Today kicked off with something I’ve really been missing lately: in-person magic.

☕ Coffee in Calgary – And a Reminder to Show Up

Mirna and I hosted a fun CELS Coffee Chat this morning at The Ampersand in downtown Calgary. It was casual, intimate, and sparked all the right conversations! The turnout was exactly what Mirna and I had hoped for … thoughtful founders, curious ecosystem folks, and lots of energy around what’s next. It reminded me just how important it is to physically show up in-market. There’s something powerful about being face-to-face in the places where your community lives and works.

Even though it was just a casual meetup, the number of people asking “When’s the next one?” made me pause. Maybe it’s time to sprinkle in a few more IRL Canadian moments on the calendar. There’s clearly an appetite for connection. But until then … I’m grateful that Mirna can carry the torch and keep the conversations going!

🚐 On the Road Again – Highway Time and Border Nerves

After that, it was back on the road again. 🎶 A straight shot South from Calgary, through the prairies and into Montana. I didn’t make many stops … just a few gas stations and leg stretches along the way.

As I was approaching the Coutts border crossing, Paul Brandt’s Alberta Bound came on the radio. OMG, tears were choking me up! That song gets me every time, and I guess that could be the point.

And why is it that crossing the border always makes me a little nervous? I still find myself rehearsing if asked ‘anything to declare?’ … I’m ready to answer clearly and succinct … “um, a couple of apples, bananas and of course, a couple extra bottles of alcohol beyond the limit”. I don’t think I will actually say the “of course” part, but for those that know me, you know that of course I over index on alcohol. LOL But I was through in minutes after a stoic, but encouraging “welcome back!”. And like that, I was officially back in the U.S. of A!

As I headed into the U.S. though, I saw this familiar sign which always makes me smile. I know if my Mom were to see it, she’d say “YES, Joanne … “return to Canada!”. Oh how I love how much my Mom has never let up in 26 years on me returning to Canada to live. ♥️ 🏡

🦙 Tonight’s Stay: Alpacas and Solitude

I’m now cozied up at a beautiful alpaca farm in Montana, thanks to the Harvest Hosts app. Trooper is parked, the night is quiet, and it’s shaping up to be a perfectly restful evening — just what I needed. I’ll be reading shortly, reflecting, and soaking in the solitude. There’s something nourishing about being truly alone with your thoughts after a day of #windshieldtime, as my friend Jane calls it.

Aside from more #CarelessPeople audible and scrolling for reactions to the book over a “meal for champions” that consisted of a Costco frozen burrito and a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, that’s all for Day 2! Nothing wildly profound to say, but today felt good. Grounding. Peaceful. And tomorrow, the road calls again. 🚙

But, as I wrap this up I figure that I might as well end the evening with a little night cap … seeing I did successfully bring across this yummy bottle of whiskey into the country. 🥃