Bill Weaver, who runs Media that Matters each May at Hollyhock, produced a film some 15 years ago called The Heart of Business. It featured, among others, a Victoria entrepreneur named Heather Fox who had begun a line of hand-painted clothing. Heather had once been a hospice worker.

I'm back on Cortes Island for a long weekend and several business meetings related to Renewal Land Company's conservation land efforts as well as hosting some old and new friends.

The gardens of Hollyhock and the island are explosive in colour, scent, and the plants are soaking up the longest days of the year. With 11pm feeling like late dusk, critters on the move everywhere, and humans full of curiosity and prowling, it's a pure symphony of life.

I'm traveling with colleagues Carol Newell, Pamela Chaloult, from Renewal, and Heidi Hartman from Social Venture Network.

We are on the familiar pilgrimage to Hollyhock for another blockbuster crafted gathering compliments of Karen Mahon, Rhian Walker and Jennie Reckon of Hollyhock Leadership Institute.

After a successful kidney transplant in November from my old friend and Hollyhock co-founder, Shivon Robinsong, I have returned healthier than ever to a plethora of activities at Renewal.