Rise and Shine: along the majestic St. Lawrence River

＂I am like the sun. I continue to rise each day no matter the weather.＂

As a young girl author Tina Gardiner’s journey took her many places. That spring she found a new life in that tiny room overlooking the river. Back with her family once again. Out her window the sun was her alarm, the moon and stars her nightlight and the waves gave her comfort. Then once again the day came when Tina, holding a small bag of clothing, was taken away from her family and her home. As they drove away, she promised herself one day she’d return. Years later a single mother of three Tina and her children were blessed with that promise. After fifteen years of memories, it ended in a devastating fire. Her family separated. Instead of succumbing to despair, hope and gratitude prevailed. Moving six times each rental home brought her back to the river where she rose early every morning to watch the sunrise once again. As she traversed its length and photographed the landscape, she forged a new path for herself and to share with others.

Rise and Shine is a collection of positive affirmations and photographs of the land that encouraged Tina’s self-healing journey. As the seasons shift and turn, her keen eye honours the changing textures and colours of her view. These snapshots illustrate the connection between the spiritual and natural, the ways we can find peace in both. The river inspires the daily affirmations, from celebrating the good and accepting the bad to remembering to ground ourselves in this very moment, the here and now.

Each day offers a new view, a different way of seeing ourselves and the world outside our windows. Rise and Shine reminds us of the countless blessings’ life has to offer. All we must do is rise, no matter the weather.