yours!

Sometimes waking up to snow feels like a little bit of magic; your view was transformed while you were sleeping, and everything is so pretty, you can't stop staring.

The holidays this year have been long and more relaxing than I could ever remember. Usually, I pack my vacation time with things to do and places to see, as if I am a tourist in my own city, fueled by the desire not to miss out on any events or winter scenes. This year, my only priority was to spend quality time with loved-ones and quality time with myself and my home. I removed my watch (not by choice, admittedly, as the strap snapped in two) and distanced myself from my phone by at least one room. I hosted dinner parties but mostly took it easy - reading, thinking, dreaming, cooking, watching movies, playing with my kitten and watching the snow fall. 

Waking up without an alarm and to the sight of snow made the day start off in a beautifully cozy way. I'd make pancakes, bury them in sugar and prioritize feeling content and warm. ​

Life's blessings are often in the simplest things.

When summer fades, when the sunlight changes, when the morning air feels subtly different and the month names become longer, I get a little bit anxious. 

I feel like I've always fought Time, in my life. I've always been the type to cram in more than what days can hold without spilling over. I've tried to cheat Time in gentle ways but, inevitably, midnight comes, birthdays swing 'round and seasons change. 

I have always appreciated autumn more than spring, impressed by its efforts to keep us feeling hopeful and alive, with its saturation of our senses. If summer has to end, I feel grateful it is followed by such an explosive, fiery, awe-inspiring season, giving us happiness of a different kind. 

Last weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada. Saturday was rainy, and was spent working leisurely, meeting new clients, developing new exciting projects for the holiday season and next year. It was cool enough to inspire thoughts of pumpkins and to warrant a hearty soup for supper. Sunday was spent with family and all the joy they (and my childhood home) bring. And Monday was so gloriously sunny, it was too promising a day to stay indoors or even in the city. So, I fled to the mountains, in search of colors and crisp air!  

It has always amazed me how Nature is the perfect reboot. The Sea still has my heart, of course, but mountains are a solid second. It's like we need to lift our head up sometimes, out of our work and daily routines, and tilted up towards the sky and the warmth of the sun. We need to feel like a small insignificant speck sometimes, to experience a moment of awe, or quietude, or vertigo. We need to be free of distractions and focus only on what lands on our senses. We need to see the horizon, to see all that stretches towards it, and we are refreshed, at least momentarily. It's our task to hold onto that fresh air and clear head for as long as we can. 

Last weekend, I felt profoundly grateful for autumn, for nature, for all the blessings and opportunities I have, and for all the people I love. 

I may be stubbornly denying that summer has glided by (I am still not comfortable admitting it), but I am glad that autumn is so loud and so joyous that no one can sulk for long. That being said, I may not survive when the snow hits...

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​Six thousand visitors in a single weekend! The historic Technopole was bustling, its rustic metal pillars decked out with festive banners, and the space between them filled by local artisans, their unique creations and a constant stream of shoppers who came to celebrate all things Made in Québec. The community definitely showed up on that September weekend, and participating vendors were buzzing with excitement and pride. 

This was the third annual Etsy Fait au Québec Montréal show. It was the second time that I participated as a vendor, but the first time I was part of the organization committee with the Etsy Montréal team. I thoroughly loved both of those roles and the energy of the team. In a previous blog post, I explained why I have an Etsy shop and why I love this online marketplace so much. Events like these are incredible fun for me, mostly because of the immediate feedback you have on your product. The reactions and interactions are impossible to experience to the same extent online or when someone else is selling your creations. The ability to share stories and anecdotes behind your products, explain why they are special, or answer questions that are spontaneously asked makes participating in these shows an invaluable experience. 

And I am so so SO grateful for the Montreal community who is always so passionate about shopping local and sustaining local entrepreneurs. You rock! 

 When I do these shows, I am always torn about what photographs to print and take with me. If you know me and my shop well, you know that I have hundreds of photographs that really vary a lot in theme and style. It’s hard to get into the heads of thousands of shoppers and try to tug on their heart! It’s also tricky to demand that kind of patience from shoppers – the very committed ones make it through the basket(s) of prints without feeling overwhelmed! Those are the shoppers I get to spend the most time with at my booth, as they hold up individual prints and react to them.

One of those lovely individuals wanted me to tell her a little bit more about my business, certain photographs, their locations, etc. When I told her about how I had taken the photographs mostly over the course of the last 4 years, while pursuing a scientific research career at the same time, she looked up from the prints (her finger safely keeping her spot open) and said, in French:

“Vous faites ce que vous aimez dans la vie”.

This roughly translates as, “You do what you love in your life”. I smiled and paused for a moment before answering, because her comment caught me off-guard but also made my day, because it made me realize just that. Yes, I have been so blessed to do exactly what I have wanted to do in my life so far, to chase my dreams without overthinking them or putting them on hold, to combine my diverse interests and create an unconventional but exciting life. I felt so encouraged by her comment, and if it hadn’t been for the Etsy show and our interaction, that supportive, empowering feedback may not have gotten back to me. 

Our ears were buzzing that weekend. Our backs were sore, our voices were strained, but our hearts were full.

Thank you to ALL those who came out to the Etsy show in their nearest city (across Canada!) and who believe that the Etsy community offers something of value. Independent entrepreneurs really thrive off your support and the community feeling that you help create and maintain.

Thank you from our hearts!

P.S. How to know whether there is an Etsy event close to you? Check out the “Etsy Local” section.

P.P.S. If you’re a small business owner or *thinking* of starting a business, what are you waiting for? There are a ton of resources on Etsy and you can join a team for extra support!

P.P.P.S. If you haven’t seen Veni Etiam Photography’s Etsy shop (where you could mostly find small-sized items), check it out here:

Stay in touch on Instagram!

After we packed up at the end of the afternoon, it was time to unwind and to say hello to the water, which had been calling me all day long. The wind was chilly on the boardwalk, but locals were enjoying their ice creams and favorite terraces regardless. 

These last weeks have been so frenetic and mind-consuming that I had not actually been close to nature in any way. Who knew a couple of hours in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, with nothing on the agenda except walking, sitting, talking and snapping a few inevitable photos, could do such a world of good!

And when the sun started to tuck itself in for the night, I realized my cheeks were pink and warm and sunkissed for the first time this season, and that it had been a very good day.

Have your weekends been rejuvenating and sunshine-filled?