I used to have a pretty specific idea of how life was supposed to look by now. There was a timeline in my head, one I assumed everyone else was following too — with the major milestones checked off in just the right order. I figured by this point, I’d have more certainty, more clarity, maybe even a few more answers.

Donata Delano is the founder of The Good Canvas, a creative studio that blends artistry with strategy to design meaningful, elegant websites for entrepreneurs. As I was having lunch with Donata at Bardo Restaurant in Burlington, I was struck by her laid-back demeanor and the structured energy sitting just beneath it. 

When the Centennial Rose Garden opened in 1967, at the Royal Botanical Gardens, it was more than just a patch of pretty blooms—it was Canada’s centennial year, and this garden became a living tribute to growth and hope for the future.