September update: my Montreal trip, a time of solitude, folk festival and building project videos

September 24, 2024

It’s officially fall now. And I am still head over heels for my new home and community.

After a busy summer of posting, my social media feeds, blog, and YouTube channel have been fairly quiet for a couple weeks because I took a trip to Montreal from September 12-19. The main purpose of that trip was to accompany Ciel for a surgery and help take care of them during their recovery, both of which went very well.

In addition to spending time with Ciel, I was also able to visit Laurent and Brienne, meet with my professor about the last stretch of my graduate degree, and generally enjoy city life. I was surprised by how much I loved being back in Montreal after spending the summer in what feels to me like paradise.

I stayed with my dear friend Kim who lives in NDG, just off Monkland (if you know the area), and soaked up all the good things the city has to offer. And in spite of the seriousness of my trip’s purpose (companion and care giver for a medical procedure) I had such a wonderful time.

As usual, Instagram is the place to follow me for all the as-it-happens storytelling in my life, which included all the daily Montreal happenings.

I am back home now and revelling in another wonder, a time of solitude while Damien is traveling. This year has been full of first-time-ever, brand new experiences. And this period of solitude is one of those. The vibe is incredibly chill and restful. I’ve been looking forward to this time.

I’ve never had an experience like this in my entire life. So far it feels a bit like a retreat, at home. Should I ever feel lonely or desire company, the neighbours are pretty ok people and are always happy to see me.

I released two YouTube videos right before I left on my trip and didn’t have any time to mention them here, until now.

Firstly, there’s big news at the Sanctuary this fall as a building project is underway and my brother has moved to the area.

That story is told in this video> Before Tour: DIY Garage Renovation to Host Family & Friends.

Also, last month I volunteered with the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. It was an amazing weekend, in spite of a family emergency back in Montreal (which is all explained in the video). My weekend volunteering at the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival 2024 tells that story.

If you’re reading this in email you won’t see the videos embedded above but if you click the title links you can watch them on YouTube.

Now that school has resumed I don't know if I’ll be able to return to summer’s pace of publishing videos, blog posts and essays. Many ideas and stories are vying for my attention, asking to be told. I hope to oblige.