Blog by Kristina Kasparian Veni Etiam Photography

Alone with the seagulls: A lonely stroll in Old Montreal

13/4/2020

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.

My lens kept me company as I alternated between feeling inspired and feeling lonely. Luckily, there were seagulls to break the silence that hung from the clouds.

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.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Des messages d'espoir cachés dans mes photos

10/4/2020

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An English version of this post is also available

Quand une scène m'inspire et que je la prends en photo, j'espère toujours que cette observation ou cette émotion vous inspirera aussi. Parfois, je glisse des messages dans les titres ou les descriptions de mes photographies (que j'inclus sur une fiche personnalisée avec chaque affiche que vous commandez en petits et moyens formats). Ces descriptions me rappellent ce que je pensais au moment où j'ai pris la photo, mais, souvent, j'aime les créer pour vous inspirer.

Lors d'un de mes marchés l'année passée, un visiteur m'a demandé si ces descriptions sont visibles sur ma boutique en ligne, car elles pourraient influencer les choix de clients qui cherchent des idées cadeau. À l'époque, seuls les titres étaient en ligne, mais je suis heureuse d'annoncer que j'ai travaillé fort pour ajouter chacune des descriptions uniques à mes fiches produits!

Pendant cette période de confinement et d'émotions fluctuantes, au seuil de ce printemps étrange et surréaliste, j'aimerais partager des photos qui ont un titre ou une description sentimentale et optimiste.

Certaines d'entre elles datent de 2015, mais elles résonnent avec notre état d'esprit actuel.

Si vous cherchez un cadeau pour un de vos proches ou si vous voulez vous offrir un petit plaisir pour vous évader, j'espère que vous serez inspirés par ces mots et ces images.

Les titres et les descriptions sont tous bilingues (français et anglais). Pour en savoir plus, cliquez simplement sur l'image ou écrivez-moi pour me poser une question.

Bloom Where Unlikely / Fleurir là où c'est improbable

Un rappel qu’une fleur peut s’épanouir facilement,
même dans des circonstances irrégulières
A reminder that it doesn’t take much for a flower to bloom,
even in the roughest circumstances

The Impossible Spring / Le printemps impossible

Un rappel que le temps défavorable finit par changer et que même les printemps les plus lents finissent par arriver
A reminder that unfavorable weather eventually changes, and even the slowest springs eventually come

Trust the Path / Fais confiance au chemin

Chaque pas est nécessaire pour ce qui va suivre, même si cela ne parait pas tout de suite
Every step is a prerequisite for what comes next, even if it doesn’t seem so at the time

Stand Tall / Tiens-toi debout

Tu es une personne spéciale
You're special

What Goes Down Must Go Up Again
Ce qui descend finit toujours par remonter

Ce qui compte, c’est la lumière, pas les ténèbres
What matters is what is light, not what is dark

Chance

Quand une fenêtre se ferme, une autre s’ouvre
When one window closes, another one opens

Patience

Ouvre ton coeur et tes yeux, et les fenêtres s'ouvriront aussi
Open your heart and your eyes, and windows will open too

Strength & Hope / Force & Espoir

Le ciel et la mer dans une conversation fervente
The sky and the waves, in fervent conversation

Dream Big / Rêve grand

Laissez vos rêves prendre leur envol
Let your dreams take flight

Unlocked / Déverrouillée

Une merveilleuse surprise vous attend.
Something truly delightful awaits you.

Incomplete Without You / Incomplète sans toi

Dédié à une âme douce et généreuse sans qui la vie ne serait pas pareille.
An ode to a gentle and selfless soul without whom life just wouldn’t be the same.

Je t'aime

Des pensées de toi qui m’envahissent au coin d’une rue.
When thoughts of you arise at random street corners.

After the Rain / Après la pluie

Parfois la vie devient encore plus belle après avoir connu la pluie
Sometimes life becomes even more beautiful when it has been graced with raindrops

You Have Time / Tu as le temps

Prends ton temps, reste et reviens
Don't rush, stay awhile and be sure to return

Abundance / Abondance

Plus nous nous concentrons sur les richesses de la vie, plus les richesses se multiplient
The more we focus on life’s riches, the more riches arise

The Way / Le chemin

Suivez vos rêves, où qu'ils vous mènent
Follow your dreams, wherever they may lead

Fede (Foi)

Gardez votre foi: Elle veille sur vous
Have faith: She is watching over you

Up!

Ce sera une saison de paix et d’équilibre
It will be a season of peace and balance

Minimaliste / brutaliste / optimiste

Comme une ombre, comme une lumière
Like a shadow, like a light

Navy Blue (Me & You) / Bleu marin (toi & moi)

Chaque pensée de toi commence et se termine avec l'océan
Every thought of you begins and ends with the ocean

Look Up / Lève les yeux

L'optimisme réside dans la surprise d'une seule fenêtre ouverte
Optimism lies in the surprise of a single open window

On Angels' Wings / Sur les ailes d'un ange

Parfois, il faut de la patience et de la foi pour voler
Sometimes, it takes patience and faith to fly

One Step at a Time / Un pas à la fois

Ce n’est pas la vitesse de la montée qui compte. Il faut juste continuer de monter.
It's not about how fast you climb - it's just about climbing.

Simplicity / Simplicité

Quand les moments les plus évocateurs sont les plus simples
When the most evocative moments are the simplest ones

J'espère que cette sélection vous inspire. Les formats livrés à plat dans une enveloppe rigide (8x8, 12x12, 8x10, 8x12 pouces) sont emballés avec une fiche descriptive. Si vous commandez un format plus grand mais que vous souhaitez que la fiche descriptive soit incluse, laissez-moi simplement une note lors de votre transaction. N'oubliez pas que vous avez toujours l'option d'ajouter une note personnalisée si votre commande est un cadeau!

Prenez soin de vous et restez inspiré!

De mon coeur au vôtre,
Kristina

Suivez-moi sur Instagram!

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Hidden messages: Hopeful captions behind my prints

10/4/2020

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Une version en français est disponible

When something inspires me to reach for my lens, I always hope that this observation or emotion will, in turn, inspire you. Sometimes, I sneak messages in the titles or captions of my photographs (which I include on a customized insert with every small or medium-sized print you order). Those descriptions serve as an extra reminder for me of what I thought at the time I snapped the photo, but, often, I enjoy putting them there in case they might inspire you.

At one of my shows last year, a visitor asked me whether these captions appear in my online shop, because they would help him find something representative to offer as a gift. At the time, only the titles were online, but I'm happy to announce that, since then, I've worked hard to add each of the unique descriptions to the listings in my shop!

During this emotional time in our lives, at the brink of this strange and surreal spring, I wanted to share some of the photographs that have a hopeful title or caption.

Some of them are from 2015, but they still resonate with our current state of mind.

If you're looking for a gift to cheer up a loved-one, or want to treat yourself to something uplifting, I hope you'll find inspiration in these words and images.

The titles and captions are all bilingual (English and French). To learn more about each one, simply click on the image, or write to me to ask a question.

Bloom Where Unlikely

A reminder that it doesn’t take much for a flower to bloom,
even in the roughest circumstances
Un rappel qu’une fleur peut s’épanouir facilement,
même dans des circonstances irrégulières

The Impossible Spring

A reminder that unfavorable weather eventually changes, and even the slowest springs eventually come
Un rappel que le temps défavorable finit par changer et que même les printemps les plus lents finissent par arriver

Trust the Path

Every step is a prerequisite for what comes next, even if it doesn’t seem so at the time
Chaque pas est necessaire pour ce qui va suivre, même si cela ne parait pas tout de suite

Stand Tall

You're special
Tu es une personne spéciale

What Goes Down Must Go Up Again

What matters is what is light, not what is dark
Ce qui compte, c’est la lumière, pas les ténèbres

Chance

When one window closes, another one opens
Quand une fenêtre se ferme, une autre s’ouvre

Patience

Open your heart and your eyes, and windows will open too
Ouvre ton coeur et tes yeux, et les fenêtres s'ouvriront aussi

Strength & Hope

The sky and the waves, in fervent conversation
Le ciel et la mer dans une conversation fervente

Dream Big

Let your dreams take flight
Laissez vos rêves prendre leur envol

Unlocked

Something truly delightful awaits you.
Une merveilleuse surprise vous attend.

Incomplete Without You

An ode to a gentle and selfless soul without whom life just wouldn’t be the same.
Dédié à une âme douce et généreuse sans qui la vie ne serait pas pareille.

Je t'aime

When thoughts of you arise at random street corners.
Des pensées de toi qui m’envahissent au coin d’une rue.

After the Rain

Sometimes life becomes even more beautiful when it has been graced with raindrops
Parfois la vie devient encore plus belle après avoir connu la pluie

You Have Time

Don't rush, stay awhile and be sure to return
Prends ton temps, reste et reviens

Abundance

The more we focus on life’s riches, the more riches arise
Plus nous nous concentrons sur les richesses de la vie, plus les richesses se multiplient

The Way

Follow your dreams, wherever they may lead
Suivez vos rêves, où qu'ils vous mènent

Fede (Faith)

Have faith: She is watching over you
Gardez votre foi: Elle veille sur vous

Up!

