Last silliness in Banff, rockies drama: a bear eating something big, Sunday traffic, bug splats, straight roads, watching the ditches at dusk for glowing eyes and leaping ungulates, super moon, super glowing orange ball in my rear-view mirror, Peter Gabriel singing in my car: “Drawn across the plain lands to the place that is higher….”
So long since I’ve written here. So long since I’ve written. Too busy being in the moment with real life and not having the luxury of tapping away my thoughts.
Now it’s Christmas. In my world. Is it a holiday in yours? How is yours unfolding?
I used to have picture perfect Christmases as a youngster, with my Mom and Dad, in both Banff (early years) and in Prince Edward Island (mid to later years). A little cozy house in the town of Banff. Christmas lights ready all year ’round to be illuminated at a click of a switch. In Prince Edward Island, our country house built by my Mom and Dad’s hands, nestled in the snow laden spruce trees, bird feeder busy in the back. We sneaked around being mysterious about the hand made gifts we were obligated to make, giving last loving touches. Baking, wrapping, stoking our wood stove in the living room, listening to traditional Christmas music, and being very protective of our time together. Continue reading “Holiday Thoughts….”
Today is our country’s birthday, the day we wear red, the day Canadian flags un-wrinkle and stretch to flapping happiness expressing a little more patriotism than most days.
I’m happy to say that I feel pretty Canadian. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, raised partly in Banff, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island (where I experienced one room schools!), went to college in London, Ontario, lived and worked in Ottawa, back to Banff, began learning French at 21 years old in Pointe de l’Eglise, Nova Scotia, moved to la belle ville de Quebec to further my French, trained in l’art dramatique for three years in Quebec City, lived in Montreal, performed in PEI, Fredericton, and finally moved back to Vancouver. From Vancouver I toured all the Western provinces, exploring and performing in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC.
I have taken the train, driven and flown across this country too numerous to remember (but the drives amounted to at least 6 times).
So.
I think I can really say, “I’m Canadian”!
But what actually makes us Canadian? For me, I think it’s evident that it’s the physicality of our country. I have had the good fortune to have swam in both oceans, lakes across the land, hiked very high up in the Rockies, and witnessed extraordinary skies in the Prairies. I guess Canada’s nature defines my Canada.
What about you? And, what would be a favourite Canadian moment?
Mine? You ask?
Hmmm…. my first thought is being at the top of Healy Pass in the Rockies with my friend who was a Banff Park Warden. He met me and another friend part way, and then I rode his horse for the remainder of the trail. At the top of the pass, before my other friend returned on his own, he pulled out some wine and we saluted Mother Nature.
That night the warden’s cabin was cozy but also a bit frightening with a massive thunderstorm shaking up local campers. A mini hike, the morning after, to Egypt Lake and my solo hike back to the Sunshine Village parking lot rounded off the journey. (oh… and then a good Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs soak!)
Yes.. that was ONE of my favourite Canadian moments.
Your turn!
Happy Canada Day…. (and if you are not from Canada, have you been? Or if you haven’t, what would you wish to experience?)
Trilby Jeeves ~ Bouffon Droppings... 