A caribou Christmas for all!

Greetings from sunny Val d’Or or as we call it, Sin City! Though I think there’s less sinning during the wintertime – no? I had a good night’s rest there at the Quality Inn and Suites (they have the most comfortable beds in town). However, the neon lights across the street at Hotel L’Escale almost had me rush over to sing a couple of songs with our dear friend Alain. He is the best DJ/entertainer there is and Laura Kitchen would agree with me 100%. Alas, I opted for my comfy bed.

I celebrate this moment with you because it is my 36th birthday. Some may argue that I am not a youth anymore, well let me just say that I am forever young – thanks to Rod Stewart for the great song. I’ve taken that song to heart. I think the joie de vivre is the key to looking young and fresh. Drinking tons of water, eating right and a couple of injections of Botox also helps. If you’re a Cree and had Botox done please get in touch with me I’d like to meet and befriend you. Oh the vanity!

It’s December and dubbed the most wonderful time of the year. I agree. I love the cheer and the festive mood that everyone’s in. Even the caribou are prancing around the James Bay Highway and Route du Nord. I have a feeling there will be tons of take-out plates of moose stew in the coming weeks.

I’m reminded of a story years back of a friend who bought caribou meat from an unknown hunter. It was one of those “Ding-dong” Yes? “Wanna buy caribou meat?” sales stories. The seller asked if he could leave the caribou in the shed and my friend agreed. Later that evening she wanted a slab of meat to cook for her mother. She walked into the shed and was jolted – the caribou wasn’t cut, wasn’t skinned, its eyes wide open, frozen in time. The mother had to defrost the mid-size beast and you know the rest. I think my dear friend is still a little traumatized, but it’s always a great story to tell every time we see other.

There’s another funny story I like but it’s on the “Ouwah” side but I’ll tell you anyhow. Years back in Nemaska, there was a snow-sculpting contest for the residents. There were so many talented people that year, but one really stood out. But there was an uproar on the artist’s presentation. Santa’s sleigh was beautifully carved with the presents in the back. Santa’s sleigh couldn’t be complete without reindeers. Problem solved! The artist decided to add real caribou from a previous hunting excursion to the show. I thought it was clever, but the artist was disqualified. Thanks to this artist, the rules are crystal clear now.

I want to take this time to wish you all a Happy Christmas. And, I encourage you all to cherish each other. Keep your light shining in 2014. Nelson Mandela once said, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

Enjoy the holidays and be safe.