It will be a season of peace and balance
Ce sera une saison de paix et d’équilibre

Minimalist, brutalist, optimist

Like a shadow, like a light
Comme une ombre, comme une lumière

Navy Blue (Me & You)

Every thought of you begins and ends with the ocean
Chaque pensée de toi commence et se termine avec l'océan

Look Up

Optimism lies in the surprise of a single open window
L'optimisme réside dans la surprised'une seule fenêtre ouverte

On Angels' Wings

Sometimes, it takes patience and faith to fly
Parfois, il faut de la patience et de la foi pour voler

One Step At a Time

It's not about how fast you climb - it's just about climbing.
Ce n’est pas la vitesse de la montée qui compte. Il faut juste continuer de monter.

Simplicity

When the most evocative moments are the simplest ones
Quand les moments les plus évocateurs sont les plus simples

I hope this selection inspired you. Prints that ship flat (8x8, 12x12, 8x10, 8x12 inches) are packaged with their title and caption. If you order a larger print and wish for the insert to be included, just leave a note at checkout. Lastly, you always have the option of adding a personalized note if your order is a gift.

Stay safe and stay inspired!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

Follow me on Instagram!

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Tips for working from home

3/4/2020

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I have always enjoyed working from home.

Throughout my studies and PhD research, I thrived when studying or working independently from home, following my own rhythm or routine. I created this possibility whenever I could, and ultimately chose a line of work where this could be part of my lifestyle. It takes tremendous self-discipline and one needs to develop strong time-management skills, and it may have some drawbacks as well, but overall I find that working from home is a wonderful opportunity.

In this COVID era where millions worldwide have been forced to adapt to a new reality of teleworking, I am sensitive to the fact that the lifestyle I have long cherished is actually quite challenging for others.

I thought I would share some of my strategies and guiding principles for working efficiently from home, with the hope that they might help you turn this challenge into opportunity.

1. Know your rhythm

Do you concentrate best in the morning or afternoon?
What are the signs that you need a break?
Which tasks do you dread the most?
What distracts you?

Consider all of these details when you plan and structure your day, to give yourself the BEST chance of staying focused, especially during tasks that are not your strong suit.

2. Start the day right

How you start the day can have an enormous impact on your mood and mindset.

Let light and fresh air into your working space. Tidy a little. Start the day with something that makes you feel good - coffee, tea, music, gratitude, stretching, journaling gardening, yoga - anything that will fill your body and mind with energy to tackle your day with ease.

Look forward to working; it's a game-changer!

3. Set rules

If you are not alone at home but are worried about being distracted or interrupted, set rules so others know when not to disturb. Wear noise-cancelling headphones, choose a separate space to work from that's away from "the action", put a sign on the door, silence your phone and notifications, communicate to those who try to reach you that you will be working without interruptions until a certain time.

This is by far the biggest challenge for me, especially when friends or family are on a different rhythm (and are sometimes disappointed that I am difficult to reach during the day), but it's the only way I can stay in the zone, especially for demanding tasks like writing, translation or brainstorming. I even leave my phone in another room (I used to call it "putting my phone in quarantine" but then this pandemic broke out and that word stopped being funny to me).

4. Stay organized

Create a desk area (even if it's your kitchen table!) where you have everything you'll need at your fingertips.

Avoid having a "dumping pile". Make sure everything has somewhere to go, physically or on your computer.

Use folders, different colors, to-do lists, post-its, storage bins, dividers, an agenda and apps (like Asana) to stay organized.

Start and end each workday with a few minutes of tidying.

The clearer your space, the clearer your mind!

Featured: "Landmark" from the Canadian collection

5. Track your time

Plan your day in advance (in the morning or the evening before).

Make sure you know what your 1-3 main priorities are for the day - what is urgent and/or will bring you closer to your goals?

Break your tasks down into a list in manageable chunks that you can assign a time interval to. If the task is so huge that you can't estimate how long it will take you, it needs to be further broken down into smaller pieces.

If you don't want to set a time for every task, another strategy is to break your day into 3 parts (e.g. morning, early afternoon, late afternoon) and stay on track with the tasks within those blocks of time. Remember to leave room in your schedule for breaks!

Once you estimate how long something should take you, track your time to stay on task! This will further motivate you to eliminate distractions and silence your notifications. Lots of apps exist to help you track your time if a simple clock doesn't do the trick for you!

6. Schedule breaks

No matter how you structure your to-do list, be sure to plan for breaks AND TAKE THEM!

Whether it's a short walk, exercise, lunch, bath, a phone call, a YouTube video, gardening, meditation or laundry - write it down and make it happen.

I literally put "self-care" on my to-do lists because it makes it important - just as important as all the other items that measure my productivity - and it eliminates any ounce of guilt I have a tendency to feel if I am not working towards my goals. I tell myself that feeling well (physically, mentally and emotionally) is also a priority.

Taking a step back from our work helps us refuel the body and mind, which helps us work faster and with more clarity once we get back to it.

Writing down what you want to do on your breaks keeps you accountable. Work life balance is important, and so is your mental health!

7. Prepare healthy snacks in advance

Sometimes (often...) we reach into the fridge or pantry for inspiration, as if the answer to our problem can be found in a pint of ice cream or a jar of cookies...

To avoid binge eating unhealthy foods, it helps to have healthy snacks already prepared so you can grab them easily: yogurts, pre-cut fruits and veggies, healthier types of chips, cheese, nuts, dates, bars, etc.

When you do your grocery run, try to think of what you might enjoy snacking on while working or a lunch that doesn't take long to prepare. Making healthier items easy to grab will lessen the urge to reach for quick, junky foods.

8. Nurture your space

Your workspace, no matter its size or location, should motivate you. It should feel like a little haven that accompanies you and picks you up when your creativity starts to slump. It doesn't have to be a designated closed space - work with what you've got, even if it's the dining room.

Choose accessories, furniture and decor that inspires and uplifts you. You should feel comfortable and happy in your space, so that you enjoy being there for hours on end.

Don't be afraid to make changes to your space. Your needs evolve, so your space should too!

Featured: "Canopy of Color" from the international collection

9. Move around

If you're working from home, you're not commuting, and you're likely working from one spot all day long.

Be sure to move around while you work (some tasks can be done without your full setup) or during your breaks.

Stand up and stretch. Work while standing sometimes. Pay attention to your posture and how many steps you've done during the day.

If you're the type to lose track of time, set an alarm to get up and get your heart going a little bit, even if it means dancing like no one's watching.

10. Create a boundary

If a task or email comes up and it's not on your radar for today, set it aside until tomorrow.

If 10 new ideas popped into your mind but are not priority, jot them onto a post-it and leave them for another day.

If your "work pile" is causing you anxiety because it's in the middle of your kitchen, put it somewhere else at the end of your day.

If you've noticed that reading emails or checking social media before bedtime causes you stress or insomnia, have a strict no-device policy after supper.

Whenever possible, delineate boundaries between different aspects of your work, or between "work" and "home". Be conscious of how you feel and how you thrive, and set boundaries that protect your mood and mindset.

11. Know when to stop - and stop!

Don't work overtime every single day. Pace yourself even if you think you don't need to. Create work-life balance whether you have a family or live alone.

Know when it's time to stop, and STOP.

Whether it's after 1 more task or at a scheduled time - whatever it is, respect that limit.

Make yourself a note or list so you'll know exactly where to pick up tomorrow.

Featured: "Tour de l'horloge" from the Canadian collection

12. Celebrate

Acknowledge something positive about your day, every day.

Something you learned, a way you stepped out of your comfort zone, a problem you solved, someone you helped, positive feedback you got, a challenge that is behind you, a new opportunity, good news.

Celebrate anything that makes you feel pride, relief or joy.

I hope you found these tips valuable and you feel motivated to try some of them out.

Got a tip to share? Leave a comment below, I would love to know!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

Tips for reducing anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic

23/3/2020

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Version française

It's a strange, strange time in our world.

During this period of isolation, uncertainty, fear and loss, I want to continue showing up for you and serving you by having a small positive impact on your days, through my words or my colorful art.

In today's post, I wanted to share some tips for managing the very valid feelings of stress or anxiety many of us are experiencing during this difficult time.

1. Practice acceptance

It's NORMAL to feel scared, uncertain, vulnerable, anxious, and worried about the future. There are SO many things about this situation that we cannot control and that are totally unknown. We are forced to deal with our days one at a time, with many questions and few answers.

Given the weight of this situation, it's important to be kind to ourselves, to accept that it's a terrible time for us, and to give ourselves the grace to work through these tricky but valid emotions.

2. Limit the information overload

We are all home and more glued to our devices than ever before.

So many people in our personal and professional networks are sharing news, articles, opinions, memes, videos, TED talks and recommendations. It's normal to feel overwhelmed.

Limit your information consumption to reputable sources and verified information (and to a few funny memes), and be sure to give yourself time to UNPLUG.

3. Eat well

Comfort eating is a real thing. Be gentle with yourself and do what makes you feel comforted, but also avoid overeating out of boredom or stress. Be sure to keep sipping water all day long, try to reduce caffeine, sugar and alcohol (even / especially if they are comforting!), and boost your fruits and vegetables during this time. Your body will thank you when we emerge from our hibernation in time for swimsuit season!

