Weekend before the kinadas Artist collective residency June 10 2024

June 8, 2024 I spent the weekend with my nieces and mom playing games and planting instead of packing. So fulfilling and just what I needed before this time away from home. 

June 10, 2024

Monday started late at Manidoo Bineshii Dreams (MBD) because I stayed up all night Sunday preparing and packing for the travel to Toronto Island. 

1pm I planted the seedlings donated by a close friend for my Organic vegetable garden. Such a relief as I will go back to MBD with plants to care for and harvest. I pray the rain comes and that they thrive while I am away. If they do survive it will create a resilient seed and strong dna for generations to come. 

so happy I got see all the flowers in bloom now just this week they were budding and when I return they will be done for the season. 

Finished planting at 3pm and it's cutting it so close I should be at the airport but here I go to deliver the seedlings that didn't get planted to community members for their home gardens. Saving the plant babies makes me feel better leaving now. 

Arrived at the airport YSB at 4pm just i time to check my bags and catch this flight to Toronto YYZ. I tell you that everything happens the way it should and there is a reason for everything. 

I am grateful I got to travel with the mentor as it made this trip extra meaningful and I think easier as well. 

The stories we can share together and the memories more fun. 

we ate at the dirty bird in the Kensington market at the airport and it was my first time having chicken and waffles. So yummy I think it's a new favorite especially with jerk BBQ sauce and of course maple syrup. 

another first for me is taking this ferry and going to Toronto Island. Not the easiest docks to find but we made it safe and sound. 

730 ferry ride was beautiful and I am glad it was enjoyable and no sea sickness here. 

once we got across and arrived at our destination I am greeted with this beautiful garden at our entrance to Gibraltar centre for the arts. 

It's a dream come true and we also had a beautiful home cooked meal with my dietary lifestyle in mind so caring and thoughtful. A meal made with love and again something new for me to try. 

topped off the night with a walk to the beach and had amazing historical discussions with Emilio and Nimkiins, reunited atleast. 

so far so sweet and just the beginning of a life change ahead. 

As we stood on the beach closing out our time to call it a night a great blue heron (shagii) flew by us so low and close, very special to see.