All I know is that changing the scenery is good for your heart, body and soul. We’ve been at this over 8 months now and try as we might to hold onto the hope that it’s almost over, we have a while ahead of us until this thing becomes a thing of the past.

I learned early in life that finding the silver lining is more than just positive thinking, it’s also a gift of optimism. Together we will make it through and hopefully we will come out stronger, because the truth is, this moment in history will forever change our societal DNA, it has to. It kind of already has.

My way of coping is layered. I have my cyclical moments of worry, mobilize, accept, worry, mobilize, accept. But, I also have these precious moments that only hardship and challenge make space for: creation.

It’s been said by many an artist before us that struggle is the birth place of art. In these hard times, I’ve had to pressure test my own love and passion for my work and I’ve also been tested to seek out new inspiration amidst the same old four walls of my home.

What I recognized in myself is a fierceness I’m so grateful to recognize. Nothing will stop me. I may have thought I was like that, but I’d never really been put to the test. In these last months, I could’ve closed up shop and moved on with my life, but that just isn’t who I am. Instead, I sped forth with strong desire and resilient passion for my work and for our local artists and designers. I have kept my head in the game and put on a brave face for the camera. Whether it was when I myself was sick with Covid or when I was honestly as anxious as everyone out there of catching it (or my kids or mom catching it), I pushed on.

One of my favourite therapies is fashion. It’s not just about shopping and amassing new clothes, it’s about learning about the clothes, the designers, the inspiration. It’s about styling and playing with possibilities. When I was driving to scout a new location in the fresh open air and we stumbled across this Arizonian looking spot right here in Quebec, I was inspired to throw on some outfits and I smiled ear to ear as I moved around in the setting sun. I found yet another trace of silver lining when I stomped my western-style La Canadienne boots and Praise Official apparel on our home turf: the beauty of our province abounds and I am lucky to have the privilege of discovering our local beauty.