4. Rationalize your worries

Our minds might be racing with worries about our work, our businesses, our income, our loved-ones, our time slipping through our fingers, our boring life in quarantine... the list of worries may be absolutely overwhelming.

What helps me in times of overwhelm is a strategy like rationalization.

Make a mental list (or a physical one, if you're a visual person) of everything that you are worried about - everything, big or trivial.

Go through the list and eliminate those which are unfounded (no evidence) or beyond your control. Then, come up with a strategy or comforting thought to tackle each of the worries that remain.

Challenging your thoughts is a way to stop them from "poisoning" your mind. This strategy also helps you come up with solutions to mitigate some of our worries.

5. Take action

Action - any action, even if imperfect - helps boost our mood and motivation.

If you're worried about unemployment or finances, look into the measures your government is putting in place to help you. Reach out to your network or support groups where you will feel less isolated and where you can find solutions to your problems.

Taking action prevents you from feeling helpless.

6. Do what you love

I am a firm believer that the most difficult times in our lives are also periods ripe with opportunity.

Take a moment to think about how you've always wanted more life-balance or family time. What interests have you always wanted to pursue? What were those "when I retire" goals, or those "rainy day" plans you had? Which room needs serious decluttering?

Without putting tremendous pressure on yourself to perform or achieve incredible things, treat yourself to something you love or have always wanted to do.

Many artists are giving free tutorials on social media. Many museums and opera houses are offering virtual tours or concerts for free. There is an abundance of online resources, books, podcasts, movies and TV you can devour.

You can decorate, shop online, spring clean, cook, bake, dance, start a new business, read and create.

Find your joy!

7. Sleep well

It's easy to get carried away watching the news, reading article after article about the coronavirus and scrolling endlessly through our Facebook and Instagram feeds.

But, let's face it: that's really not relaxing, and not the best thing to do while in bed. To face the next quarantine day with pep, be sure to maintain a regular sleep schedule (sleeping and waking at roughly the same time each day), avoid your device before bedtime, keep your bedroom cool, reduce your caffeine intake in the evening, and relax your mind and body with breathing or imagery techniques before falling asleep.

8. Get fresh air

Depending on your location, your government may have put measures in place to limit your time outside your home. However, if possible and if you do not have symptoms, step outside to get air and sun, either on your balcony or in your garden, by exercising outdoors or by taking a short stroll around your block. Fresh air and movement will help boost your mood and allow you to take a breather from the information overload waiting for you on the other side of your screen.

Remember to practice social distancing if you do go outside - even if you feel invincible, it is your responsibility to protect society's more vulnerable lives.

9. Remember that you are resilient

It's a strange time in our history.

Yes, it sucks to live through this. Yes, the economy will plunge. Yes, we are making sacrifices EVERY day.

But there will be an end to this at some point, and we humans are incredible in the ways we cope, help, adapt, grow and survive.

Try to remember that when it feels like too much to bear.

10. Practice gratitude

Gratitude has tremendous healing properties for the mind and body.

Make it a habit to practice gratitude daily by introducing it into your morning or evening routine.

Think of 1-3 things you are grateful for each day.

What is going RIGHT in your life?

11. Stay home

Stay home as much as you can. This protects you and others from the virus.

And, remember, the more we stay home now, the quicker this will all be over.

Give yourself the opportunity to be intentional with your daily rhythm and your health. You might be pleasantly surprised. What good can come of this unwanted and uncomfortable situation?

12. Seek help

If you feel like your anxiety or depression is taking over, please ask for professional help.

Mental health is as important as physical health. If you feel significant distress and these tips do not help, you may need professional support from a doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker or other health professional.

You may be in self-isolation but you are not alone!

Take care of yourselves and your loved-ones.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Nurturing yourself and your home during Covid-19

19/3/2020

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Hello loves,

In these uncertain and anxious times, I wholeheartedly wish you all comfort at home. I hope your haven feels safe and cozy, and that you feel grateful for it more than ever these days.

As a restless soul who always had her next travels in mind, I only began to truly appreciate "home" when I moved into my place that is affectionately referred to as "The Pink Palazzo", and even more so when I became self-employed and during those times in recent years where I had to stay home to recover from surgeries and immunocompromising treatments.

Staying home for health brought me a lot more joy and clarity than I ever anticipated. I discovered a new side of me, a side that was more observant of my surroundings and of my inner voice. I took more pictures, even of mundane daily details. I journalled, I gardened, I cooked, I created, I worked, I listened to music, I listened to myself, I grew, and I thrived.

I also decorated and nurtured my space during that time. There's something so special about creating a space that reflects you, because when you least expect it to, it actually takes care of you.

All this to say that time at home doesn't have to feel negative or claustrophobic. It can feel liberating in many other ways. I truly hope you can find joy in this new rhythm, that you can practice gratitude, and that you can feel nurtured by your space.

If you're staring at your walls these days and wish they were more inspiring, I've put together this series of uplifting and cheerful artwork for you, all 15% off for the next while, to lift your spirits!

May these colors, places and details remind you that life's ordinary moments have the power to be extraordinary, if we are open and attentive. May they remind you that spring will come, and that sunshine and togetherness are just around the corner.

Bloom Where Unlikely

There Is Beauty in Simplicity

Canopy of Color

The Impossible Spring

You Have Time

Dopo la Pioggia

Stand Tall, You're Special

Up!

Laundry Day + Sunday in Burano

Treasure Hunt

Beauty on the Horizon

Afionas

Ethereal Beauty

Tulipani + Elegance + Orchids

Simplicity

Li Prisuddi

Low Season

Burano Bliss

I Have This Thing with Blue

Agios Stefanos

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Tips for traveling safely during the coronavirus outbreak

5/3/2020

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As hard as it is for me to say this as a travel photographer who is always driven by her wanderlust, I'm not personally super keen on non-essential travel right now during the coronavirus outbreak until things get a little more under control.

But, as spring break and Easter break are around the corner, many of my friends, colleagues and acquaintances are opting to travel, some of them to quite high-risk destinations in Europe or Asia.

Although our risk tolerance and personal opinions regarding the severity of this virus undoubtedly differ (ranging anywhere from being super anxious vs. rather blazé), a heightened level of precaution could only help us, and those around us.

Here are 6 tips on how to be cautious and vigilant while you travel during the global health crisis of COVID-19.

1. Pay more attention to hygiene than usual

It might make you roll your eyes to hear "Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze," but it's insane how many people forget to exercise proper coughing or sneezing etiquette. It's an age where we are always holding our phones, but that's not a good reason to cough into thin air with no concern for those around us.

Whenever possible, cough or sneeze into a tissue that you promptly discard, not just your elbow, and certainly never your hand! If you don't have a tissue on you, cough into your elbow (i.e. your arm bent across your mouth) but wash your clothes and jackets regularly. The reason for this is that viruses (the coronavirus in particular) has been shown to survive on fabrics and surfaces, for up to a week.

Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face (eyes and mouth). Doctors estimate that we touch our eyes or mouth up to 90 times a day, without even noticing! If you need to put hot pepper oil on your fingertips so it burns you each time, then do it. It'll make you more aware of it, until you break this bad habit.

When you're in public places, avoid leaning on service counters, touching doorknobs or polls, or any other surfaces in high-traffic areas. Use a disinfectant containing at least 60% alcohol and wash your hands with disinfectant soap for over 20 seconds. Use wet-wipes on grocery carts or anything else you're required to hold for a long period of time. If stores are sold out of disinfectant lotion or wipes, you can make some yourself at home.

Try zinc lozenges to protect your throat and nasopharynx; it has been discussed that these lozenges are effective in limiting a virus from multiplying in your throat and shortening the length of common colds.

Whenever possible, push buttons with your knuckle or fist instead of your finger.

And, my favorite: Do not put travel tickets or pens in your mouth, even if your hands are busy!

2. Avoid handshaking or kissing hello, even if it makes you feel guilty

As much as I love cultures and being a warm person, I'm with the Japanese on this one. If it's possible to avoid handshaking or kissing hello during virus-season, go for it. It may seem rude, but you're allowed to protect yourself. A warm smile and a fist bump can go a long way in conveying your welcoming nature.

If you're surrounded by people who are not following Tip # 1 above, then feel free to change seats or keep a minimum of 3 feet distance from them.

3. Stay informed about travel advisories

Even as an avid traveler, we aren't necessarily in the habit of checking travel advisories for our destination. If you're Canadian, you can check the Government of Canada travel advisory site regularly for all sorts of risks - health, culture, security, natural disasters, etc. Scroll down or search & find your destination country, then click on the country name to see complete details. You'll be able to toggle between the different tabs for the different types of risks.

It's a good idea to stay up to date with your airline or travel provider's (e.g., cruise) advisories as well.

4. Have the appropriate travel insurance

Did you know that it's not enough to have medical insurance or trip interruption insurance? You have to know the ins and outs of your policy in particular cases like the coronavirus. Insurance companies typically insure you for cancellations due to serious, unknown, unpredictable reasons. The coronavirus is now a "known risk", much like a "pre-existing condition" that precludes your coverage. If, at the time when you purchase insurance, there is already a travel advisory in effect for the region you're travelling to, you will not be covered by the insurance company, because the risk is known to you and not unexpected.

