The forest that guided me On February 21 and 22, I led two winter forest bathing sessions on the Sentier de la Sucrerie trail in Gatineau Park. Two winter days, one sunny, one mild and snowy. And then, as I crossed the bridge on my way back from my last session, something occurred to me; I realized how much this trail has given me for at least 25 years... maybe more.I walked there while pregnant.I walked there with my babies (1-2-3), in all seasons.I walked around it so many times with my father.A path that holds my memories. I walked it almost every day during the pandemic, when the world seemed to have closed in on itself and loneliness crept into...
Forest, senses, and presence… in winter, simply :) In Gatineau Park, on a rather grey January day, twelve women gently entered the forest, near the sugar bush trail.In less than three hours, something precious was woven: a simple, genuine connection, carried by slowness, silence, and presence. The snow shimmered around us and crunched beneath our steps.Birdsong emerged at times, along with the distant sounds of other humans, also enjoying the snowy trail. There was play, and there were moments of deep calm.Two teas: one outdoors, with the forest, the other indoors, before returning to our daily lives.And the no-bake coconut–cashew fudge (K for Katrine) — now a beloved classic — and my famous muffins, added a touch of happiness to...
A Magic October Day — Shinrin Yoku in Gatineau Park Today’s forest bath in Gatineau Park felt like a gift — a perfect October day, warm and golden, with the temperature rising to 25°C. As we walked slowly among the trees, the sound of the stream followed us like a soft melody. The birds sang, leaves crackled under our feet and from time to time, a light rain of colorful leaves drifted down through the sunlight ... There was a sense of quiet joy and gratitude in the air — for the warmth of the sun, the beauty of this place, and the presence of everyone who joined. Each step felt like a reminder to be fully here, in this...
In March 2019 my life turned upside down. I sold my business to jump completely into visual design. At the same time, almost to the day, the global pandemic was officially declared. Overnight, my usual landmarks had disappeared. I felt lost. To center myself, I started taking regular walks in the forest. And then, every day, no matter what the temperature. Little by little, I reconnected with nature. Each time discovering beauty, meeting animals, taking pictures. I met the trees in a new way, I felt their slow rhythm, their kindness, their resilience. All this gave me courage and hope and inspiration. And more and more, I want to talk about these experiences through my art. Nature is caring, we...
( En français, cliquer ici ) The first time I realized that I could be paid for simply being me... I started painting a few years ago because I felt a strong need to create.I was looking for something simple, small, and portable. I bought a very small box of watercolor and a tablet of paper. It was simply to satisfy my impetuous need to create, without the pressure of running a business, in a quiet space. Soon after, I was invited, by happenstance, to exhibit some watercolors. And, magically, someone bought one. Sitting in my car, I felt immense joy at the idea that I could actually do something I love to do, like drawing, and get paid. I had...
