One of my favorite places in North America is the Quebec
Providence of Canada. It is quiet, appearing to be set apart from the world,
but ever so sophisticated. Both cities of Quebec and Montreal have a fairytale
eloquence that almost transcends time; especially Quebec. It is north of my
homeland of Maine. As a child it was my first trip outside the USA. In those
days we traveled by car, navigating the rough and rural roads of Maine that led
to the boarder and across to Quebec.
Then we had several hours more to drive more through the rural and rough
roads of Quebec Providence to get to Quebec City.
I was young, so I remembered very little about the trip. But
I did know they have the most beautiful Ice Festival and a delicious maple
syrup season, as well as delicious local fresh food, warm furs and very stylish
and unique designers. There is a
sophisticated style in Quebec (after all they are French).
My husband and I decide to take a trip to Quebec the week
before Christmas. We had traveled to New York for a visit so decide to then
take a plane and hop up to Quebec City. As we flew across the border and closer
to the City, the plane flew rather low so that we could see the sites. There
were none accept a dense forest covered with snow. It was barren of human life.
This was the wilderness and it was beautiful.
Arriving in Quebec City we stepped into the coldest weather
I have ever experienced. (Remember I’m from Maine, so I can deal with cold).
But really this was colder than a witch’s you know what! We had long underwear,
wool sweaters and wool coats, but still the cold bit through to the bone.
We went to our hotel which was a lovely boutique hotel with
lots of art. The Floor in the bathroom of our hotel was heated and the bed had
lots of down comforters to keep us warm.
Cozy and sophisticated we settled in and began to plan our jaunt around
Quebec City.
After unpacking we headed out into the streets to see the
City. Along the way (actually, every other shop) were fur stores. We began to
stop into each store, not to buy a fur, but to get warm. It was so bitter cold
you could only walk outside for a short time.
So, in each store I tried on furs while my husband sat and warmed his
hands, feet and entire body.
You may not like the wearing of furs, but I do need to tell
you, if you lived in an environment like Quebec you might change your mind.
Just a side note – in Montreal I attend a Yoga therapist conference. One of the
girls I met was from Quebec. She wore a really cute fur vest. I commented on
her vest and she thanked me. We had lunch together and she mentioned she was a
vegetarian. So I asked, “If you are a vegetarian, how can you wear a fur?” She
explained that it was so cold in Quebec that everybody wears furs. She bought
the fur to keep warm, but not the animal to eat. Because I had been to Quebec,
I totally got what she was saying.
Now back to Quebec and my shopping trip. It is here in
Quebec that I first heard the name F-La Mode. https://www.facebook.com/Andla123
According to the boutique owners in Quebec, it means, to
heck with fashion it’s all about style.
I wandered into one of the small
boutique where I found the designer, seamstress and sales person all working
together. They were making the sweater you see on Francine. It is a handmade
original sweater with a muskrat collar and cuffs. “A muskrat”, you ask?! Yes, I asked the same thing. Seems they are
used for a lot of cheaper furs in Quebec. A muskrat is a rodent. It is a semi aquatic species native to North
America. And it is a resource of food
and fur for humans. Yes, people do eat roasted muskrat! I haven’t tried it, but
they say it is good.
So, I bought the sweater. Each time I put it on I think
about the fact that I am wearing a rat around my neck and on my cuffs. It is
warm, not as soft as mink, but I get why it’s widely used throughout Quebec.
It’s warm and it’s cheap, and you can roast the little rodents!
The hat I bought in Montreal. It has a tiny piece of beaver
fur which is also widely used in Quebec for warmth and happens to be a rodent
just like the muskrat. I have eaten beaver stew, but that’s another story. I love berets, but always feel a little
overly French in one; however when I wear it someone always tells me they like
it. Montreal also had some beautiful furs, as well as, sweaters, hats and
stylish cold weather clothes. Quebec
Providence is a land of survival and style mixed into a look that is so warm,
it makes you want to live there .But I’m from Southern California where these
clothes can look a little over the top. Wait…I’m from La La Land where girls
wear Uggs with shorts and anything goes. So what do I care…, I’m wearing my rodents
and I’m staying warm!
Support an artist even if they use rodents and wool. It’s
good for your soul.
Doctor Lynn
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