A memory that makes you smile.

This time last year, as a prelude to my fiftieth birthday, I was counting down memories… Fifty of them! So coming up with a memory outside of those wasn’t really hard but those were so carefully thought of and written about because they were significant to my life.

Today is a memory from our last family vacation. I had been in Manitoba and the boys picked me up in Calgary (three hours or so from where we live). I no longer remember itinerary of the trip in its entirety, just snippets. A couple stops stand out in my mind, but the one I’m thinking of that makes me smile was a random stop in a small Alberta town.

That town? A place called Vulcan. Yes, like the planet our favourite alien, Mr. Spock, hails from. And this little town has capitalized on it. With a population of less than 2000, it has a lot of the things small towns in Alberta offers… An arena, a pool, hotels… But what it also offers is a replica of the Star Ship Enterprise, a Trek Station (with gift shop), and a large collection of movie and television memorabilia. They also host an annual VulCON (a Star Trek Convention).

What makes me smile most was my son’s reaction to the town and the shop. Seeing the Enterprise (which is quite large, as far as models go), and how all the lamp posts had star ships for lights. Behind the building, there was a replica of a shuttle craft, which he also took note of.

But inside the shop – he was like a kid in a candy store… While we watched the Original Series with him, he isn’t what I would have classed as a real “Trekker” (even if he did go as Mr. Spock for Halloween in second grade). However, inside the store… He was delighted. Hoodies, coffee cups, pins, magnets, and more. He wanted a little bit of it all. While he was 15, his enthusiasm and excitement was contagious.

I too may have come home with a hoodie (Yellow/Chartreuse – only command colours for this Captain, TYVM) and I had to have a tribble!

Post inspired by 30 Days of Gratitude by Ordinary & Happy