Spring seems to have burst onto the scene all at once around here. One minute we’re scraping frost off windshields, and the next the gardens are calling, the birds are singing at 5am, and an abundance of new ideas are competing for attention in my head. Ahhh… spring has arrived!

I meant to send this newsletter before Mother’s Day… but life, poetry, greens, projects, and spring itself rewired time.

Yesterday I spent the day on Toronto Island with my amazing mom, who is 93 and still remarkably spirited. We went for a delicious fancy High Tea at the Riviera Restaurant and then AL and I tackled a spring clean-up of her yard — one of those simple, beautiful days that quietly remind you what matters. Oh, BTW, I now spell AL’s name in caps, because it not, it reads like my life partner is Artificial Intelligence (AI) lol.

I also know Mother’s Day can be complicated. Joyful for some. Tender for others. A day filled with gratitude, grief, memory, relief, love, longing — sometimes all at once. However the day landed for you, I hope there was at least one small moment of gentleness in it.

A little thought that’s been rolling around in my head lately…I’ve finally stopped apologizing to myself for being interested in too many things at once. Maybe some of us are simply wired to live creatively in many directions — painting, writing, organizing poetry nights, growing greens, making journals, dreaming up projects at midnight, and of course staying healthy. Perhaps the goal isn’t to “focus better,” but to embrace the strange and wonderful ecosystem of who we are.

And speaking of meaningful conversations and creative ecosystems….

A New Little Adventure — Fresh Greens!

In true “Lory does many things” fashion… I’ve started a small venture selling beautiful fresh greens from a new local hydroponic grow operation managed by my friend Penny Towndrow.

Think just-picked crisp salad greens, kale, herbs, and fresh spring goodness — locally grown in a controlled environment without pesticides. Delicious.

Starting May 28, I’ll be at the Thursday Market at New Life Church from 3–7 PM each week. You can also pick up greens directly from The Artists’ House — I currently have a fridge full on the deck with an honour-system $$ box.

And because apparently I’m incapable of showing up anywhere with just one category of thing… I’ll also be bringing:

• my new journals
• greeting cards
• small art prints

So if you need greens and art, I may now officially be your person. 😊

Friday, May 15 · 7–9 PM
The Artists’ House · 2 Townley Street, Nottawa

This month’s Poetry Night will have a fresh twist.

Our featured host is Raven Murphy — author, storyteller, songwriter, and nature guide — whose work is deeply rooted in story, lived experience, and the landscapes that shape us.

The theme for the evening is:

Behind the Words
Bring a poem — and share a glimpse of what’s behind it.

The moment.
The memory.
The reason it had to come out.

Because when you share the story behind your work, it shifts from reciting to sharing — and your audience doesn’t just hear you… they feel you.

After Raven opens the evening, the mic will be open for poetry, stories, spoken word, lyrics, reflections, and brave little moments of honesty.

Our Poetry Nights continue to become something truly special — warm, surprising evenings woven together with language, laughter, vulnerability, and connection.

Refreshments served · Open Mic · By Donation

As we head toward summer, The Artists’ House B&B is once again welcoming guests looking for a peaceful, creative getaway near Collingwood, Blue Mountain, beaches, hiking trails, cycling routes, and all the beauty of South Georgian Bay.

If you have friends or family visiting the area — or if you are craving a little retreat for yourself — keep us in mind. Guests come here for many reasons: girls’ weekends, weddings, hiking adventures, writing retreats, art-making, cycling trips, or simply a quiet place to breathe for a few days.

There’s something special about summer evenings in the gardens, bonfires, morning coffee on the patio, and staying in a house filled with art and creativity.

Word of mouth means everything to small independent places like this, so thank you for sharing The Artists’ House with others when the opportunity arises.

Imaginarium Summer Art Camp And for the young creatives in your life…
Imaginarium Summer Art Camp is filling quickly! These camps are packed with painting, sculpture, mixed media, outdoor creativity, dress ups and play theatre, imaginative projects, music and lots of joyful artistic exploration.
If you’re thinking about summer plans for your children or grandchildren, now is a good time to reserve a spot. Imaginarium.

Spring is reminding me that creativity rarely arrives in one neat, organized stream. Sometimes it spills everywhere — into gardens, paintings, conversations, poems, side businesses, and entirely unexpected directions.
And honestly? I’m learning to trust that a little more.
Quick question before you go…
What’s one thing — creative or otherwise — that’s coming alive for you this spring?

Hit reply. I’d genuinely love to hear.

With gratitude,
Lory