The Hummingbird Academy

02/14/2026

Today is a day to look into your heart. Something we should do every day. But here we are, embracing the idea that for one day, we acknowledge all of the people we truly love, that touch our hearts in genuine ways. And while we remind those around us how much we love and appreciate them, don’t forget to think about all the ways in which you love yourself. Because as we all know, to give love, you must love yourself first. So, while you may be focused on doing some loving things for the special people in your life, don’t forget to put yourself on that list and do something loving for yourself today. As you appreciate the beauty you see in the faces and hearts of those around you, look in the mirror and recognize your own beauty. Then take that beauty and imagine it shining forth from your heart, to touch each part of all the people in your world with pure joy and love. Here are some hearts I love to make every year to remind everyone in my life how much love I have to give. My heart is full! Happy Valentine’s Day!💗

02/05/2026

I hope everyone is staying cozy & warm as we move into February. I was watching the hockey game earlier this week, and during one of the commercial breaks, this came up. I was born and raised in Toronto and am so grateful for all of the amazing experiences I had during my years there. I now have been in Peterborough for 25 years. So many amazing opportunities have opened up for me and I have had amazing experiences here too, including my 23 years here at the studio. I am so thrilled that Peterborough is my home. This commercial tugged at my heartstrings a bit. In this moment I felt proud to be a part of this wonderful community! Hugs to my friends at Quaker...a cornerstone of this community and a landmark everyone here knows well! ) ❤

01/08/2026

I can listen to this beautiful voice all day long…💖

Hard Times Come Again No More - Carling Stephen performs a Stephen Foster cover from 1852Carling Stephen - vocalsRob Phillips - piano Doug Sutherland - trump...

01/06/2026

Another year has flown by and here I am, celebrating 23 years of absolute joy at The Hummingbird Academy. It has been an amazing feeling inching up to this day! And while I had hoped to celebrate in a special way, the day has turned into a much quieter version of my original plans…and that’s ok.
As I sit in stillness and solitude, I am reminded of all of the ways I have grown in the last year…so many changes in all areas of my life…some exciting and graceful changes and then some changes that have involved tremendous loss and heartache.
Through it all, I am embracing some of the ideas we have all heard before…that “when a door closes, another door opens”… and then, “every ending is a new beginning."
I have been also taking the time to connect to the doorways in my own heart. I am learning that if we take the steps to open those doors, then it can make the difference between a life that is so-so and a life that can instead be truly spectacular.
I try to listen to my heart as often as I can. And when I don’t, I think those are the times that things get a little chaotic. Why is it that we tend to ignore our heart? It’s not always easy to listen but through my own experiences, truly necessary.
My nudge for you in the days to come, is to work at continuing to create a life that is spectacular. Look back at the past year and celebrate how far you have come in your commitment to take care of yourself, to tackle a new adventure or follow through on your goals. Perhaps those commitments will continue, perhaps they will change focus…whatever has unfolded and however it has unfolded, it's ok. Keep going.
And as you look ahead, remember to listen to your heart and then open your heart to the experiences and the journey that is ahead of you. Don’t ignore the beating of your heart…it knows so much. Open that heart wide open and enjoy where it leads you each and every step of the way.
This photo was taken weeks before my opening at my George Street location in 2010. This is just one of the examples of the hard work that went into growing my dream…there were three other locations before the George Street move…another that followed after that…and now the work and the dream continue on. I am grateful for all of these wonderful years and for my Tribe who continue to support me and continue to grow with me.
Sending out loads of love & light.💖

12/12/2025

As the snow continued to fall and accumulate earlier this week, I had a moment of worry, wondering how I was going to manage the big load that was coming our way. Then a thought appeared which reminded of the little girl, decades ago, that embraced the beauty of a snowfall. I was nudged with the memory of lying in the snow, creating beautiful snow angels and I suddenly felt the urge to lie in the snow. So, I decided to honour that childhood memory.

