I used to spend a lot of time dreaming about where I wanted to be. It was always somewhere other than where I was.
Growing up on the prairies of Western Canada, it was easy to feel this way. The zeitgeist of our national identity seemed to originate from Toronto and Montreal, places where media focused their energy to showcase anything of note happening. In comparison, the prairies were sleepy. Taciturn. A landscape dotted with townships frozen in time—culturally, technologically, literally. I know that’s not true but my own misguided notions of success influenced my longing until recently.
The pandemic, and all the newly discovered free time I have as a result of it, has really underlined how much I enjoy living here. How the panoramic landscape and vibrant living skies speak to my soul. How enriching and supportive the personal and professional connections I’ve made here are. How the most helpful, kind, salt-of-the-earth people reside here. Being stationary is not falling behind; it’s holding presence. The Canadian prairies are where I want to leave my mark.
I had a week off and decided to use this time, once again, to explore the tapestry of grid roads within central Saskatchewan. I discovered some hidden gems, met a lot of cows and indulged in some delicious homemade butter tarts.
Clarkboro Ferry Crossing, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
Curiosity on a lonely grid road, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague)
Former Ukrainian Catholic Ascension Church, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
Relaxing on a lonely grid road, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
Grain tower at Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
Commercial Hotel, Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
Decisions, decisions, Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
The largest tree in Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).
In the shadow of a giant, the largest tree in Saskatchewan (©2021 Deborah Clague).