White City, Saskatchewan
Neat Exchanges
I was sitting next to Gil on the
Air Canada flight to Regina. He explained that he and his buddies from Hamilton
are off to a Metis fest to play their music. “It’s rock, Creedence Clearwater
Revival music. We go all around.” Gil pointed to his t-shirt with a logo which
reads, “Mystic River,” the name of their band.
Gil was just a great dude to talk
to although the chat was brief, only after we landed. The flight was tough –
poor movement of air as we were in the back corner and with masks on the whole
time. Just meeting Gil made up for the physical discomfort.
A kind-hearted Ciranjiva, a
Gujarati from birth, picked me up at the airport to bring me to the home of
stalwart devotees, Jagannath, Cintamani, and Kavita, in a fast-growing town,
White City. From here we drove to see a Sharma family. Together we watched the
recent news coverage of the past Chariot Fest, Regina’s first. Good job done!
Once our visit was completed, we
drove towards White City and I asked to be dropped off at a pharmacy to
purchase new razors. I told them I would walk back to the house on my own. “You
know, I have to get some walking in every day.” I made my purchase and a
curious bunch of teens in the parking lot wanted to make the connection. So,
they did. We exchanged fancy handshakes. I gave them new ones they hadn’t
known. It blew them away. Then we did selfies. Then we chanted. One guy, Chase
by name, asked if I have anything I can share, once all the frivolity amongst
us was over.
“You have to balance life by
giving some attention to your soul,” I said. He seemed to really appreciate
that suggestion. I hope to see him in August when he comes to Toronto to watch
the Blue Jays baseball game.
“Hey, the monk here is gonna
treat me to a gourmet dinner in T.O.” he told his friends.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
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