That said, if the coronavirus becomes a more widespread issue, leads to new travel advisories or leads the travel company to cancel their flights / cruises, then you can file a claim for any non-refunded portion of your travel expenses, if you have the right cancellation insurance policy.

Note that it is your responsibility to first check with your airline / cruise line to see if they are offering rebooking options or credit vouchers for future travel. Some have become more flexible in their cancellation policies in light of this health emergency. If you receive a credit for future travel, you cannot claim that amount from your cancellation insurance.

If the airline cancels your flight while you are already abroad, trip interruption insurance is what you will need to have.

Always be sure to read the fine print and ask lots of questions. Not all insurances are created equal, and you want to protect your investment.

5. Have a plan for your home in case of quarantine

Even if there is no advisory in effect for the region you're traveling to, you may unfortunately come into contact with someone who is infected, and this may result in a temporary quarantine until they rule out infection. Think about all the passengers on cruise ships who were not able to dock or travelers who were unable to return home. Although your travel dates are set, have a backup plan for your home and your pet, in case you cannot return home when you expected.

6. Do not board any transport if you have symptoms

We don't want to panic and we don't want to think the worst. We do want to enjoy our travel and to remain healthy. So, it is natural not to want to cancel any leg of our journey, and it is natural to assume we have a common cold / cough instead of the dreaded coronavirus. But, safety first, always. If you feel any suspicious symptoms, please do not board public transport, a plane or a cruise with those symptoms, without ruling out the virus first.

It's one thing to accept your own personal level of risk - that is your own choice - but you should not put other lives at risk.

I hope you find these tips useful. Let me know in a comment if you're planning on traveling soon and how you feel about the outbreak!

Photography and mindfulness: How my lens improved my life

11/2/2020

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I was the four-year-old who wanted to know what was for supper while she was sitting down to eat lunch.

I was the teen who secretly created competitions with herself in her head to speed up her productivity and set new personal records.

I grew into an adult who became a restless traveler, always looking to fill my heart and notebooks with feelings and experiences.

And throughout my unconventional life, I maintained an uneasy relationship with Time. Possibly like many of you, I constantly felt like I didn't have enough of it. I had trouble imagining myself in the future, as though I wouldn't get there, and this subconsciously propelled me to fill each day past the brim. I never wanted to finish books; I'd read them up to the last couple of chapters and stop, almost defiantly, not wanting the story to end. I always negotiated extra time before bedtime, before school, before supper, or while at a friend's house. I refused to keep countdowns, even if my friends would be counting down to something fun in our lives, like prom or graduation. Whenever I traveled, I hated the question, "When are you back?" and, to this day, I always need to have cancellation insurance because I'm notorious for changing my return date on tickets to prolong my stay. My watch has been on Italian time since my teens, since my first trip to my happy place. Every New Year's Eve, when the ball begins to drop over Times Square, my feeling of anxiety outweighs my excitement.

When I think about all these insecurities around Time, it amuses me to think that I am so passionate about writing and photography, two ways of cheating it. Both have been my allies in pausing time and revisiting it at my heart’s whim.

But what I realized only rather recently, is that photography has allowed me to practice daily mindfulness, to slow my rhythm, to consider a different perspective.

Photography came to me at a time when I was finding my wings, stretching my legs and testing my creative voice.

When I started dabbling in photography back in 2007, way before highly visual platforms like Instagram changed our way of seeing the world, I did a couple of 365-day challenges to commit to practicing my skills every day. If you've ever done one of these challenges, you'll know how difficult it can seem (initially) to find something worth photographing, especially on the dullest of days. I mean, if you're on vacation in the Greek islands, you'll have no shortage of inspiration, but if you're home doing laundry, capturing mismatched colorful socks sitting on a drying rack doesn't quite have the same appeal, does it?!

But photography was the perfect antidote for my hurried step and my busy mind. It was the perfect relief from my scientific career and the most natural complement to my writing.

As time went on and life got more and more complicated, I unknowingly leaned on photography even more. I depended on it to help me see, to help me feel, to help me move, to help me hope.

Whether I was exploring a new neighborhood, recovering from surgeries, or falling in love with another faraway place, I could always count on photography to allow me to look around, look back and look within. Photography was always there to inspire me take it all in, and to feel gratitude - a powerful emotion that only invites more blessings into your life.

Mindfulness was, for a long time, a concept that I didn't quite get. Everything I loved about myself - my creative mind that never shut off, my machine-like productivity, my restlessness, my ability to do and be multiple things - seemed to go against living mindfully.

But I think there is room for mindfulness, even in a full schedule and a passionate existence. The trick is to be in tune with your surroundings and your own self, and to know when there is a disconnect between them. Photography is an outlet that helps me create the space and time for observation and feeling. It's not about rapidly collecting images on a memory card. It's about looking with the eyes first, feeling something, and holding onto that micromoment of inspiration and gratitude.

When shoppers comment on how ordinary some of my photographs are, I smile. I love to glorify mundane daily details, because it's those ordinary moments that have the power to become extraordinary. And because of my own journey with photography, this personal training of observing differently, being open to inspiration, of celebrating details, whether at home or away.

It's a dangerous world we live in nowadays, where everything is urgent and we are measured on our productivity, our audience, and on other metrics that didn't matter as much a few years ago. We are being taught to work faster, reply faster, ship faster, expect faster results, buy faster, heal faster. But what does that do to our body and mind? To constantly be in that state of adrenaline, of fight or flight, of do or die.

My instinct, as that restless little girl who wants to know and do and be everything, is to fear that if I don't hurry, I will miss out.

But photography has been diligently teaching me that urgency is an illusion.

To read road signs, one can’t be whizzing past. To notice, we must slow our step. To take sharp pictures, we must stand still. To heal, we must rest. To savor our wine, we must breathe deeply. To have new creative ideas, we must take a step back.

And so, to me, this is what living mindfully means. And my photography, which was started only because my parents gifted me a camera when I moved to Europe, helps me tune into what matters and to freeze it in time.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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My 3 words for 2020

13/1/2020

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Every year, I choose 3 words every year to guide my intentions, goals and decisions every day. Whatever doesn’t fit these words doesn’t fit my year.

This is how I know that I am on the right track, working towards my ultimate goals for myself, my work and my relationships.

For 2020, my 3 words are:
quietude,
fulfillment
and
freedom.

This exercise of coming up with 3 words is an annual ritual I have cherished for almost a decade now. I recommend everyone to do this, to pick even just one word. What is essential is reflecting for a moment on what you would like your ideal year to be, and committing it to paper. Because when it is written down somewhere, I really think it's one step closer to being actualized.

Quietude

I wish to create space in my day for calm, knowing that calm fuels clarity of thought, creativity, contentment and health.

I wish to embrace simplicity, to distinguish between what is essential and that which doesn’t serve me.

I hope to remember, especially when I forget, that everything comes from within – all the healing, all the answers, all the joy.

I wish to continue my daily appreciation of my surroundings, my home, my favorite places near and far.

I strive to be present, unhurried, to challenge the notion of “urgency”, rush less and enjoy more. I hope to finally make peace with grief, resentment and pain, to not let them poison my thoughts and shatter my hope. I want to feel peace with my decisions, and to make them without fear, without feeling the torment of picking the wrong door.

I want to feel that feeling of pure happiness and lightness that can be found in small pockets of peace, and for those moments to come closer and closer together in time.

I wish for there to be a stillness in me that can’t be rattled, a steadiness that only grows stronger with practice.

Fulfillment

I wish to continue feeling pride and excitement at the thought of where I am, who I am and what I do. I want to wake up rested, curious, eager and motivated to create. I want to go to bed feeling complete. In between, I wish for my days to flow with ease. I want to be creative, productive and full of momentum.

I wish to feel like a garden in full bloom, a light that infiltrates everywhere, a tide that is powerful but gentle.

I wish for every day to be a clear step in the direction of my dreams. I wish to have something to celebrate every single day, and to hear myself laughing loudly, no matter where I am or who I am with.

Freedom

I want to be free. Untethered. Light on my step. Grounded and anchored to what is essential, but free to float in dreams and possibilities.

I want to feel connected to pure joy and purpose, and shake off what weighs me down.
I wish for the continued freedom to make my own living, to choose my projects and my people, but also my reactions and my words. I wish to break free of cycles and patterns that no longer serve me, or which actually never have.

I wish to be free of what others might say about me, what they might think of me but not say, what they say to me but don’t mean.

I wish to be free of the grasp of Time and the nagging worry that I won’t have enough of it.

I wish to learn how to achieve this freedom even though life is full of high tides, steep peaks and dark shadows.

Once again, I’ve shown you a part of my heart. Thank you for reading and for being here with me, in whatever way, wherever you are.

And since you are here, having read this far, I ask you:
What is your word for 2020? What does your ideal year look like to you?

I would love for you to let me know in the comments below, or just write it out for yourself. I promise you, it's a powerful exercise. I wish for all your wishes to come true this year, and always!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

A heartfelt lookback on 2019 in words and pictures

13/1/2020

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Click here to read my 3 wishes for 2020

There’s something uniquely special about the brink of a new year. Perhaps even more so, a new decade.

