What I missed the most when I quit newspaper work was the contact with the community and the chance to hear individual's stories; to be invited into people's homes and be able to photograph them in their own environment. I think that's a big part of why I was so thrilled to be part of the current exhibit at The Art Gallery of Northumberland in celebration of Canada's 150th.

The idea for When We Came From Away, Stories of Arrival, was created by the late DinDin Vallarino of Northumberland County as part of the ongoing work in the County's immigration portal to grow and help sustain newcomer business investment and settlement in the area. The end product is a collection of the stories and photographs of local first, second and third generation immigrants and their most cherished 'artifact'. It's in book form and the images and stories are currently on display at the gallery on the third floor of Victoria Hall.

It was one thing to spend part of the summer meeting and photographing these members of our community, but seeing them all hung together for the first time really took my breath away - along with the work it must have taken to frame and hang in such symmetry. It was incredible to walk around and remember each occasion, each person, family or couple I visited. Every single time I was met with generosity, kindness, time and, chocolate - YES!

We are SO LUCKY to live where we do, to have a community that welcomes diversity, where people can celebrate where they've come from and where they are now. Thank-you to everyone who made this project come to life.