Now living in Calgary, Michel reflects on a prairie upbringing

MY ENDURING LOVE OF THE PRAIRIES - Linda Michel signs copies of her book Prairie Light, sub-titled Reflections from growing up on the farm, after her presentation at the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre on Saturday.

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

One of the delights of Linda Michel’s childhood in Eastend was broomball.

It was a chance for neighbours to come together, split into teams, and play in a dug-out, using brooms to hit a ball into the opponent’s net.

Scores were soon forgotten. Not so the spirit of friendship on a freezing winter night, and the importance of good neighbours.

“Good neighbours are vital to good health,” Michel says.

Now living in Calgary, she appreciates the benefits of her prairie background.

“I love dark in the prairies.”

In her book, Prairie Light, sub-titled Reflections from growing up on the farm, Michel recalls those broomball games in a chapter headed “Winter Charm”, which also mentions Toboggan parties. Another chapter focuses on Uncle John, with his beaver fur hat, anchor tattoo, love of practical jokes, and a face sprinkled with laugh lines.

A keen cook, he once invited Linda, her brother, and other family members to sample his fried “beaver tail strips”. The experience, said Michel, was akin to eating large chunks of gooey, wild animal fat that got stuck in the sides of your mouth,

Michel read from the two chapters during a book celebration at the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre on Saturday evening.

About 45 people filled the Archie Eichhorn Gallery for the event; many were members of Michel’s Eastend Class of 71, who were enjoying a reunion. Among them were Donny White, historian and former Jasper Centre board chair.

As well as readings, Michel’s presentation included a poem about her dad and recordings of two songs: Love Of The Land, which she wrote, and Church of the Long Grass, written by John Wort Hannam. Both songs were performed by her friend Doug Baker.

Michel finished with a reading of her poem Pink Balloons.

Writing her book, she said, was a magical four-year process that started during the COVID pandemic. It involved the help and encouragement of many people, including her husband, Dave.

To would-be authors, Michel had this piece of advice: “If you have an idea, put it out there.”

• Copies of Michel’s book are available at the Jasper Centre.