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Thursday, May 9, 2013

It is.


One foot in the Mediterranean,
the other somewhere else. 
When I was little one of the first road-trips my parents took me on was to Flin Flon, Manitoba. If you’re not familiar, this town is located about six hours northeast of Saskatoon. And from my current location in Northern Alberta it’s about eighteen hours away.

If you love nature, you’d love this place. It’s classic Canadian Shield. And it’s not in the middle of nowhere, it’s in the middle of amazing nowhere. (I happen to love nowhere.) A mining town I guess, everything is built on rock. The way I remember it, the town weaves around rocks that look like they were kicked around by giants and abandoned. Rocks and precarious houses and deep lakes and sudden islands and spruce trees and more rocks. Before I was born, my Dad worked there. He seemed excited to share this place with me. And I totally got it.

Ever go someplace new and it doesn’t feel strange at all? That’s what it felt like for me. About a three hour trip from where I grew up in Saskatchewan, we arrived early enough to be seated in a restaurant around 9 a.m. Manitoba time. We had gained an hour. Despite the time, I ordered a cheeseburger. My nine-year-old self thought that was the best breakfast ever. 

Decades later, I was in a medical doctor’s office in Alberta talking about feeling tired and stressed and confused and the doctor looked at me and said, “Ever been to Flin Flon?” Surprised, I shared my Flin Flon story. Then he added, “You need to go back to Flin Flon. It’s the best fishing ever.” Basically, he prescribed a vacation. 

What are the chances I would meet up with another Flin Flon fan? Here’s my point: the world is a small town. It is.

10 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I've never been to Flin Flon although I had an auntie and uncle who lived there at one time. The name "Flin Flon" alone is worth a trip though! When do you leave? Seriously -- the doctor has prescribed it!

Vinny C said...

I'm always trying to tell my wife that the best thing we can do for ourselves is to take a step back from your hectic life every now & then. Glad to see that the doctors support my statement. Go! Have fun & de-stress.

Also, I've discovered from this post that I can't say, "Flin Flon fan" 10 times fast.

Alittlesprite said...

I want to live in "Flin flon"!! Sounds like good advice from the Doc.

Antares Cryptos said...

The name alone makes one smile. It does.

@Vinny, subliminalist! I've discovered that I can't either.

CLR said...

I just happened to love this post for so many reasons, starting with that pic of toes in the ocean. I think we are quite a lot alike, it seems. I do find myself in lots of places that don't feel 'new' or foreign to me but home.

And if the dr. is prescribing a vacation? Oh please tell me you're going to take that 'prescription' faithfully and soon!

michael.offworld said...

I don't know my place yet.

Sultan said...

Your Doctor sounds wise. Taking a few moments to rest and refresh is a fine idea.

Alistair said...

Carcassonne does it for me. And Glencoe.

Some doctors are really good at their jobs.

wendy said...

everyone needs..deserves a PLACE where they feel connected and rooted. Best medicine that doesn't come in a "child proof cap"

Mrs. Tuna said...

Gotta stop and smell the roses sometimes DB.

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