O Saskatoons

You can't compare many things to a purple berry, but a few days on the farm in Southern Alberta comes close. First there's that slightly tart and wild flavor offered by the brisk air and tree-skirted Rockies, whose distinct peaks have more in common with a mouthful of well-worn chompers than a saw blade. Then there's the thrill of having the lovely violeting patches cached everywhere without the threat of thorns or hostile plants; that is the essence of the people I associate with there--genuine goodness all around without the fear of a faux pas invoking harsh defenses. Lastly there is the saskatoon pie, represented in Alberta by the presence of, well, saskatoon pie, with ice cream, preceded by breakfasts of pancakes and weak coffee, lunches of buns with diced ham, and dinners of roast beef, elk stake, salmon or very occasionally my grandma's pierogis, imitated with care but never quite matching the secret touch that she had for the dough.




Alberta is about a family that embodies calm and knows how to leave the wrist watches and cell phones on their bedside tables. It almost makes you beg to be asked a personal question, until you realize you didn't come there to talk about yourself or anyone else. You are there to enjoy ad hoc reunions, reminisce, meet the new toddlers, and admire the volatile weather patterns. You expect to be a little bored, to overeat, and underexcercise, but maybe you'll go climb Turtle mountain this year, or hike to the cabin to join a weener roast in progress.

Alberta is an annual summer respite for me. I like it when my life has changed a lot from year to year, and when I can emit my new qualities and maintain those that are expected of me. I like when I occasionally have the priviledge of showing it all to someone new, or and old friend whose heard the legends of the place.

Alberta is far from completeness for me. I need much more before I could settle there and be content. I doubt I ever will. It is something that I keep in a part of my brain. It's one of my defining characteristics. I think it calms me and reminds me of what a place is worth.