From Celtic folklore to modern-day wellness theories, lying under a tree is good practice for feeling grounded. In a hair’s width of touch, a tree detecting human hands grants healing energy to stabilize and calm the mind.
In the fast paced world of city life, Christine Sabourin is an old soul bearing deep roots. Problem solving from the age of 12 she worked at her grandfather’s egg grading station in Monkland, Ontario where a good work ethic went a long way.
At one time, three generations spanning nearly 50 years fed 100,000 eggs a week to families all over Eastern Ontario & Western Quebec. Christine’s father has done long-haul trucking for many years. Yet another backbone of the economy; the solitude of the open road gave job security for qualified drivers. Being a human GPS doesn’t hurt.
While some folks find happiness either in or out-side of the home, Christine’s mother found refuge in both. A handywoman in her own right, making homemade soup from scratch ingredients, gardening in the great outdoors or late night bonfires: her unbiased view of the earth’s offerings is contagious.
From a young age, Christine found a refuge at her maternal grandparents home on Marlborough Street. Understanding her curiosity with tools, Raymond LeBlanc’s quiet encouragement and mentoring gave value to a young girl’s dreams. A good listener, her grandmother Denyse was a constant supportive influence through the years.
At 17, Christine attended her first P!nk concert. Coming face to face with Alecia Beth-Moore Hart in subsequent years for a photo op was right in her wheel-house. Attending a total of 18 concerts over a span of 17 years, Christine’s most life-changing was during the Truth About Love Tour in 2013 which she attended four times. Finding kinship through her icon, Christine worked to seek wisdom and live simply.
In 2008, Christine completed courses in Police Foundations, a two year program, at the Cornwall campus of St. Lawrence College. She returned in the fall to the Social Service Worker program.
In a role she has held for over 15 years, Christine serves as a Learning Coach and Test Attendant with Student Wellness and Accessibility Services. She also serves as a Rights Advisor for the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office outside of Toronto.
Pursuing a Psychology degree through online courses, Christine’s philosophy of calmness through creativity, lies within the maker mindset of self discovery.
One Christmas, Christine received a wood-burning kit from a girlfriend which became the gateway to creating her art business. Working quietly on various wood-working projects offers a way to bring stillness to the mind while creating | bringing projects to life.
A skateboard enthusiast from early days, Christine was brought into a broad circle of contemporaries when starting a business called Meraxic Creations three years ago. https://www.facebook.com/p/Meraxic-Creations-100076791664672/
One branch of the Meraxic concept has an environmental perspective. Doing something with creativity and love brings equanimity. From time spent with her grandfather and learning from life experience, Christine began exploring the idea of recycling broken skateboards into creative art pieces.
On a trip to Florida, Christine brought back at least a dozen broken boards discarded in the vicinity of the infamous Lot 11 skatepark in Miami. Most wooden skateboards are made from seven layers of maple veneer. Because of its durability, wood is the optimal choice for weight, stability and price.
Getting down to the wooden base is no small feat and requires power tools, strength and perseverance. Refurbishing includes many rounds of sanding and polishing before the gleaming pieces are ready for market.
An animal lover since birth, Christine once spearheaded a Betty White-inspired fundraiser for the SDG branch of the OSPCA. In honour of what would have been White’s 100th birthday, she accepted the help of many local artists including Brett Desrosiers. Always willing to put their hands up despite the exhaustion that often follows such events, the pair know it does a soul good to be of service. In the willingness of helping others, they remain good friends.
With an ideology that peace is out there, women like Christine Sabourin are finding their voice in the stories behind the work. Just as lush canopies are central to the unwavering core of life, wooden pieces formed into guitar picks, key chains, pocket medallions or pendants encircle the hands that create them. We all do better when someone believes in us.
Lisa Gray Copyright © January 2026
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