During the month of September I got to experience a very unique set of days within the Qu'Appelle Valley, the File Hills celebration days. It is a week long event that celebrates the history of the File Hills area. I was there for a few days working through the school days, teaching the ~1500 students over three days about the importance of aquatic animals found within the area. It was amazing to connect with so many students, and people, over the days on the subject, along with the day itself. The highlight of my time there was seeing the amazing Tipi (teepees) set up, and the amazing dancers that performed during the noon hour break. It was very interesting to learn the significance of the set up, and of the grounds. I enjoyed taking what little break time I had to explore all the other amazing educational opportunities that occurred through the circle set up. At noon I was mesmerized by the colors of the dancers’ costume, and the dances they were performing. Again, it was an excellent opportunity to learn about the history behind the dances as the announcer was very informative. I absolutely cannot wait for another chance to photograph these stunning dances, and outfits, again. One of the pleasant perks of these days work, outside of the above listed, was the chance to wake up and experience the beautiful Qu'Appelle Valley in the early morning. One morning as I waited for that day’s group of students to arrive to the ground I decided to take a hike up into the hills that surrounded the grounds. Along this hike I was greeted by a respectful group of local kids, and had an excellent morning conversation about the bird’s nest that had been found in the hills. I was also excited to find amongst the beautiful fall colors one of my favorite wild berries growing, Kinnikinik or Bearberry. I knew that this berry was found within the areas, but until that morning I had not had the chance to find it. I was overjoyed when I found it! The way home at the end of the day was also a pleasure for the eyes as I drove along the valley home. Seeing the golden colors of the changing leaves made me smile. The unique colors of fall are short lived, but stunning in the beauty. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” - Albert Camus
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On a hot and dry July afternoon I was seated in the grass, up against the fence, at the Whitewood MRCA Fundraiser rodeo. It was a very fully day of events, and as I ate dust, I snapped off some pictures in the hot sun. The day had a mixture of different competitors show up, and there was a very relaxed feeling in the stands. I felt especially odd that day as it was the same day I usually show up the Sheho Ranch Rodeo. I am a person of habit, and Sheho Ranch Rodeo & Sports Days had been something that has been a staple in my calendar for more than a couple of the past years (it was a day that "I did not miss"). However, the change of scenery was definitely a good choice that day. It was a great day to be outside in the hot sun, and to experience the flying dust. It was a challenge to shoot into the mid-day sun, however one I was ready to accept as the light bounced off all the surfaces into my camera creating the images. I personally enjoyed the reflection off the sunglasses worn in the photographs. The bulls did not disappoint me, and gave me some excellent opportunities to capture. The calves, along with steers, also were great subjects that day. With each photograph I fell more in love with the day as the loose dirt gave a grit feel that I couldn't have previously prayed for to make the photographs look that good. I was perfectly happy to eat some dirt to capture them. The people were extremely friendly, and the relaxed feel in the stands made the day a pleasurable one. It was definitely one of the favorite days this past summer; however it would have been better if I wouldn't have gotten ill the same day. I am sad I was not able to stay for the whole thing, but what I got to see was well worth the drive. I can't wait to go back to Whitewood for another rodeo.
During the Saskatchewan fall we see the last great burst of golden colors come in. These colors are warm, & the last burst of color you will see from that summers flowers. The wildflower season changes into purple asters, & the yellows of the goldenrod. At the end of August, & beginning of September you, can hear the frantic buzz of the busy working bees as they do their best to gather up the last bits of pollen from the late blooming flowers. As September comes in the trees begin to change. The leaves on the trees lose their green color, & we get to watch the landscape wash with it last natural golden glow for the year as leaves take on their gold color. End of August, & the month of September, is this delicate limbo time for Saskatchewan. We see the fruits of our labor, which nursed the plants we seeded in spring, displayed as our plants come into their final stage for the year. We see it everywhere, from the last picking of our beautiful flowers from flower beds and gardens, to the out across the expansive landscape that harvest season has claimed. Fall is my favorite season, as it makes me reflect on how grateful I am for the spring & summer seasons I am able to experience. It makes me come to face with time, & accepting of endings. It's a season of change, & reflection as we harvest the hard work of the past year. We reflect on what worked, & what didn't. Where Mother Nature was kind, & where she wasn't. Fall is beautiful in it's seasonal mortality. This seasonal mortality reminds this warm day loving, beautiful summer color chaser & sun worshiper that not everything we love may last forever so we must treasure our love while we have it. Cheers to warm, & colorful, fall days
Fall is a beautiful season filled with many warm colors as the wind starts to blow crisp. September as the first official month of fall & is a time when you can fill the change exciting the air. As children go back to school, people begin preparing for winter, & harvest is seen in various stages all across the landscape. The landscape is literally a landscape of change. Fall is a season of change, just like spring. Unlike spring though fall is slow down, rather than a speed up. The crisp breeze is a calming one for me, as I realize it is time for me to prepare for my hibernation. This hibernation transition is made easier as the landscape is washed in warm colors that warm a person on the inside though their outside may be cold. As the days grow colder as winter takes it's hold I miss these days of seeing this beautiful warmth. Hopefully these photographs warm you as much as they do me on these cold days.
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