Welcome Tanya!

Today, we are delighted to introduce Tanya Cooper to thefamilyroom blog. Tanya is a young mother to two-year-old Porter and is married to her high school sweetheart, Nathan. She has a passion for people and is a major part of thefamilyroom Canada. She works closely with Susan through LIVE Events, Real LIfe with Susan and Friends and every other aspect of thefamilyroom. Tanya is a strong voice in her community and is known for her loyalty, commitment and wisdom. She is a great friend to many and a treasured part of this extraordinary team. Sit back and enjoy her first Family Room blog.

Big boots and breakfast

After living in other places for several years, I’m enjoying my first summer back in Calgary.  And Calgary, as you might know, is home to the greatest outdoor show on earth ~ aka the Calgary Stampede. 

For those of you who have not visited our lovely city at this time of year, allow me to illustrate exactly how much more it is than just a world class rodeo.  It is a time when businesses throughout the city stack hay bales outside their doors, decorate their windows with images of cowboys and cowgirls, throw on the gingham tablecloths and park a chuck wagon outside just for show. 

Employees all over town get the day off so that they can, if they choose, enjoy the parade which opens the stampede and  everyone digs deep into their closets for cowboy hats and boots to wear. 

During the 10-day event, the traditional Stampede Breakfast is available at locations across the city for free!  Now, this breakfast is what I really want to talk about. 

Community associations, churches, malls and businesses of all kinds set aside one particular morning during the 10 days to host their very own breakfast.  Typical stampede breakfasts have tables and chairs arranged between hay bales and cut-outs of cows, and most will boost the fun with games and activities for all.  There’s usually live country music to accompany the yummy pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice. 

My family and I, although only three days into stampede, have already joined in two of these breakfasts, and I’m quite sure we’ll attend at least one more.

So, what’s so special about people gathering for pancakes and sausages?  The fact that they are indeed gathering to eat pancakes and sausages! 

Hundreds and hundreds of people come out of the woodwork for these infamous breakfasts!  I have never witnessed community on such a large scale anywhere else!  All kinds of people from all walks of life come together to enjoy these celebrations. 

This has been the best opportunity we’ve had to meet people in our community.  It is absolutely amazing that people all over this lovely city of ours, whether or not they ultimately head down to the stampede grounds and take in any of the rides, rodeos or shows, love to get together and celebrate with a big breakfast!

I am absolutely loving seeing our neighbours socialize!  As I write this, I am trying to think of ways to continue this community spirit throughout the year.  I’m sure I’ll think of something.   But right now, I will just enjoy the rest of the week and appreciate the amazing community that exists in our neighbourhoods,  ever hopeful that we can continue this togetherness well into the future!

Tanya