I give thanks for the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. The festival itself is a fantastic combination of sights, tastes, and sounds that is unique in my annual experience. But the true beauty of this weekend isn't the festival itself, but rather the oasis of calm and welcome we find here at the home of the Salmon Arm Bakers.
My brother and his family live up on the hill, close to the airport and just below the wild trails of Little Mountain. The property is largely shaded by evergreens, which provide relief from the sun but also an element of seclusion that is evident everywhere, even in front of the house.
Some years ago Lyle and Isa dedicated much of one summer to giving their front yard over to a remarkably appealing garden through which it is almost impossible to pass, not because it is overgrown, but rather because it thwarts whatever destination or purpose one carries into it. Tasks fall by the wayside as minutes and hours pass in the company of slurping coy, dragonflies sunning themselves on the stalks of irises, and the occasional drone of small aircraft lifts one's attention to the canopy of green needles overhead.
So now, having indulged myself all morning, I once again find myself busy with the tasks we (I) should have accomplished several hours ago. Already noon on Saturday, but we have yet to stake our turf at the fairground for the Saturday lineup. And here I am writing a blog, suddenly occupied with the very task I've neglected for very nearly a year.
Although we usually show up on Saturday, last night we attended the Friday evening lineup to ensure the little ones - still only 10 and 7 - could regale their classmates with tales of K'Naan when they return to class in September. The Somali-Canadian rapper had us all waving the flag after relating his personal journey from a young Somali immigrant to a globe-trotting performer who has played dates in eighty countries over the past year. It was easy to understand the extent to which his biggest hit - the World Cup theme-turned Save Haiti anthem - has been embraced by Canadian youth. I was overcome with a mixture of empathy, national pride, and muscle ache from lactic acid buildup as I danced under the stars with Shae on my shoulders.
It was a great night, and a better morning; I give thanks for the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival.
Were you there? Have you indulged yourself yet this weekend? Tell us about it; just click on "Comments" (below)
