Returning to Montreal was a shock to the senses. The city lay silent beneath a heavy blanket of snow—a stark contrast to the vibrant world we had just left behind in the Dominican Republic. Only days before, my eyes had been filled with endless greens of jungle and the shimmering blues of the sea. Already, I longed for that living landscape, where each morning awakened the senses and each evening dissolved gently into the horizon. In those final days in paradise, time seemed

As our time in this tropical haven draws to a close, we find ourselves gathering memories that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. The sea has been our constant companion, its rhythm soothing and timeless, while the people we have met along the way have added warmth and richness to this journey. Here, we were given the rare gift of simply being—happy, present, and at peace within ourselves. We also had the pleasure of visiting our friends Marvin and Pascal at their

When we travel, it is often the people we meet who leave the deepest imprint, transforming a simple journey into a lasting memory. After all, it is human connection that enriches our lives far beyond landscapes and monuments. That is exactly what happened here, in the condo where we are staying. Thanks to Loraine — our resident social butterfly — we were instantly swept into a circle of joy and laughter. Through her, we met three wonderful couples: Pam & Sep, Don & Vicki, and

When life slows down and we find joy in its simplest pleasures, free from everyday obstacles, it feels like paradise. We are deeply fortunate to spend time in such a beautiful corner of the world. The weather is gentle, the sun nearly constant, and each day feels like a gift. When we pause to recognize what truly matters, the simplest moments take on deeper meaning. Nature is our most precious treasure, yet too often it is taken for granted as material pursuits overshadow our

Being by the sea touches something very deep within me. It brings a quiet calm that softens my thoughts and opens my heart to reflection. The ocean feels like a return to where everything begins. As the waves roll in, they seem to whisper directly to my soul, carrying a healing presence that gently soothes and restores me. Our time in the Dominican Republic is filled with joy found in the simplest moments. Waking up each morning to the sound of the ocean feels like a gift I n

Ever since I arrived, I’ve had to pinch myself to be sure I’m not dreaming—this place is simply extraordinary, the kind of destination you imagine when you think of the perfect vacation. Even more remarkable are the people: genuinely kind, refreshingly warm, and so different from the routine-driven pace we’re used to back home. In a world filled with so much turmoil, being able to slow down and savor life in this natural paradise feels like a true blessing—made all the more s

Sylvain’s longtime friend Peter, along with his father, graciously invited us to the Dominican Republic—a generous gesture rooted in enduring friendship. We feel deeply blessed to have escaped Quebec’s winter chill and to be welcomed into such kindness. Simply being here already feels like a gift. Surrounded by lush greenery, swaying palm trees, and the endless ocean, the landscape is utterly mesmerizing—a celebration of nature at its most abundant. This place feels like a na

Before Sylvain and I set off on our month-long getaway, we took the opportunity to celebrate my sister, Lise, whose birthday would take place while we were away. We had framed the gathering as a farewell on the eve of our departure, while our friends were in on the surprise. In truth, it was a beautiful way to honour Lise, who played an essential role in bringing Sylvain and me together—a true blessing in our lives. This small yet meaningful gesture was our way of celebrating

Together with our extended family of friends, we reserved a table for fifteen to celebrate the New Year at Rube’s Restaurant. Our host for the evening was none other than the owner, Lee Michaelson—a familiar face at Kingfisher Pub and very much part of our circle. The first time I discovered Rube’s was thanks to our friend Peter, who invited Sylvain and me for dinner. That evening remains unforgettable. I ordered the lobster, already removed from its shell and generously bath

New Year’s Eve at Kingfisher Pub felt like a prelude to the celebration awaiting us on New Year’s Day at Rube’s. There was that familiar joyful energy we so often experience at the Pub. Two of the owners, Charlie & Darryl, were present, offering their warm wishes to patrons on the final day of 2025. Yet amidst the cheer, we received heartbreaking news. Our friend Jess arrived to tell us that her husband, Mark, had passed away the previous Sunday. She shared that she had spent

