Country Roads Take Me Home

Well, Friends, I did it.

The last two weeks have been spent moving my cat, my boyfriend, and myself back across the country from Montreal to Saskatoon by way of Calgary. I am writing this back at my parent's place in a small town located in the Yorkton region of my home province - Saskatchewan.

On Thursday, September 29th, we flew across the country, just over 3,000km to the city of Calgary, Alberta. Here, we were able to spend time with an old childhood friend of mine, Emily. Emily has also become a flourishing Hairstylist since the last time I saw her nearly 5 years ago. the visit was wonderful - filled with nostalgia and belly laughs.

While in Calgary, we were able to take in the beautiful city situated on the prairies before the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Calgary has always been one of my favourite North American cities, with its winding, crystal clear Bow River, crisp and modern architecture, as well as great local shopping - primarily in the 17th avenue district as well as Kensington, and downtown neighbourhoods.

We arrived in Saskatoon, late Saturday night where we spent the night with my sister and her boyfriend. The next morning, my mother, my boyfriend, and I went to see our new apartment - a handsome brand new, top floor corner suite with wonderful views. The suite includes two bedrooms, and every amenity you can think of. The space will surely be a wonderful place to call home in the early years of this next chapter of my life.

Following our visit to the new apartment, my mom and I started our short trek back home which brings us to where I sit currently writing this. I made the easy choice of returning home to my small town for a few days before officially moving into our new place in the city and starting work back at Guide. This time back home has given me the priceless chance to catch up with loved ones whom I have missed greatly over the last year.

The feeling of being home, In the prairies is surreal. To some extent, I actually think I am once again experiencing a culture shock, this time in an attempt to settle back with my roots. The effects of Montreal linger in my day-to-day life. I walk down the street and hear French when I see the mouths of those around me moving (even though it is English they are speaking). Occasionally I will let a "Merci, bon journee!" slide after speaking with retail workers, or a "ca va bien?" when greeting people. Most of the time, these efforts go unnoticed as the majority of people in this area are unilingual English speakers. Another change I have been readjusting to is the noise levels. I have left busy, bustling, construction - ridden Montreal, and traded it in, once again, for the peaceful, deafening silence of the prairies. The first concrete realization that I wasn't in the city I had called home for the past year anymore, happened when I was laying in bed the other night. There was not a sound. Only the occasional howl of coyote, or cry of a loon.

As much as my time visiting home is peaceful, and actively welcomed by both me and my parents whom I am staying with, I can't put into words how excited I am to return to Saskatoon on Wednesday and move into our new place. This signals a new chapter once again, and also means I am closer to starting back behind the chair with my family of Artists back at Guide. The feeling I have when I think of working alongside these people again, and seeing the familiar faces of my devoted guests is indescribable.

My first week back at the salon is completely booked, and the subsequent weeks are starting to fill as well. This is a gesture that seems small, but carries so much pride and feelings of gratitude that only other stylists and people in the service based industry could know what I'm talking about.

I left Saskatchewan a lost soul, and am returning to this place as a proud, accomplished artist who knows his worth, sets his boundaries, and above all - is incredibly excited to serve people and enhance their self confidence once again. Merci pour cela, Montreal. Je t'aime, Pour toujours.

Over and Out,

Klay for Apollo