If you follow me on Instagram @CanadianChocoholic you may have seen that I recently spent a week away at a cabin. I love the outdoors and find that a week in nature is the best vacation.
After two long years with no vacation, it was time. I chose a cabin close by and within the province in case any more lockdowns or restrictions came and was really happy that a friend recommended this location.
A tiny cabin on the beach of the Ottawa River during October, when all the leaves are changing colour and falling to the ground.
Sunny days, cloudy days, windy days and rainy days I had them all, and I enjoyed each and every one of them. There was plenty of cozying up and reading, lots of gazing out at the water, many, many walks along the beach and under the trees, and, when the weather cooperated, there was time on the water on my SUP.
Oh, I forgot, there was also chocolate.
Chocolate in the form of drinking chocolate each morning, and sometime in the afternoon on rainy days. There were a few chocolate tastings, where I did some side-by-side tasting comparisons. One afternoon I tasted 5 different bars made with cacao grown on the same estate in Madagascar. I also ate several last bites of bars and really enjoyed tasting, savouring, and enjoying them in nature. Besides that, there was also chocolate as part of my meals, with a piece or two of chocolate being added to a delicious cheese plate with some specialty cheese from my local shop in Ottawa, Jacobson’s. I also did some exploring of which cheeses and which chocolates paired together nicely.
I did some dreaming. Dreaming about Canadian Chocoholic and where it may go in the future. Dreaming of Happy Mail for Chocolate Lovers and what the next several envelopes will contain. Dreaming up ideas for new jewellery pieces. Dreaming up ideas. Dreaming dreams.
Lots of cloud gazing and basking in the sun as I read books about taste, flavour, chocolate, or art.
Honestly the time away was a welcome break and certainly filled up my cup, giving me energy for the fall and winter seasons as I rest and create over the winter. Staying cozy inside and working away on art in all forms.
How do you fill up your cup or find inspiration?
