Hey, 2026!
After being a Social Media ghost for the last few months* I have been slowly getting back online. What I missed was the real connection with many of you. Why I went away was because of the overexposure I was feeling. When it comes to Social Media, always remember that YOU are in control of what you choose to share but also be aware that when you DO share stuff, it can be repurposed by people with shady intentions**.
If you’re ever looking to connect with me, please always make THIS website (you’re currently looking at) the number one spot! You can e-mail me through my Contact page and I can confirm whether or not you’re actually interacting with me on Social Media.
I have, quasi-reluctantly and uber-cautiously revived an online presence with Instagram (@amyvolume) and also Facebook (AMYV0LUME). I think my LinkedIn is still there but I’m honestly not very active with it.
So far in 2026 health news, I’ve:
Made it 1 year post op with my latest joint replacement (blog post) and 3 years with the new hip (news article, video)! Hoping to chill out and avoid any planned surgeries for at least 12 months!
Unfortunately had a rough go with viral season. Them’s the brakes when you A) have an autoimmune disease that is B) treated/managed by meds that wipe out your immune system. The struggle is REAL.
Living in a body that gives constant feedback is a mighty challenge but I’ve been doing this since 1988 and will continue to move forward, sometimes with accommodations or adaptations as needed, because science (& nature) is awesome! And kids being diagnosed with idiopathic/rheumatoid arthritis don’t have to be as limited or destined for joint replacement procedures thanks to modern medicine.
Thanks for reading and if you know someone who could use a little inspiration in spite of health setbacks or challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out!
* link to Blog Post about me quitting Instagram, Jan. 28, 2025
** link to Blog Post about my profile being cloned by a scammer, May 18, 2023
The Love Song Marathon
To promote sales for the Snowsuit Fund’s 50/50 For the City (draw date: Jan. 16), we went Wall to Wall ‘Love Songs’ on CHEZ.
We didn’t hate it as much as we thought we might (and by ‘we’ I mean myself + the vast majority of listeners who chose to comment).
While I do truly hope we never do this again, it was for a great cause! If you enjoyed or want to preserve the Love Song Marathon Playlist, I have saved it for you here:
Skiing at Mount Pakenham:
Went skiing for the firs time at Mount Pakenham. What a wild ride! Had a blast. Being physically disabled (and a total newbie at this), I had some concerns… but their staff and the entire atmosphere put those to rest. Highly recommend!
It’s our second winter season living near Mount Pakenham. Since my foot was “in repair” last year, I am happy to finally be able to experience downhill skiing. I’ve only ever gone once during a class trip either with Lourdes or Bishop (elementary v. high school; can’t remember).
Click here to visit Mount Pakenham’s website. As a complete beginner living with a physical disability, plus the added challenge of bringing my 8 year old (who’s never been downhill skiing before), I wasn’t sure what we were in for. From start to finish; the greeting and walk through from Front Desk staff, to the hands on help in the Equipment Rental shack, to all the kind, smiling faces and words of encouragement from employees and other skiers/boarders (of all skill levels); it was an awesome night.
In fact… the whole family just purchased skis, boots, helmets over the weekend (thx Play it Again Sports - Kanata)! It was a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to get back out there.
More than happy to answer any Qs you may have about mobility challenges or other health concerns that may be a perceived barrier to outdoor adventure. Just message me but note, I can only share what my experience was. Yours may vary!
Website Updates!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been updating the website. Freshening things up here and there and also revealing some upcoming price increases & length of stay options for anyone wishing to rent my cottage.
I’m lucky to have such great guests! I’m also lucky to still be fully booked years in advance. If you’re interested in learning more about the cottage - check out our new site by following the menu ‘Windmill Cottage’ options at the top of this screen.
If you have any questions or comments or just wanna say ‘hey’ - you can e-mail me: hey@amyvolume.com
Changes coming soon to windmillcottage.ca
Hello,
A quick note for those wondering where the Cottage Rental info/site disappeared to.
Changes will be posted to WindmillCottage.ca and made public as of January 1, 2026. These changes will include, but are not limited to, a slight rate increase, length of stay options, strict maximum occupancy and changes to previously offered amenities.
For those who have reservations next season: there will be no change to your length of stay or price for 2026.
2027 availability will also be shared on January 1st.
If you have questions or wish to change you upcoming reservation, please contact me. Follow the cottage or me on Instagram for more.