I live in the bush with my eight-year-old son, two dogs, a cat and a parrot. In search of a simpler life, we moved here from Toronto in July 2015. My husband was supposed to come with us, but, unexpectedly and tragically, the love of my life died from a head injury in June 2015 mere days before we were supposed to start our grand adventure.

So much for a simpler life.

Friends and family were very surprised when I decided to go ahead with the move. Some cheered my bravery; others tried to talk me out of leaving the familiar faces and surroundings of the neighbourhood we lived in for 16 years. Everyone was worried about us it seemed. Except for me. I’m not worried. It’s amazing here.