As a young teen, I was captivated by research, writing and drawing—especially intricate maps. I would start with pencil, meticulously sketching the shapes and contours of the land before carefully tracing each line with a fine colored pen. My perfectionist nature convinced me that if I couldn’t create something flawlessly, there was no point in doing it at all. I also eagerly collected National Geographic magazines, waiting each month for the latest issue to arrive. I adored the map inserts that were sometimes included, pinning them to my bedroom wall and daydreaming about adventures in far-off places. My mother nurtured my passion for research and writing by gifting me a typewriter and teaching me how to touch type. She also gave me a small recipe holder with index cards, which I used to catalogue the contents of each magazine by subject for easy reference. I wanted to quickly find information for my next project. I day dreamed of traveling the world and writing alongside a photographer for National Geographic, composing stories about our fascinating world. But that vision never materialized. Instead, I went to college to study business, got married and devoted myself to raising my son. I often thought about writing non-fiction, maybe even a children’s book, but the opportunity always seemed just out of reach, lingering somewhere in the distant future.

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After my marriage to my son’s father ended, I envisioned a new life—one where I could live close to nature, surrounded by trees and near the ocean. I imagined walking along the shore, listening to the rhythm of the waves and the songs of the birds, feeling the warm sun and breeze on my skin, free from the hum of city life. Nature had always been my sanctuary, and I longed to be immersed in its beauty, believing that in this peaceful setting, I could finally begin to write, draw, and perhaps even paint.

 

I held this vision in my heart and gradually, it took shape. I moved to the stunning Gulf Islands off the west coast of British Columbia, where I made my home among the trees, just steps from the ocean. Surrounded by nature’s calm, I felt inspired to deepen my connection to the earth. This led me to become a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), allowing me to share the healing power of the forest with others. Becoming a guide was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Learning how to slow down, mindfully immersing my senses in nature, brought profound healing and happiness into my life. ​​The inner chatter quietened, my mind softened, years of anxiety and being hard on myself, washed away. I finally gave myself permission to follow my joy. To begin painting and writing after years of holding myself back.

 

Learn more about my first book co-authored with my amazing husband Dave Hutchison's stunning wildlife and nature photography here!