Although I have always been anxious about the passing of time, the melancholy of endings and the uncertainty of new beginnings, I am somehow filled with renewed energy, optimism and courage when the page is turned to January and when 12 months lie ahead, unwritten.

When we look back on a year, our brains seem to try to categorize it as “a good year” or “a tough one”. The truth is, it’s always both.

When I look back on 2019, it stands out as a year filled with tiny moments, incredible triumphs and interesting discoveries.

Photo credit: Manuela Gomez Photography

2019 was the year I vowed to be more present and mindful, and to really prioritize my wellness. I infused my morning routine with calm and intent. I put my heart into everything I did, otherwise I didn’t accept to do it.

I was attentive to how people, situations and decisions made me feel; if I didn’t feel well, I backed away or changed my terms.

I took my foot off the guilt pedal, having grown tired of its toxic effect on my mood and mindset. I embodied my philosophies rather than explaining or defending them.

I made sure to reserve my apologies for serious rather than trivial things, and not to let anyone make me lose sight of my strengths, my uniqueness and my power.

It was the year where I finally started to accept the unexpected twists in my path and to embrace them, for everything these twists have brought me and every (unnecessary) thing they have taken away.

It was a year of writing, creating, and finally thriving. I poured my energy into passions and projects that were aligned with my goals and my dreams.

I shared a new company with the world, and, within a month of its existence, I had clients lined up and full-time hours of work in the books. But what a blessing when work doesn’t feel like work – when you wake up in the morning genuinely eager to see what your brain will accomplish and how you’ll help someone with their needs.

It was the year I got better at visualizing the life I wanted to have and taking concrete steps to create that life. It was the year I got better at verbalizing what it is that I do for a living and no longer feeling conflicted that I don’t fit in a neat little box.

2019 was the year I explored Montreal like a visitor, booking tours and learning about sights that have been part of my life’s backdrop since I was little, but to which I’d always given very little thought.

I discovered tiny places with big feelings, and stretched my legs here in our own province, where we have so many wondrous gems to enjoy.

I motivated myself to wake up and witness several stunning sunrises, astonished at how negative emotions like fear and inadequacy melt away in the face of a rising sun, leaving room only for gratitude, humility and awe.

2019 was the year where I lived in tune with the seasons – in acceptance of those outside my window and inside my own life. I spent almost every spring and summer day outside, in the garden or by the water, and found peace in nature’s gifts. I tried, invented and reinvented tons of new recipes, which is how I know that I’m feeling peaceful and creative.

I worked extremely hard with the Collectif Créatif to be a leader in our artistic and entrepreneurial community here in Montreal, and to help create an inclusive, diverse and inspiring series of markets with my amazing colleagues.

Photo credit: Manuela Gomez Photography

Veni Etiam flourished online and offline, launched new collections and participated in over 20 pop-up markets and exhibitions again this year. Each activity allows me to meet wonderful people and learn valuable lessons about why I do what I do and what my creations have to offer.

Photo credit: Manuela Gomez Photography

It was the year Apartment Therapy came into my home to photograph and feature it, making me feel excited to share my colorful collection and daily lifestyle with friends and strangers around the world.

Photo credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion for Apartment Therapy

It was the year I finally traveled to the south of France after daydreaming about what the Côte d’Azur would look, sound and feel like. I brought you a beautiful new collection that many of you have said is your favorite so far, full of color and feeling.

Of course, 2019 also had many heartaches among its pages. I lost my grandmother, one of my pillars of strength and faith. Although I hear her wise voice in my ears daily and am visited by her in my dreams at night, I feel the void she left and would do anything to feel her hands around mine again.

It was still a year marked by tremendous physical pain due to endometriosis and complications from scar tissue built up from all my previous surgeries, sometimes making it hard to sleep, eat, move or breathe for days in a row. It was still a year where my words about my body were bitterly unkind, where I vowed to stop bullying it and to start genuinely trusting it, but never managed to stay true to that vow.

It was the year where I poured my soul into a heartfelt piece of writing that I submitted to a national competition but did not even get close to winning. 2019 also brought its share of extremely stressful, unpredictable situations with home repairs and bureaucratic hurdles, where my legal brain had to be sharp, which can be utterly exhausting.

But, well, there is never a year with only perfect pictures, smooth travels, sunshine and low tides. There are tons of messy days where nothing makes sense and everything feels daunting, where we question our purpose, our faith, everyone’s motives, and our biggest dreams.

And then comes a sunrise, on a new morning of a new year and decade, and we have this beautiful opportunity to create 2020.

As you may know, instead of choosing a new year's resolution, I always choose 3 words to guide my intentions, goals and decisions every day of the year.

For 2020, my 3 words are:
quietude,
fulfillment
and
freedom.

In this next post, I explain why I settled on these words and what they mean to me. See you there!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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The Côte d'Azur collection is here!

19/11/2019

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The time has come to reveal the new Côte d'Azur collection, and I am SO excited!

Creating a new collection is one of the most fun yet time-consuming aspects of my shop! There are SO many steps involved, and each one is done with careful thought and feeling.

It all starts with choosing a destination based on what the heart craves. Then, exploring that place mindfully, slowly, keeping in tune with how my senses react, how the light makes me feel, and whether I am pulled to stay. Capturing feeling through photography requires precision, experimentation, creativity, inner peace and hours of physical work while I chase interesting angles, reflections, perspectives, lights, patterns and balance.

Then comes the most painstaking part of all - sorting among the thousands of photos to narrow it down to the few hundreds that will be adjusted and edited over the next days and weeks. I get to know them as I work on them, already get attached to a few favorites, and share them with you little by little on Instagram or Facebook. Once I have my favorite hundred or so (!), I write blogs about the place and share my impressions or tips with you. (Psssst! If you haven't read my two Côte d'Azur blog posts yet, you can open them in a separate window by clicking here and here!)

But not all of my favorite photographs make the cut for the collection. They have to be scrutinized for imperfections and distractions first. I fine-tune them, test-print them, hold them in my hands and up to the light, frame them and get to know them even better. You'd be surprised what the eye catches on paper that it missed on a screen! This leads me to fine-tune them even further and print again.

Once I'm happy with the collection, I give each one a title and caption in English and French so you will know where it is and why I reached for my lens. Often, I sneak a message for you in the caption, so the photograph might speak to you even more once you read the back of it.

I photograph the photographs - which is not an easy task! I try to show you how they look framed, unframed, in various sizes and ratios. I edit the photos of the photos, and create a bunch of different graphics I'll be able to use in my online shop or social media.

After a few weeks of this process, I then share them with my dear VIPs who are subscribed to my newsletter. These are individuals who support me and follow me wherever my travels and heart may lead! I am so grateful to them that I give them 20% off the collection and first dibs on it before I add it to my shop. This often allows them to get limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces! Once my VIPs get first pick, the collection is launched globally.

Lastly, I add the images to the web shop and Etsy shop, fine-tune the keywords so they can be found in searches. I print, package and ship them, so they can be a part of your day, your home, your inspired thoughts, memories and dreams of future travels.

By the end of this sequence, I need another vacation! And yet your words, orders and reviews make it all so fulfilling and worth it!

Now you have a better idea of why I always say, "from my heart to yours".

So without further ado, I present to you my Côte d'Azur collection, which is quite possibly the collection I am most proud of so far!

Canopy of Color

An unexpected little haven found in a narrow lane (Nice)

Balance

When there’s balance in my photographs, I know there is balance in me (Nice)

The Poetry of Windows

I’ll always have a soft spot for windows and their subtle poetry (Nice)

Patience

Open your heart and your eyes, and windows will open too (St-Paul de Vence)

Mediterranea

The colors and feelings of the Mediterranean are with me, always (Nice)

A Light to Remember

And all the day's delays culminated in witnessing this glorious light (St-Paul de Vence)

Nissa la Bella

“La tiéu mar d’azur, Lou tiéu cièl pur” (Nice)

Ethereal Beauty

Contemplating how a moment can be both vast and tiny (Eze)

Pressing Pause on Summer

No longer summer, not yet fall (Nice)

What we see is who we are

What we look for is who we will become (Nice)

Chasing the Muse

Finding inspiration in the simplest sights, in the footsteps of many great artists
(St-Paul de Vence)

You Have Time

Don't rush, stay awhile and be sure to return (Antibes)

All Dressed in White

Aged by weather and life's tides (Antibes)

Chaises bleues

Contemplative, hopeful, peaceful and melancholy - there are chairs for all moods
(Nice)

Sunbathing in October

Colors make the best memories (Menton)

Low Season

Where Land meets Sea is where I wish to be (Nice)

I'll Stay

The Promenade that I long to return to again and again (Nice)

Après-midi

Because your color changes with each hour of the day (Nice)

Mixed Feelings

The constant push and pull between peace and longing (Nice)

Storybook Pages

Sometimes the biggest dreams are evoked by the tiniest villages perched above the Sea
(Eze)

The Bells at Sea

When the bells toll, the Sea will listen (Eze)

Perched

Often, we need to take a step back to take it all in (Eze).

