Johanne Deschamps is a Pincourt resident, and member of MWCN. She is a contributor to our Community Column, a new initiative in our V-S Monthly Newsletter. These are her words.
“I never expected 2020 to unfold as it had. A pandemic was something I’d only seen in movies, until it happened. Suddenly, we all had to lock down and deal with this new reality. People had many different reactions to this, including anger, sadness, and depression. Having suffered from depression many years ago, I wished there was some way I could help.
At the same time, I wanted to create a home-based business. I began searching for online courses that I could take for free or at minimal cost. I decided on Life Coaching. I figured it was something I could do on-line if necessary and I wanted to be of help to humanity in some small way. Little did I know that the first person I’d be helping was myself. I found that after doing the courses, I was able to cope more easily with the circumstances of the world in 2020. I offered my services to the community for free and was even able to help a few other people do the same.
I was browsing through my Facebook newsfeed one day when I came across the most beautiful pieces of mosaic art. The quality of the work was so amazing that it inspired me to try it myself. Having no experience, I began by asking questions of the artist and several other artists as well. I spent many hours educating myself through YouTube videos and information on the internet. With the help of friends and our community, I was able to collect some old and new ceramic tiles, some broken or unwanted crockery and old costume jewellery. I bought some glue, wood and grout and began my exploration into the wonderful world of mosaic art. I enjoyed it so much that it became more of a passion.
I posted some photos of my work on my Facebook page to show my friends and family. Suddenly people were asking if my work was for sale? Of course, I said yes. It was very flattering. Every time I posted a new photo of another mosaic, I had requests to purchase it. I have just finished my fourth mosaic and they have all sold!. I have requests now for three more commissioned pieces. I am so pleasantly surprised by how an innocent attempt to make myself happy has seemed to make so many others happy as well. Many people are showing an interest in learning to do this themselves. I say, “Give it a try!” Maybe you’re interested in learning about a hobby or sport you’ve always been curious about. You could take a course to learn a new skill such as mosaic art; painting or drawing, collage, woodworking, writing, learning to play an instrument or anything else you’d like to try.
Now is the perfect time! Don’t waste it. We can choose to make ourselves happy which is the one thing I know I control.
If you are interested in becoming a member of MWCN, and would like to receive our monthly Newsletter, detailing all our activities, please contact info.mwcn@gmail.com or contact one of our offices located at:
255, boul. d’Anjou, suite 203, Chateauguay, J6J 2R4 – Tel. : 450 691-1444
91, 5e Ave, suite 204, Pincourt, J7V 5K8 – Tel. : 514 425-0399
72, rue Dalhousie, suite 201, Huntingdon, J0S 1H0 – Tel. : 450 264-3596
Lorie Marcotte
Coordinator of Community Development Vaudreuil-Soulanges
www.mwcn.ca