As I lay there, feeling the hug of the new fallen snow, I remembered quite vividly what it was like to be a kid. My mind began to feel a quietness and a calmness, and all my worries began to float away. My body felt strong and flexible as my legs and arms rhythmically created my angel wings. My heart felt open and welcoming to the gifts that winter brings and it began to beat with excitement. My spirit was peaceful and light, something I have struggled with for many months.

When I felt that my angel was complete, I took a moment to lie there, staring up at the nighttime sky. It was breathtaking and comforting. I imagined my Mom & Dad, angels in heaven, watching over me, smiling and loving me from their new world. I truly believe they will always be close, guiding me through the rest of my journey here on earth. I miss them so dearly.

When I made it back up on to my feet, for a moment I felt the adult in me beginning to judge my work of possible imperfection. And then I quickly released myself, going back to that childlike moment and embracing all the glorious feelings that stirred up in me when I was lying in the snow…and I gave myself the freedom to be perfectly happy, in my own imperfect ways.

I invite you to embrace the child in you sometime soon…be a kid and give yourself the freedom to be perfectly happy in your own imperfect way. Because sometimes, we need to free ourselves from the chaos.

Sending love & light💖

12/06/2025

I am reflecting on all of the conversations I am having with all of the beautiful souls coming through my studio these last few weeks…and then also reflecting on some of the experiences that are rolling up personally. As a result of everything that I am processing, this is what I feel I want to share in this moment.

Simply…as we inch our way into December…for some, the expectations of the holiday season will be a challenge…especially if they are carrying a heavy grief. So I ask you to consider this…please don’t dismiss the feelings of the people you love when they share their vulnerability with you…validate their feelings and support them…the holidays and wrapping up another year will help lift a heavy heart if you stay connected and support one another.

This time of year is also about giving for many. If giving during this time resonates for you, think about the important people in your life and how you will honour them in the spirit of love. And remember that giving does not have to be a gift they unwrap…it could be a gift of time spent together or a conversation or some simple ways that might help their lives feel a little brighter.

Don’t forget to include yourself on the list of important people. Being generous to yourself is an excellent way of strengthening and enhancing your ability to give to others.

Be so very good to yourself and to those around you.

Sending out bright December love and light to you all!💖

10/30/2025

Atticus & I are on the move…but first things first…hope you all have an amazing Halloween Friday night…and…Go Jays Go💙☺️

10/26/2025

Tamer and his team are amazing and I am so grateful that they are so enthusiastic! Their creative approach to showcasing the very things that I have loved so much living and working from home has been fun to watch. The journey the last few years, wanting to make a move has not been easy and I am grateful that they are diving right in with so much confidence and positivity. ❤

10/23/2025

Feeling hopeful💖

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10/06/2025

After a long break, I am looking forward to meeting my Tribe back on the mat…looking forward to sharing some beautiful energy…💖

09/11/2025

Hello my friends...I have loved my home for a long time...it is a very special place and has been so very good to me. Life is shifting and changing and my home has been for sale, waiting for the perfect new story to unfold. The listing remains as is until Thanksgiving. If that special someone has not found their way to this sweet little gem, then I will be entertaining any rental requests. There is so much goodness and amazing energy here...and so many dreams have had the opportunity to grow and flourish here. I hope the footsteps that follow fill this space with continued happiness, good energy and the unfolding of many new dreams. I would be so grateful if you would help me spread the word...I just know in my heart that the perfect new chapter for my home is out there.💖

210 MCDONNEL STREET, Peterborough (Town Ward 3), Ontario K9H2V9

06/27/2025

Dear Friends, My heart is extremely heavy as I prepare to say farewell to my Mom. I have struggled to share the news here and am not quite ready to share my thoughts. I hope to return to honour my Mom when I am feeling grounded and ready. Your collective prayers to help us through this time are very much appreciated and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. With love & light💗

View Assunta Di Pietrantonio's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.