Pretty in Pink

How a simple hue can make the heart sing (Nice)

Mindful Meandering

An opus of everyday beauty (Nice)

St-Paul de Vence

If you lose your way, look around, feel grateful and begin again (St-Paul de Vence)

Growth in Light and Shadows

There cannot be growth without light, and there cannot be light without shadows
(St-Paul de Vence)

Antipolis

That feeling of easing into a place, as though you've always known it (Antibes)

Port de Nice

May you always find a safe harbour in which to call it a day (Nice)

Climb Up, Look Down

No matter how steep the climb, always look back to see how far you've come (Menton)

Place of Dreams

Do you know, dear Nice, how many people love you and dream of you? (Nice)

Palette niçoise

Sometimes it feels as though a color should be named after a place (Nice)

À l'aise à Eze

Found, without feeling lost (Eze)

Morning Memories

The beauty of places is how they change throughout a single day, and how
we change too (Nice)

Vieux Nice

About to open or about to close. It's all a matter of perspective. (Nice)

Order any of these prints and frames using your special VIP coupon by following this link!

Postcards

I've also printed a whole bunch of mini square prints (4x4 inches) which can be displayed casually, framed in a mosaic frame, or sent as cards! They are printed on eggshell cardstock with a white border and a blank back, so you can write a personalized note.

I only produce postcards once a year during the holiday season, so grab your favorites before they disappear by contacting me or visiting me at the Nutcracker market in Montreal between November 28th and December 8th.

The Côte d'Azur collection is full of color, texture, perspective and feeling. I hope it will resonate with you as much as I loved creating it for you!

Let me know in a comment which one is your favorite!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Gems of the Côte d'Azur

30/10/2019

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In my last post, I took you with me to beautiful Nice on the French Riviera. I explained why I fled there in mid-October, and shared some fun facts about the city's history, how I felt there and, of course, TONS of photos of its landscapes, local life and inspiring little details.

One of the reasons I was lured to Nice was because it is also the perfect hub to explore other jewels of the Côte d’Azur, many of which can be easily reached by bus, train or car.

When I launch my Côte d’Azur print collection next week, you’ll notice that 4 places on the coast really tugged on my heart among all the towns I had the chance to visit. Places speak to us in unexpected ways sometimes, and so much of our nostalgia depends on our own memories of that day, the light, the people and perhaps whether or not there was ice cream involved.

So, who knows which places on the Riviera will inspire YOU the most! You’ll have to see them all to pick your own favorites.

Here are 8 stunning places that should be on your Côte d’Azur itinerary!

1. Nice

When I close my eyes and think of Nice, I see her Promenade, the way the Sea changes its blue several times a day, the pizzas and ice creams, the window shutters and markets, the vast squares and narrow lanes, its dialect and busy port.

As I mentioned in my last post, Nice has the perfect mix between old and new, urban and maritime, French and Italian.

2. Villefranche, Cap Ferrat & Beaulieu sur Mer

A very short hop away from Nice are 3 beautiful coastal towns worth visiting. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque town with an old harbor that is considered one of the deepest natural harbors of the Mediterranean, on a bay sheltered from strong winds. Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat are tranquil resort towns that you can consider retiring in when you've made your first million.

3. Eze

Spending time in the clifftop village of Èze was like being immersed in storybook pages. A village with ancient roots, it now is an atmospheric maze of shops, galleries and restaurants. Its warm color palette, textured architecture and pretty details suffice to overwhelm the heart from the first few moments of uphill climbing (which impacts the heart as well).

From the Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden) designed on the site of the medieval Château d'Èze fortress, you can lose all track of time surrounded by succulents, cacti and plants from all corners of the world, growing and flowering along winding pathways, caves and waterfalls, guarded by graceful statues perched high above the Sea. The views from the garden stretch far into the blue horizon and down below to Èze-bord-de-Mer and its beach. I would certainly go back to Èze and spend a whole day in this garden.

If you'd like to walk down to the beach, there is a steep winding path from Èze-Village. The surface of the path (even within the village) is quite slippery, so choose your shoes wisely.

4. Menton

Right on the Italian border, Menton feels wonderfully Ligurian in its architecture and, arguably more importantly, its limoncello. The lemon is the symbol of the coastal town, though its gentle micro-climate is also favorable to mandarine and orange groves, which make equally delicious varieties of liquor.

Menton has a charming old town, marina, waterfront promenade, daily market and beaches. The climb up to the top of the Baroque Basilica is well worth the views, both of the town and the Sea.

Although it was mid-October, I took a deep breath and plunged into the Sea at the city beach just beneath the old town. As a local joked, after the first 30 minutes, the temperature of the water became more bearable. I didn't take pictures while floating on my back, but instead made a vivid memory of the stacked colored houses of the old town and the green hills surrounding it.

5. Monaco

Monaco is a must-see because of its world-renowned Monte-Carlo casino, but also because it is its own country with an interesting history.

It is easy to forget that Monaco is an independent country because France borders it on 3 sides (its fourth side bordered by the Mediterranean Sea) and French is its official language. Although Monaco is not formally part of the EU, there is no official border control when entering Monaco from France, and the euro is the sole currency.

The opening of its Monte Carlo Casino in 1863 made Monaco so wealthy that it no longer needed to charge income tax on its residents. To this day, Monaco continues to be a tax haven and a recreational destination for the wealthy, attracting visitors not only to its Casino but also to its annual Formula One race.

If monarchies fascinate you, you could make a stop at the Royal Palace to watch the daily changing of the guards. (I found it more amusing to watch the crowds watch the changing of the guards through their devices).

And, if you're like me and are amused by geography and borders, you can enjoy the fact that, depending on where you stand, you might be able to see 3 countries at once: Monaco, France and Italy. You can also get your passport stamped at the local tourist office!

6. Cannes

Cannes is famous for its International Film Festival and its "Promenade de la Croisette" seafront strip of posh hotels, restaurants and shops.

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès was closed to the public during my visit, as they were setting up for an upcoming event, but I was able to enjoy a view of it from the long sandy beach. Fun fact: the sandy beach in Cannes is "artificial", in the sense that the city has had the sand brought over to enhance its appeal to visitors.

7. Antibes

Antibes is a chic town with a relaxed ambiance. As a Greek settlement, it was named "Antipolis", meaning "opposite city" because of its location across from Nice. It is known for its Port Vauban marina - the largest in Europe - which harbors both fishing boats and luxury yachts. You can walk the 16th century ramparts and admire the Alps from a distance. In Antibes, you have several choices of museums, notably the Musée Picasso. If the Sea and fresh air have stimulated your appetite, visit the Marché provençal market hall or enjoy a sorbet from one of the many ice cream shops in town. I really (really really) enjoyed my tropézienne sorbet, named after the traditional regional tart made with custard, butter cream, orange blossoms and sugar. Antibes also had lovely little shops to discover, and a charming English bookstore.

8. St Paul de Vence

An idyllic medieval village perched above sea level, St-Paul de Vence attracted many artists and writers in the 19th and 20th centuries who were looking for their muse, like Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, James Baldwin, Jacques Prévert and Yves Montand, to name a few. That artistic atmosphere is still alive and well today, as the town's narrow lanes are replete with contemporary art galleries and shops.

In the 14th century, St-Paul de Vence occupied a strategic position as a border city, and city walls were erected in the later half of the 14th century. Those ramparts and two of its original towers still stand today and, from them, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Now that you've had a glimpse of these coastal cities and perched towns, which do you most feel like visiting? Can you guess which 4 places left me longing to return?
Leave a comment below and let me know!

Stay tuned for the unveiling of my new Côte d'Azur collection of fine-art prints, postcards and wall art. To get on the VIP list and get a sneak peek of the collection before it's launched, sign up here.

From my heart to yours!

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Take me back to Nice: Musings of my escapade on the Côte d'Azur

27/10/2019

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It's always just a matter of time until my restlessness makes me crave a suitcase, an airplane and a different timezone.

Sometimes, the travel bug is quite satiable by exploring new places close to home, like I did this summer.

But sometimes, you feel like stretching your legs a little more.

My favorite way of traveling is - like everything else I tend to do in life - based on feeling. What scenery am I daydreaming of? What would make my mind and body feel refreshed? Which culture is calling me? What kinds of photos do I want to share with you? (Don't underestimate the importance of the last question!)

This October, Nice had all the advantages for an easy, spontaneous getaway.

For one, I felt an aching longing for Europe, especially Europe in the fall, which was my favorite season when I lived there. Nice was also inviting because it felt so accessible -- a direct flight, one tram-ride away from the airport, lots of accommodation options. It also has my favorite type of "city formula", namely: seafront + port + old town + new town, and it makes a great hub for exploring nearby coastal towns and villages.

And, something that was particularly tempting: I had never been there. You know I love to return to places, but this time, I was in the mood for something new.

So I scurried to put my work aside and to block off a week to rest my head, fill up my senses and press pause on "summer palette" for a little while longer, before immersing myself into falling leaves.

Essentially, Nice called and I went running.

I immediately noticed how comfortable I was in Nice. It felt as though I had resumed my life in Italy. The architecture, Ligurian rhythm and Italian spoken all around me made me forget that I was in France for long moments at a time. Luckily, there were many fresh baguettes to remind me...

