I lived in Regina for my adult life, and my childhood life was in a small town nearby.
I had a love/hate relationship with the city. I left 4 years ago and gave up an amazing career and an almost paid off house. I landed in rural Vancouver Island and it's been amazing.
But tonight I'm feeling nostalgia for home. I miss crunchy fall leaves. Warm nights. Sunsets out the wazoo.
I miss Wascana park. I would love another walk down to Hill Ave mall for an iced coffee and then get some groceries at Lakeville Fine foods.
I miss beers at Malty National and Rebellion. I miss the taste of Burger Baron.
No one out here understands how hard an Italian Star Deli sandwich hits on a hot summer day while you're taking a cheeky long lunch break from your hospital job. How a Tumbler's All Dressed is a sign of hospitality and friendship.
I miss my world class T. Rex. And Megamunch. I miss smoking weed at the waterfall park on Regina Ave by my house. Even though the Leopold's in Victoria has Regina memorabilia on the walls that I'm sure almost no one understands, it's no replacement for my true Queen City.
As much as my heart races for the crashing waves of the Juan de Fuca Strait, I miss a big prairie thunderstorm. One of those big mother fuckers with Independence Day clouds and lightning that makes you think you pissed off the gods. Even a devastating hail storm to end the garden season would feel like a relief in my new home of eternal gardening; my banana plant is 9 feet tall. It's exhausting.
Regina. You were a trip. I had some of my best and my worst days in you. You're a part of me and I have fond memories.
I hope you all have a great day today and appreciate the ambiguous beauty of that old Pile O' Bones we call home.