There’s so much to explore and discover on a skidoo, a one-day ride won’t be nearly enough! The region boasts more than 2,280 kilometers of carefully groomed trails winding among mountains, valleys, hills, woods and lakes. Between these destinations several cozy inns, good restaurants and other attractions unique to our region await. No dress code there; they’ll let you in in your full snowmobiling outfit. Get on your skidoo and browse over 2,286 km of pure pleasure!
Dog Sledding near the cottages
As we all know, the dog is man (and woman)’s best friend. For one thing, dogs are willing to pull you along on a sled for hours, just for your enjoyment. In the Outaouais region, our doggies are eager to meet you! Dog sledding is a relatively little-known sport, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll love it. Several types of dog sledding experiences are available, both summer and winter, from a one-hour ride with the kids to an adventure of several days (if you discover a true passion for the sport!). No previous experience required: you can drive your own sled or let the musher guide the team. At some centres, you can spend a night in a prospector tent …you’ll feel like you’re back in the days of the gold rush! And for a unique experience, try skijoring: glide through the woods on cross-country skis, pulled along the trail by your new best friend. Ready? Let’s go!
Blue Moon Cottage
Moonshadow Retreat is happy to announce our new Blue Moon Cottage! a cozy and cute log cabin cottage with all you need to enjoy your holidays… we will be doing extensive renovations (inside and outside) over this Winter and Spring and it will be ready to rent in the Spring of 2019.
New plans will have 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, open concept main level, new kitchen, new appliances, renovated main bathroom, added extra powder room on upper level, new flooring throughout, sun room fully enclosed and open to the house to host a large dining room and area with beautiful view of the lake.
Full wrap around porch renovated and updated and addition of a new 8 person hot tub overlooking the lake.
Blue Moon Cottage is virtually at the lake level and has a beautiful sandy beach with excellent swimming.
What Will Matter – by Michael Josephson
“Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.”
Super-moon at the Cottages
On March 19th, 2011, the moon were closer and thus bigger than it’s been in two decades… The full moon appeared about 14 percent larger and significantly brighter than usual (read more…)
Dan and I went to the cottage this past weekend and were able to get some incredible shots… the moon was so bright and beautiful that we didn’t even need lights out! what an experience… and when things like this happen, we , feel so blessed for the places we have!! and so lucky to have a sanctuary to that offers such peace… and it is a great reflection that our retreat name is so appropriate!! ?
Enjoy some of our pictures with us… and feel free to share them with your friends and family!
September’s Full Moon – The Harvest Moon
September’s Full Moon is called the Corn moon or the Harvest moon this is harvest time and if the full moon occurs late and in August it is called the harvest moon. If the full moon occurs earlier and in September then it is called the corn moon because the corn crop is ready for picking at that time.
In traditional full moon astrology’ it is a good time to cleanse and clear up all the issues to do with life. Time for all rites and rituals for healing old wounds both emotional and physical. During this months full moon it is a time for forgiving transgressors and for forgiving yourself to let go of all old baggage. A time to harvesting on a metaphysical level from your inner soul and your outer growth. Getting rid of all that old stuff and clearing the ground for the new growth the more enlightened you!
May Full Moon – The Flower Moon
Energy of Renewal
May’s Moon brings us energy of love, wisdom and health. We can use essential oils, healing gemstones, the Goddess Inanna and meditation to celebrate this springy feeling.
The May full moon is often referred to as the Flower, Planting or Hare Moon. The energies around this moon are ones of health, romance, love and wisdom. We are encouraged to begin to take action on the things we’ve recently been planning.
Celebrate!
The May full moon is a time when we begin to really notice more light in our lives. The days are longer, the grass is green and the flowers are starting to bloom. The energy at this time is playful and light, energetic and buoyant. If you want to really celebrate this moon and the energy it brings, you can do fun things like host a pot-luck with a spring theme or visit your local elementary school and volunteer during art class. If you are looking for something more “magical”, light a green candle and meditate on your thankfulness for the feeling of renewal and rejuvenation.
Gemstones Boost the Flower Moon’s Energy
Gems to enhance this moon’s energy include ones like Malachite, Jade, Emerald, Period or any other green-hued stones. These gems help enhance the energy of the heart chakra, which governs our compassion, generosity, love and harmony. If you need a boost in any of these areas, simply slip a green stone into your pocket, or put on a piece of green-gemmed jewelry.
Goddess Inanna
Inanna is the Mesopotamian Goddess of leadership, love, law, movement and peace. She governs the area of the heart chakra. To boost harmony, understanding, understanding, self-control, adaptability, sympathy, compassion, generosity and love in your life, say a prayer to Inanna or make a little Inanna doll for your pocket.
Essential Oils
Oils can be used most easily in a diffuser. Some can be added in small quantities to baths and others can be used in soap and candle making. Do some research before you try them in other ways, aside from diffusers, as some are corrosive and cause skin irritations. The following oils will help you connect with your unconscious mind and set the intention of love, wisdom and compassion
- Eucalyptus
- Thyme
- Sandalwood
- Pine
- Melissa
- Bergamot
Other ideas…
Another great way to connect with the Flower Moon is to bless some seeds, seedlings or garden plants, and then plant them. Doing this involves intentionally adding positive energy to these plants, and then nurturing their growth and health. This is a powerful symbolic exercise that will help you focus your energy on intentionally giving “good vibes” to your environment. Doing this will make you feel empowered, positive and loving.