Nice owes its Italian similarities not only to her proximity to the Italian border but also to the fact that Nice went back and forth between belonging to "Italy" (or Savoy which became the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, which later became part of Italy) and belonging to France. In its complicated history, Nice was besieged and occupied several times by the French in the 17th and 18th centuries, and its ramparts and citadel were destroyed. In 1793, the French wanted to show that they were not annexing Nice against her will; a referendum was held and the people voted in favor of Nice belonging officially to France.

Back in Italian possession in the 19th century, Nice was ceded to France as a thank you for France's assistance in Italy's war against Austria. A second referendum then confirmed the decision. Soldier and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was born in Nice, opposed the result and argued that the vote had been rigged by the French. At the time, many Italians left Nice and moved down the Ligurian coast, giving rise to the movement of Italian irredentists who campaigned for the reacquisition of their beloved Nissa la Bella.

The Niçard dialect has strong Italian influences and can still be seen on the street signs in Old Nice.

So, Nice belonged to both France and Italy. But what do the English have to do with all this, then?!

In the 18th century, the English aristocracy began spending their winters in Nice, lured by the gentler weather. Before the seafront promenade was built, the waterfront areas were home to dockworkers and fishermen, rather than to fancy hotels and residences as we know it today.

The "Camin dei Inglès" (Promenade des Anglais) walkway is said to have been proposed by the English as a useful urban project for beggars who came looking for shelter from the north during a particularly harsh winter. The wide waterfront promenade dotted with palm trees, beach umbrellas and blue chairs has now become the icon of Nice and its Baie des Anges.

Another symbol of Nice is the luxurious Hotel Negresco, opened in 1913 by Henri Negresco who wanted a sumptuous hotel to attract the wealthiest visitors to the French Riviera. The lavish rococo hotel with its iconic pink dome still maintains an elite bourgeois feel to it today. On the night of the Bastille Day attack on the Promenade in 2016, its famous main hall was used to triage wounded civilians, reminiscent of when the hotel was converted into a hospital during World War I.

My sea-loving heart was so happy in Nice. I began and ended each day with the Sea.
In the mornings, I would step out onto my AirBnB's balcony one block up from the Promenade, and try to peak between buildings to see what the Sea looked like, knowing full well that her color would change with every hour of the day. I would walk the pebbly beach after breakfast, taking long pauses between pictures to make sure I would remember the way the light and maritime air felt on my skin. I'd stop to notice the heavy scent of sea salt hanging in the air, and the deafening sound the tide made when it pulled out of the shore with millions of pebbles tumbling like coins in its grasp.

In the afternoon, I would plop myself down in front of the vast horizon, either on the shore or in one of the "chaises bleues", just watching, and being. A couple of times, I ventured into the water at high tide, amazed at how warm it still was in October.

In the evenings, the Sea would summon me again and accompany me on my stroll back to the apartment.

Just for the sea (but for many other reasons), I could have stayed in Nice.

Nice was also impressive for its many gorgeous squares and green spaces. I never felt rushed, squeezed, pushed or overwhelmed. The whole city had a soothing energy.

I can't say whether it feels like that for the locals, or at busier times of the year, but it definitely felt as though careful planning and restoration had paid off. Everything just made sense, from an urban planning perspective.

Place Masséna is a sort of converging point between Old Nice and the new town. Walking up from the Promenade, you are blessed with this charming view of Apollo and the four horses on his head.

The Sun Fountain and its 5 bronze status representing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Saturn is a magnificent sight, though not without its share of historical controversy (Long story short: Apollo was deemed "too well endowed" when he was revealed to the Niçois and, after being adjusted, chiseled, vandalized, exiled and replaced by a boring mound of dirt with 3 pathetic palm trees for several years, the public eventually begged the Mayor to bring back the giant fountain!)

Place Masséna also leads to the "zone piétonne" (pedestrian street), bustling with restaurants, stores, ice cream shops and inns for every taste.

You can stroll and sit for a long while in the calming "Promenade du Paillon" green space flanking Old Nice. If you look at a map, you'll notice it looks as sinuous as a river. That's because it was a river (the Paillon), which was covered in the 19th century. The river's terribly low water levels were unimpressive for residents, who mostly used the river to do their laundry. But the danger with the Paillon was that it could flood very quickly if there was a lot of rain in the hills behind Nice, and it did. The Miroir d'eau water jets and the nearby children's playground (featuring giant wood sea animals) were all designed to echo the underlying Paillon river.

And if you enjoy narrow lanes far more than wide open spaces, then simply venture into the maze of streets of the Vieille Ville and linger there for hours. I promise you there is no shortage of inspiration for your senses.

One of the aspects I miss most about living in Europe is the delight of market mornings. I would love buying not only produce and local foods from open-air markets, but also art, flowers and clothes. Especially in autumn and spring, I would love to find cozy sweaters and stylish boots, and to bring home art or antiques with a story to tell.

The daily Marché aux Fleurs in the Cours Saleya square is primarily a flower market, but there are also many produce, food and art vendors. Off the Promenade, the Cours Saleya is behind the Quai des Etats-Unis (where you can see a mini Statue of Liberty).

If you're a fish-lover like me, the fish market is located in Place St-François, an interesting part of the Old Town closer to Place Garibaldi. My Mom and I always say that I love the scent of fresh fish because she was unknowingly pregnant with me during her trip to southern Spain, where the smell of fish constantly made her nauseous. I like to think of traits that don't change, in a life where almost everything does!

At the heart of the Old Town, you come to the 17th century baroque Cathedral, Sainte-Réparate de Nice. Interestingly, its bell tower almost completely hides its gorgeous tiled cupola, so be sure to step back or climb up the hill to admire it in its entirely.

The Cathedral square, Place Rossetti, is also home to Nice's finest gelato shop Fenocchio, which is neither for the faint-hearted nor for the indecisive! Almost 100 flavors await your sampling. I recommend you visit once a day to try as many flavors as humanly possible! (Did I say once a day? I meant twice a day, at least). For the curious, my favorites were: meringue, fig, chocolate, nougat, cassis and almond.

I'm sorry to say that to walk off all of the ice cream and pizza, the Promenade just isn't gonna cut it. Instead, you should climb up the Colline du Château (Castle Hill), take in the sights up top (like the Jewish cemetery, castle ruins and various lookout points) then walk down to visit the Port, and THEN walk all the way back to the new town via the Promenade.

Then you can have more ice cream.

The Port of Nice is currently under construction (in 2019) to accommodate a new tram, but the area is still highly enjoyable and picturesque. I love to lose track of time in ports and marinas, watching the comings and goings of boats, and imagining which one I would own.

If you walk towards the Sea from the Port, you'll reach the Promenade, with the Monuments aux Morts, a tribute to citizens who lost their life in World War I.

Spending time in Nice in mid-October made me curious about how it changes and unwinds in the fall and winter. I am tempted to do as the English aristocrats did and trade my harsh winter for the gentle winter of Côte d'Azur! What do you think?

After all, one gets to know a place not only in its changing lights and tides, but its changing seasons.

I hope my photos and words have convinced you to visit (or revisit) this precious place!

Thank you, Nissa bella, for renewing my energy and spirit this fall. Our story's not done, I can tell.

To read about the coastal towns and medieval villages I visited on the Côte d'Azur during my stay in Nice, check out this blog post:

Stay tuned for the unveiling of the new Côte d'Azur collection of prints, postcards and wall art!

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Discovering the Saguenay Fjord: 5 best panoramic spots

17/10/2019

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Often, the most awe-inspiring places are right in your backyard.

Many of us travel far and wide before we set out to discover the gems that are right nearby. Lately, I have felt compelled to explore the beauty our province of Québec has to offer over the course of its four glorious seasons. You may have already read about my dreamy overnight stay in a historic lighthouse on a tiny island in the middle of the St-Lawrence river. Following those memorable days, I continued my trip inland along the Saguenay fjord, from Baie Sainte-Catherine, through the Saguenay Fjord National Park, to La Baie and Chicoutimi.

There is something about the region that is absolutely breathtaking, a vision that lingers in your mind's eye without fading until you return.

The deep waters are a mysterious mix of salt water and freshwater, their infinite ripples entrancing you in every light, as you watch the fog or rain or the millions of crystals dropped into the water by the Sun. The cliffs look a bit like whale backs, their silhouettes visible from a distance.

The horizons are expansive, painted in a nameless color mixing blues, grays and greens in random but perfect proportions. And you stand there, feeling tiny, your lungs filled with fresh air and hope.

If you're planning a trip to the Saguenay fjord, here are 5 spots I loved and wholeheartedly recommend.

1. La Baie (Saguenay)

La Baie is a borough of the city of Saguenay, the first colony in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region. It is a beautifully scenic spot that is well worth the visit! The Saguenay river splits into a fork at this point, and La Baie is located on the "Baie des Ha! Ha!" (on the Ha! Ha! river). Fun fact: although the name might make you laugh aloud, it apparently either stems from the Algonquin "place where bark is exchanged" or from the French "unexpected obstacle on a path". Linguists always ruin all the fun!

