Happy Sunday,North Battleford is the 7th largest city in Saskatchewan. It has a population of ~18000 and holds historical significance as the province’s first official settlement, founded as a fur trading post in 1876. It continues to operate as an essential hub for the Canadian Northern Railway. But the most interesting fact about North Battleford… it’s where I spent Easter weekend. Isolated on a side road off a dirt road 4 minutes outside of town, 5 adults + 3 dogs + 2 cats + 1 small child enjoyed Sask’s one-of-a-kind city/farm living. Other than tagging along for three trips into town, I was stranded at the farmhouse, left to eat home-cooked meals and contribute nothing of substance. Supervising my three-year-old nephew became my only responsibility. Self-appointed, subjectively helpful. He didn’t need supervision. He told me. But I wanted to hang out with him. So, he had me chase him in literal circles to warm up (my body and my resolve). Next, I was throwing sticks to the dogs, so he could chase a soccer ball in peace by himself. Each new game included a subtle shit-test to find boundaries he could push to see how I’d respond. All harmless, good-natured, and fun. But it strained my patience in unexpected ways. Him being him, figuring out who he is, challenged parts of who I‘ve decided I am. He doesn’t care about rules or being sensible. The driveway rocks poked his bare feet, but he didn’t want shoes, so he dealt with the mild discomfort of the rocks. Same with chilly weather. He didn’t want a jacket or to go inside, so he ran around until he warmed up. Standing there in my shoes and jacket, I was cold. I wanted to go inside. But he didn’t complain. He just did stuff. His quiet resilience made me feel soft and old. When did I decide to stop doing stuff? Why would I rather be inside? I love being outside, don’t I? As the chill abated and the feelings faded, I noticed something – simple, present joy. I realized he was right. His carefree conviction showed me how rigid I’ve become. I caught myself smiling about it in real-time. Being there with him, really with him, reminded me how much I want to be like him, how I am like him, when I’m paying attention. I arrived in North Battleford hoping for a nice time with the family over Easter. I left feeling like a piece of me had reawakened – because a 3-year-old boy refused to wear shoes. And for that, NB is the #1 city in Saskatchewan in my books.
April in 3 snapshots 😂 2 shows 1 week — I’ve heard comedy is best served dark, in a cramped space with knees touching. After attending a packed small room show and a sold out big room show two days apart, I have to agree. Tight spaces trap the energy. The closer the knees are, the harder the laughs hits. 🐇 Family Easter at the farm — Good Friday saw four generations of the Fox clan under one roof once again. Times, they are a’changing. But everyone coming together for Easter at the Rees residence has stayed strong and true for three decades. I’m grateful for the continuity, and being a part of it. 🚨🏒 Oilers 1st playoff home game — This was one of those ‘right place, right time’ situations. Just happened to be in Edmonton when I got the invite – ya, I’ll go to the Oilers game. The atmosphere was intoxicating. I got caught in the tide of energetic dips and swells. It felt like whitewater rafting towards a drop, but turned into a ride up the waterfall at the end.
3 Lessons Learned I. You can’t replicate taste. It’s not so much an opinion as it is a distinct perspective. Taste comes by way of personal preference and earned experience. No one and nothing filters reality quite like you do. II. X habits come from X routines. Good, bad, healthy, destructive, delicious. All habits come from related routines. If you want to exercise/earn/eat more, start with the routine – a specific task at a scheduled time in a set location. III. Nostalgia and snacks are drugs, too. The older I get, the less enticed I am by illicit substances. Instead, I’m chasing the highs of my childhood — like that feeling of getting home early from school on a half day. Wide open afternoon, no one home, snacks to sneak, and not a worry in the world. Looking back, that might be my pinnacle human experience. I’m still chasing it today with chips and chocolate.
3 fun things to check out
I’ll leave you with a quote 🤔 “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” — Peter Drucker Until next time, Scotty
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