Back in October, I experienced my very first artist retreat: a week-long stay at Valleyview Artist Retreat.

The timing was perfect. It was the height of fall colours up in the Caledon countryside. The residence itself is nestled amidst cedars atop a patchwork of wild meadow and rolling hills that lead down to various trails that meander and circle the property. Upon entering these trails, I was enveloped in a golden curtain of Carolinian forest. Yellow was above and below me. It was magic.

I used this solitary week as an opportunity to unplug and just be. I didn’t put any pressure on myself to produce art, nor did the retreat. Instead, my days were filled with reading and writing, reflecting and walking — lots of walking (with my camera and binoculars in tow). I took great pleasure in spotting the many creatures that called this same patch of land home: a returning flock of wild turkeys, a family of deer, coyotes, some mushroom-loving squirrels, countless songbirds, a barn cat, two dogs and horses from a neighbouring pasture.

The Bavarian style cottage I stayed in was something out of a fairytale — I slept in a covered four-post-bed and had the option of building a crackling fire in the fireplace if I so pleased. Original artworks filled the walls and the sturdy wooden furnishings were adorned with charming hand-painted flourishes. There was a massive old trunk filled with VHSs that I could pop into the player if I felt like a movie in the evening. My week was quiet and cozy, analog, slow, circadian and filled with cups of tea. I loved it and am filled with gratitude.

Thank you Donna and Suzanne for making me feel so welcome and for fitting me in at such a beautiful time of year!