I grew up in the Northern Prairies amidst the fields and the wildflowers, about 100 miles from where Joni Mitchell was born. Each day I would rise with the morning sun to let the sheep herds out to the fields to graze in the alfalfa valleys. Yes it’s true. Saskatchewan does have valleys.
As the eldest in a family of ten, it was my primary responsibility to watch over the herds, to make sure they didn’t wander off too far and to keep them safe from predators like bears and coyotes that would occasionally make their way out of the trees to the open areas towards an unsuspecting wanderer.
While the herds nibbled away on the fragrant alfalfa, I would often sit on the rocks and read a newfound book I had gathered from the local library, my Palamino mare and my fathers rifle at my side, one moment reading, the next just humming deep in thought, thinking about music and life in general. I would munch away on an apple with some cheese wrapped in a handkerchief, enjoying the time away from the family chaos back at the house.
“I grew up in the northern prairies, about 100 miles from where Joni Mitchell was born…”
~ Avigail
I created this page as a dedication to creativity and simplicity. Here you will see a plethora of subjects from musings to music and art, all steeped in the simple life of a praire girl.
I so look forward to sharing more with you and I am so glad you decided to join me here!
Avigail aka, The Last Living Shepherdess