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many moments we have shared at the Kingfisher Pub, which first opened its doors in Hudson in May 2025. From the very beginning, it became a place where we felt instantly at home—a place where everyone knows your name and welcomes you with genuine warmth. Within those walls, friendships were nurtured, stories were shared, and memories were created, all thanks to the kind-hearted owners who care for their patrons as if t

The holidays always carry a special kind of joy—one woven with nostalgia and memories of wonder. I am transported back to childhood, to nights when my mother baked cakes in the quiet hours before dawn, filling our home with warmth and magic. That was how she expressed her love—not through words, but through those cherished Christmas desserts that made us feel deeply loved and wonderfully special. We didn’t have an abundance of gifts back then, but each of us eagerly awaited t

Yesterday morning, the Manoir Cavagnal was warmed by the joyful presence of the Centre De La Petite Enfance Treehouse Child Care Centre and the sweet voices of its little angels. Hosted by the Director, Paula Mesa, the children arrived bearing the true spirit of the season, sharing Christmas carols that resonated with happiness and light. Under the attentive care of their dedicated educators, the performance was a moment of pure delight—one that lifted hearts and spirits alik

“ Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” - Gary Snyder When I met Natania — a young artist and entrepreneur — I discovered a soul whose earliest inspirations sprang from the natural world. She spent years working in tree removal, and from childhood she found in nature a quiet peace and grounding that eluded the rush of everyday life. Working among trees only deepened her love and respect for the living world. A visit to the Montreal Botanical Garden awakened a desire

When I met with Briana Doyle , I was immediately struck by her energy — the kind of bright, purposeful enthusiasm that inspires a newcomer like me to feel even more at home in Hudson. As President of the Hudson Hospitality Association , a non-profit organization, Briana channels this passion into a clear mission: to support local businesses and to promote Hudson as the special destination she knows it to be. Her vision is simple yet powerful — encouraging collaboration rather

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of 2 Rockers Art Supply , the charming new shop just around the corner, owned by Tracy Boccini. It was a magical and deeply meaningful day for Tracy, whose dream of opening an art supply store in Hudson—home to so many artists—has finally come to life. Tracy comes from a lineage where art is woven into the very fabric of family tradition. Both her great-grandfather and her grandfather were accomplished artists whose

I’m delighted to invite you to experience a selection from my “Paris Vintage” series at the Viva Vida Gallery in Pointe-Claire , alongside the inspiring works of other talented artists. In this series, each photograph is carefully transferred onto small canvases and then enhanced with oil paint — a process that transforms each image into a one-of-a-kind work. The result is a unique fusion: the original photograph’s detail softened and enriched, the hues deepened, the canvas i

There are encounters that reveal more than a story—they illuminate a way of being. My recent conversation with Hudson’s Mayor, Chloe Hutchison, re-elected for another four-year term, was one of those rare moments when biography meets presence, and the personal journey becomes inseparable from the place one serves. Chloe’s early years unfolded across European landscapes—Geneva’s serene order, the gentle countryside between Lyon and the Swiss border—where her parents had moved

On Remembrance Day morning, I wandered through the forest and encountered a scene of such profound beauty: heavy snow draped the branches, transforming the woodland into a sacred sanctuary of white. I felt as though I had stepped into a heaven-like realm — where peace, grace and harmony uplifted my spirit and infused the moment with new meaning and purpose. Later, returning home, I joined the solemn ceremony honouring all who fought in the world’s darkest wars. The contrast s

I was very fortunate to meet Elise Zylinska while participating in the Spring Exhibition of the Artistes Hudson Artists (AHA) . The connection was immediate — I sensed we shared more in common than I could have imagined. One of Elise’s most remarkable traits is her boundless energy and resilience, especially in the face of personal challenges. A breast cancer survivor, Elise embodies both strength and grace. As a survivor myself, I understood her journey on a deeply personal