2. La petite maison blanche

La petite maison blanche (The Little White House) is a symbol of resilience. An ordinary Chicoutimi home built in the 1900s, it survived two major floods caused by the overflowing of the nearby dam. The buildings around it were totally destroyed, but there it firmly stood, against all odds. Today, the Little White House has been converted into a museum commemorating the floods, and surrounding area has been transformed into a lovely park with waterfalls paying tribute to its past.

3. L'anse de la Tabatière

Anse de la Tabatière is close to Anse St-Jean and part of the SEPAQ Saguenay Fjord National Park. It boasts breathtaking panoramas over the fjord from several lookout points that are relatively easy to hike to once you leave your car in the parking area and enter the park (a small admission fee applies).

4. Le quai du Petit Saguenay

Here, in contrast to l'Anse de la Tabatière, you are almost at eye-level with the fjord, and you can't help but feel moved by its immensity and beauty. Every angle, every light, every color is inspiring, and you could probably stay here for hours. I know I could! If you can, time your visit with the sunset in the summer months to catch it setting on the water.

5. L'anse Saint-Etienne

The sandy beach at l'Anse Saint-Etienne was created by the natural emptying of a lake that was once located upstream from the village. The small town was completely razed after a serious fire in 1900, and it is said that, at low tide, remains of the old village can be seen. L'Anse Saint-Etienne attracts thousands of visitors every year because you can see beluga whales from its shore.

For more information on these sites, visit:
SEPAQ Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
Saguenay Lac-St-Jean
Tourisme Saguenay

Have you been to the Saguenay region? What was your favorite part? Let me know in a comment. I always love to hear from you!

From my heart to yours.

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Les 3 thématiques que j'explore dans ma photographie

24/9/2019

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English version

Je n'ai pas toujours été photographe, mais j'ai toujours été une personne très observatrice de son environnement.

En tant qu'écrivaine, je suis attentive aux détails et à la manière dont nos sens déclenchent des émotions profondes. En tant que chercheuse scientifique, je suis curieuse d’apprendre comment le monde externe affecte le monde interne. En tant qu’une personne née avec la «synesthésie», une condition où le cerveau crée de manière innée des sensations de couleur en réponse au langage, au mouvement ou à la musique, j'ai une forte affinité pour les couleurs vives.

C'est ma carrière scientifique qui m'a menée à la photographie. J'ai vécu à l'étranger pendant mes études et mes projets de recherche. J’ai participé à plusieurs conférences internationales chaque année. En voyageant et en pratiquant de plus en plus la photographie, j'ai découvert une forme de narration complémentaire à mon style d’écriture.

Récemment, la photographie est devenue pour moi un exercise de pleine conscience au quotidien, une manière d’être plus présente, de changer de perspective et de faire en sorte que les moments simples et éphémères comptent.

Quand j'y pense, ce sont les même 3 thèmes que je retrouve dans presque toutes mes oeuvres photographiques. Ces 3 thèmes se retrouvent, de manière évidente ou subtile, dans tout ce qui attire mon regard, tout ce qui ralentit mon pas et tout ce qui me fait sortir mon objectif pour capter le moment.

Je pense que mon amour pour la photographie est né de ma haine des fins et des adieux. La photographie est un moyen pour moi de tricher le temps, de garder le soleil au-dessus de l’horizon, de suspendre les montgolfières dans le ciel, de garder les gouttes de pluie sur la vitre, et de garder mon coeur bien rempli de ces émotions que j'avais ressenties à ce moment-là.

Tout comme ma mère m'encourageait quand j'étais petite de "créer un souvenir" avec mes yeux quand j'étais triste de quitter un bel endroit, j'ai appris à "créer un souvenir" de ce que je vois et de ce que je ressents à travers mes mots et mes photographies.

Les 3 thèmes principaux qui traversent mes photographies sont: la nostalgie, les détails et la mer.

1. La nostalgie

Êtes-vous tous déjà tombés amoureux d'un lieu?

Les lieux sont magiques. Comment savons-nous avec certitude que nous devons un jour nous rendre à une destination avant même de planifier ce voyage? Comment certains endroits nous appellent-ils encore et encore, comme si nous y avions laissé une ancre? Et comment décrire ce sentiment spécial quand on y retourne et qu’on aperçoit que tout a changé – et que nous avons changé aussi – mais qu’on peut facilement retrouver ces mêmes émotions qu’on ressentait la dernière fois?

La nostalgie doit être l’une des émotions les plus complexes et les plus puissantes qu’un cœur puisse connaître. Un appel fort, la mélancolie et la gratitude pour un lieu et un moment qui ont été importants pour nous.

“Veni Etiam” est une phrase en latin qui signifie “reviens encore”. Mes oeuvres photographiques célèbrent la magie des lieux et du retour.

De tous les coins du monde où j'ai jeté l'ancre, Venise est la plus inspirante. Au moment où je pense avoir suffisamment photographié Venise, elle me surprend avec mille angles et ambiances que je vois pour la toute première fois malgré d’innombrables retours.

2. Les détails et l'art de l'observation

Avez-vous déjà prêté attention à ce qui attire votre regard? Est-il attiré par les détails ou par l’ensemble?

Les détails font souvent toute la différence dans une scène, une émotion ou un souvenir.

Observer les détails nous donne l’occasion de ralentir, d’être attentif, de ressentir, de nous rappeler.

La photographie pour moi, c'est de remarquer, de célébrer et de se souvenir non seulement du grandiose mais (surtout) du banal.

Certains diront peut-être que mes photographies sont plutôt "ordinaires", mais je considérerais cela comme un compliment, car la vie est composée d'innombrables moments ordinaires qui peuvent devenir extraordinaires si on leur permet.

3. La Mer et ses marées

Quels trois mots utiliseriez-vous pour décrire la mer?

Pour moi, la Mer est infinie, puissante et variable.

La Mer m'apprend que je suis petite mais pleine d'espoir. Que cette vie a des marées, toujours cycliques et jamais permanentes, parfois douces et parfois féroces, capables de nous assommer ou de nous bercer doucement dans ses bras.

La Mer gonfle et se retire, inonde nos sens mais efface nos pas. Elle nous apprend à accepter que de violentes tempêtes arrivent soudainement, mais à nous réjouir quand ces tempêtes passent. Elle est ouverte mais secrète, romantique mais mélancolique, prometteuse mais impossible.

Nous pouvons la quitter mais ne jamais l'oublier.

Nous surfons et naviguons, amarrons, ancrons, flottons et coulons, émerveillés et captifs de ses marées, ses vents et ses humeurs.

Que vous veniez de découvrir mon blog et ma boutique, ou que vous me suiviez depuis un moment, merci d'être ici avec moi. Merci de lire mes mots, de partager vos impressions et de vous retrouver un peu dans mes photographies.

De mon coeur au vôtre,
Kristina

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<<Previous

Forward>>

Bloom Where Unlikely / Fleurir là où c'est improbable

The Impossible Spring / Le printemps impossible

Trust the Path / Fais confiance au chemin

​Stand Tall / Tiens-toi debout

​What Goes Down Must Go Up Again ​Ce qui descend finit toujours par remonter

Chance

Patience

​Strength & Hope / Force & Espoir

​Dream Big / Rêve grand

Unlocked / Déverrouillée

Incomplete Without You / Incomplète sans toi

Je t'aime

After the Rain / Après la pluie

You Have Time / Tu as le temps

Abundance / Abondance

The Way / Le chemin

Fede (Foi)

Up!

Minimaliste / brutaliste / optimiste

Navy Blue (Me & You) / Bleu marin (toi & moi)

Look Up / Lève les yeux

On Angels' Wings / Sur les ailes d'un ange

One Step at a Time / Un pas à la fois

Simplicity / Simplicité

Bloom Where Unlikely

The Impossible Spring

Trust the Path

Stand Tall

What Goes Down Must Go Up Again

Chance

Patience

Strength & Hope

Dream Big

Unlocked

Incomplete Without You

Je t'aime

After the Rain

You Have Time

Abundance

The Way

Fede (Faith)

Up!

Minimalist, brutalist, optimist

Navy Blue (Me & You)

Look Up

On Angels' Wings

One Step At a Time

Simplicity

1. Know your rhythm

2. Start the day right

3. Set rules

4. Stay organized

5. Track your time

6. Schedule breaks

7. Prepare healthy snacks in advance

8. Nurture your space

9. Move around

10. Create a boundary

11. Know when to stop - and stop!

12. Celebrate

1. Practice acceptance

2. Limit the information overload

3. Eat well

4. Rationalize your worries

5. Take action

6. Do what you love

7. Sleep well

8. Get fresh air

9. Remember that you are resilient

10. Practice gratitude

11. Stay home

12. Seek help

1. Pay more attention to hygiene than usual

2. Avoid handshaking or kissing hello, even if it makes you feel guilty

3. Stay informed about travel advisories

4. Have the appropriate travel insurance

5. Have a plan for your home in case of quarantine

6. Do not board any transport if you have symptoms

Quietude

Fulfillment

Stand Tall / Tiens-toi debout

What Goes Down Must Go Up Again
Ce qui descend finit toujours par remonter

Strength & Hope / Force & Espoir

Dream Big / Rêve grand

Kristina Kasparian