I recently purchased a vintage book published in 1993, written by John de Visser & Judy Ross, and entitled “Muskoka”. The cover photo drew me in… a dreamy Ontario cottage frontage. The snippets from the books interior were equally intoxicating. I certainly could not improve on the authors introduction. I will share it with you:

“…Among the world’s celebrated lakelands, Muskoka’s elemental beauty represents a kind of northern Canadian perfection: a land of sparkling lakes, thick green forests, tumbling waterfalls, and dramatic rocky contours. Surprisingly on the vast map of Canada, it’s merely a speck, roughly 650 kilometres square…”

The unique character of Muskoka, the essence of its allure, has evolved not from the beauty of its landscape, but from the strength of emotions that tie people to this place. Roots here grow so deep and steadfast that, like migratory birds, Muskoka folk return from far-flung corners of the earth. For cottagers, it’s the memory of golden childhood summers and the very core of kindred existence. For people born and raised here, ancestors of the settlers who tried to tame this land, Muskoka is an integral part of their being.”

There is no doubt that there is a power of the place. At La Jolie we are fortunate to have connected with the area via some of the wonderfully creative people thereof. Their homespun artisan jewels are now available in shop. Have you ever considered foraged milkweed pods?… exquisitely delicious! Or a Muskoka medley in a confiture?… incredible with cheese!

This month we salute the land to the north of us where despite current whirlwinds of change; despite the rumblings on the world stage… still here the air is as clear as a the crystal springs. And the soul of the place – its gift of solace – is undiminished.