Happy Earth Day, & Happy #farmvoices day! It was on this day 3 years ago that the Farm On foundation kicked off the Farm Voices campaign, and I began this blog site. Lots has happened since then as the movement has grown, and I have tried to learn how to blog along side it. Three years ago I wrote about why I started this blog: I am a amature photographer with a love for agriculture, conservation, rural life and the outdoors [espeically fishing]. I am excited to start this blog to help give people an insight into all those topics by using my photography skills as a window into a world most don't get to see Since then I, and this blog, have under gone many growing pains as I tried to figure out what we are doing. I want to send out a sincere thank you to every one that has followed along this blog as it, and I, have grown to be what you see today. Without your support I would not be where I am currently. I truly hoped you have enjoyed seeing the photographs that have introduced you to the world I have lived. Many things have changed over the years, but in these past few months, and upcoming months, I have been, and will be, under going big changes in my life. Big things are coming, and I can't wait to see where it takes me and the moments I will get to share. I want to thank you for the past years, and hope you will be there as I continue to share my little part of the world. This past year introduced me to many new experiences, and I got my hands a little more dirty as I began to learn more life skills to direct me down the path I want to travel. Each day I get a little closer to the life I have imagined for myself, and I am so happy that you are there with me as I take these next growing steps. In this past three years, I have found my way back to the farm and I found my own niche I wish to fulfill. I have spent time on the combine, ran the grain truck, been along side my friends as I experienced farm auctions, and been there as they experienced some of the most difficult planting years. I have experienced what it is like to "give a calf an earring", the feeling of community while working through the muck during branding season, and begun to learn how to throw a rope. In this past year the seeds I planted in my life began to sprout as I found confirmation that I had chosen the right niche to grow into. This past year I have found encouragement, amazing mentors, and a community that has given me a sense of belonging I haven't felt before this point in my life. My mentors ranged in age, and in the eyes of some very special young cowgirls I have found who I want to become. I just wish there was a way I could truly thank all these amazing people that have been good to me, and let them know just how important the roles they have fulfilled, by just being who they are every day, have made an impact in my life. On this Earth Day I find myself grateful. Grateful not only for the beauty of natural world I am blessed to be a part of, but also all the of the people that exist within that world. I am grateful for all those that I have met in this short life of mine, not only those I have met in this past year but also for those I have known for much longer that have been there for me through it all. I am grateful for the people that have kept me in their lives even though I may wander far from where we started. I am grateful for the people that have come into my life path and chosen to show a confused girl where to go (whether or not they knew it). As I finish this blog I find myself thinking back to my seasons of life, and last year I wrote about how I felt I was coming into Spring. This year I find myself watching spring slowly transition into summer, and I am excited to see how things will grow in this next year. My cup is over flowing with inspiration. I hope you will continue along with me.
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So I just had to say this... I think... I think.... Spring is finally here! I am so excited, and so very pleasantly surprised as it came a whole lot quicker this year. This winter had a case of the milds and truly I did not mind that one bit. March came in, and I watched as the first day of spring by the calendar actually LOOKED like a the first day of spring! I was a very happy woman. Though throughout the month of March, and up to pretty much a little over a week ago we were still experiencing bouts of snow. This snow would come just when I thought we had finally seen the last of it, but it didn't last long... sometimes less than a day. The snow hung around tightly as it could this year not wanting to give up its spot on the prairies. In all the dark places where the suns warmth could not hit you could find it and its accomplice, ice. Though go it did as the warm spring sun found its way to thaw the winter world, and wash the prairies with its warmth. The golden color of the sun made this springs welcoming sparkle on the landscape, and made one feel warm even if the wind blew cold. Spring in all her beautiful glory has been here I dare say a month, and it looks like she is truly here to stay... if I jinx this snow-less run I apologize already for getting prematurely excited. The skies have been so welcoming with their warmth, and down below everywhere the light touches it brings that spring in a little stronger. The landscape is still quiet though as it is awaiting that first spring rain to help wake up the fresh greens for the year. In some spots I have been blessed to find the first sightings of this years green, and I can't wait for it to take over the landscape again. I explored every nook and cranny I could find as I watched the snow disappear. I even found myself out on the Trans Canada Trail this spring in a spot I haven't visited for a couple of years. It was there I found the Easter Bunny! The Easter Bunny was quick though, and I was unable to ask it for it's picture. I was able to capture the beauty of the whitetail deer coming down to enjoy the spring sun. However, even they showed me their tail pretty quickly and bobbed back up into the hills. With the coming of spring also comes my 2015 Walk for Wildlife The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 10 to May 31 to capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Any money gained from my top photographs will go to a Saskatchewan group that is working to help protect Species At Risk in Canada. This year's theme is "Wild Migrations", and I will do my best to capture species making their migration back to the prairies this spring. Thank you for my support. I hope you enjoy the next 8 pictures from my first days of the walk! As we experience cold temperatures for the last few days here in Saskatchewan we get back to our regular winter programming. We had a beautiful run this winter with a surprise spring in January, but now as we start February we have frozen back into winter. As a person who is hibernator in winter these cold temperatures mean I am confined to my house wishing for warmer weather again (however, secretly thankful to have the cold weather to blame so I can just have time recharge). This time inside is allowing me to get through some photographs