Can I finally come out of my country closet?

“Puttin’ on a cowboy hat & a pair of boots doesn’t make you country; Like puttin’ on a ball gown & glass heels won’t make me Cinderella.” Kellie Elmore

Well I am now an Albertan. For those you who perhaps are not familiar with Alberta, Alberta is the Texas of Canada. It is comprised of stetsons, cowboys, cowgirls, country music, cows, bulls, rodeos, country music, oil, gas and some pretty amazing scenery. So you will understand why I make the comparison. Calgary one of the two major cities in the province is well know among Canadians as "Cowtown" and Edmonton, the capital city, is known as "Edmonchuck". Alberta's beef is some of the best in the world (if not the best - I am biased of course) and every July people come from all over the world to attend the Calgary Stampede. So now that I am an Albertan does this mean I can actually come out of the closet? The country lover's closet that it. I think the answer is yes. 

I never really thought I was that much into all that we associate with "country" cows, cowboys, country music etc. Over the years I have lived on and visited working ranches and farms though for only short periods of time. I love beef mmm steak and prime rib (sorry I digress) but was I ready to declare my love for all things country? I guess the answer is yes. Despite my short stays on working ranches and farms I learned to love that lifestyle and to know that I am into country...so there.

Just so you think I am serious. I tended bar two weeks ago for the local Agricultural Society's Dance portion of a large fundraiser. This was a full on country event complete with rodeo, dinner and then a dance. The dance had a live band playing...of course country cover songs and I can say that other than a rodeo I have never seen so many cowboy boots, Stetsons and "blinged" out ladies jeans...it was exactly what you would think it would be and it was awesome! I really enjoyed myself and realized I dig this kind town and I think living here will be fun. So there I have declared myself a bit of a country girl at heart. I will no longer be keeping my love for Merle Haggard, George Straight, Willie Nelson and many others secret. So now that I am in living in Canada's "cowboy" province I am embracing it... That's right I will be wearing my cowboy boots to work and around town. As the quote above states this will not make me country but at least I can give it a try - wish me luck oh and maybe the next time you see me I will be carrying a lasso and rocking a Stetson.