Rosebud

I feel absolutely refreshed as I spent the past two days with a group of amazing women in the Badlands.  Though I've lived in this area for fifteen years, I've never been to Rosebud, a quaint little theatre community set in a western prairie village and looks as it did 100 years ago. 

We stayed at the Rosebud Country Inn which was heavenly - wonderful rooms, food, service - and the views of the coulee were stunning.  We each received a quaint packet of handmade soaps and lotions that smell divine by Nature's Essential Garden (and I had the pleasure of meeting their creator, too, who was lovely).  BJ, the owner of the Inn, made sure we were well taken care of - such a delightful person - and many of the young ladies who served us tea and pie at the Inn as well as throughout the community graced the stage in the afternoon to play the characters of Anne of Green Gables (where I smiled and cried and laughed). 

My friend, Brenda and I visited the Akokiniskway Gallery which is located in the historic United Church and saw the vibrant work of Giselle Denis.  'Akokiniskway' is a name given to the area by the First Nations people and means 'by the river of many roses' due to the abundance of the wild rose, the official flower of Alberta.  We also visited Royal Sproule's gallery - he's one of the most interesting people and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions.  We were treated to a guided walking tour of the village by local illusionist Lothar whose voice and character embodies the spirit of the west.

I ate, I slept in blissful comfort, I laughed and experienced an incredible visual melange of creativity and I feel enchanted.  I am absolutely blessed to live in a place surrounded by so much history and culture.  I can't wait to go back with my family.