Hubby and I stayed in North Dakota this year for the July 4th holiday. I'm not complaining, the Fourth is something to behold in ND! We were both just terribly homesick. Used to being with lots of family, spending the summer's holiday with just of the two of us was a unique experience for us both and we were a little on the gloomy side. Our moods dictated a road trip!
Canada is only about four hours away and sadly, I had yet to go. We took highway 83 north and then headed east to Lake Metigoshe and then the International Peace Garden. The garden sits on the border of Manitoba and North Dakota and is dedicated to world peace. What a lovely idea.
The border is right there, naturally so after a little geography lesson and some slightly bizarre questioning by the border guard, we were in Canada. How exciting! I'm an international traveler! The first town we came to was Boissevain.
Ah, Boissevain! I found this tiny town of 1,500 people inspiring. There were flower baskets filled with brightly colored petunias hanging from all the light posts and in these man-made "trees" at pivotal spots around town. The town is a railroad and farming town with few claims to fame. But, the people of Boissevain loved their small town and had worked hard to make it special.
There was the Art Park that was well-loved and vibrant with native plants all blooming in spectacular color. The sides of the buildings were painted with murals depicting the history of the town and area. This was a place whose residents loved their corner of the world and wanted others to see how special it was too. The town had a sincerity about it that had me a little embarrassed at my too-often cynical outlook of the world and its' people. This town had made an effort, a real effort. And that, to me, was super impressive.
Boissevain was a reminder that you can make anyplace and anything special with love, hard work and a little imagination.
Just look around a little, inspiration is everywhere,
Ms.b.haven
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