I was unable to get through this busy fall. This means I am finding all these wonderful warm photographs of fall on the Saskatchewan landscape. I have written about the beauty of Saskatchewan fall and the great colors on the landscape many times. I have a sort of obsession with the Saskatchewan fall, and the beauty of harvest time. I can say I know where this obsession developed from, and it can be traced back to the idea "you don't know what you have until it’s gone". Spending every fall for 6 years in Northern British Columbia made me crave the prairie fall. It was always hard going back to school knowing what I was missing out on, and would not get to see. The 2 trips I made back during those 6 years were not enough to quench the thirst I had to see it. For 6 years I watched the cottonwood trees turn gold amongst the conifers of the Northern British Columbia landscape, and I dreamed of home. I walked hallways where the sight of rain, or a sunny day, passed without much of a notice beyond what it meant for recreational play. It did not cause panic, nor excitement. People weren't in tune with the weather and watching the skies, though I admit it would be difficult to do past the height of trees. I spent time with lovers of nature, and people who were obsessed with being out in it. However, they were not in tune with the season in the way I had come accustomed to. They were in tune a different way, and watched it come and go with an appreciation for the beauty it brought. Whether it rained or shined, did not affect the work they had to do. So they did not watch for it, or get upset by the weather changes. It just changed, and they adapted to it. Amongst the beauty of the changing forest I felt alone, and disconnected. The buzz of the harvest season I had come to love was not in there, and I could not feel it. No one was there talking of combine parts, grain bushels, and businesses were not affected by the weather. Businesses were not left quiet, or overrun, depending on the weather. They just moved as usual, like any other time of year. Peers were not rushing home on the weekends to hop on the tractor, and coming to school tired after working in the fields all weekend. My peers were free to enjoy the hunting season, or hiking trails, that suited their fancy to break up the stress of studying. I felt out of touch, and it took a few years before I adjusted to the new seasons that I experienced. On the "outside" they were the same, but the on the inside they were worlds apart. This past fall was the third fall I have experienced back in my home province and I still find myself obsessed with the season every year. August is my favorite month as that's when the buzz of harvest begins to grow, and the landscape begins its change. In September this buzz overruns my system, and in October the buzz turns to one of panic as people want to get harvest off before the frost hits to hard, or snow falls. I drink in all these sights with a craving of that of a person who has been wandering a desert without water.
Each of the 3 falls I have experienced have been unique on themselves, and have shown me different landscapes within my beautiful province. Each and every fall I have found myself thankful for being able to take them in. This is the reason this blog becomes over run with fall photographs. I no longer take this season for granted, and enjoy it with every ounce I can. I pray for long, good weathered, falls. I run out to capture every piece of it I can, in a desperate attempt to make up for what I have lacked. On these cold winter days, when the skies are darker, and I find it hard to be cheery. I look back at these fall photographs to remind myself that no "fair weather" winter is worth losing these fall landscapes. I will bear the cold, and wind, that pushes on the prairie persons mind and makes us question "why do we live somewhere where the air hurts our face?". We all have our reasons why we stay, and the beauty of a Saskatchewan fall is why I stay. My heart will always be here amongst the living skies of Saskatchewan, and my buzz will be found amongst the harvest landscape. 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 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.
This August I had the pleasure of capturing some of the most beautiful summer skies. Seeing the clouds, rainbows, & varying colors I got to experience the true idea of Saskatchewan's "Living Skies". The landscapes I experienced were paintings brought to life. The colors that filled the skies, & were reflected onto the landscape were colors I could only wish to replicate in my paint palette. In this month I also got to experience some beautiful natural phenomenon’s of the astral type; the Perseids metero shower, & the super moon! This opened up the night skies to a show that that is best scene from a landscape that gives you an unobstructed view. Thank goodness for Saskatchewan’s back roads which lead a person to just such a landscape. I unfortunately was not able to capture as many meteor’s as hoped, but I did get to see the moon looking her best in that night sky. I will forever be thankful for Saskatchewan's livings skies, & miles of back roads to enjoy it from. I am very blessed to live in this province, & can't wait to spend many more days capturing the beauty of the "living skies".
Walking in the valley bottom of the Qu'Appelle valley this past summer was one of my greatest past times. Seeing the change in habitat grabbed my attention & wouldn't let it go. Watching the fields come to life right next to trees along the valley was a delight to my eyes. The wildflowers that came into bloom in the valley were sparkle of delight on the landscape. As they came into bloom it was interesting to watch all the different flowers, & styles of the flowers. Some are simple in their beauty, like the rose, & others are interesting in their beauty, like the Bergamot. All the sights & sounds of the summer were the things that woke me up on the inside. It was my inspiration, & I turned that inspiriation into many hours daydreaming this summer. I can only hope that these daydreams will turn into something more...
My Monday's this past summer were spent on the hill of Sabre Quarter Horse Ranch. Upon this hill within the series of hills of the Qu'Appelle Valley I learned each day how to push myself harder. I learned the humbling beauty of developing partnerships with amazing animals. I got to enjoy taking in the sights, & sounds that come with the open pastures & horse barns. One evening after my lesson time I decided to head out on foot to get a little closer to the grounds I have come to appreciate dearly. While out walking I found many beautiful blooming native plants in this last flowering, as September was around the corner. I found tons of purple decorating the landscape as it does at this time of year as blazing stars and asters come into their "wildflower season". I also saw spots of yellow as goldenrod joined it's friend the aster in this final blooming, along with the coneflowers slowly losing their petals as they finished their season. Wondering the tops of the hills of the Qu'Appelle Valley from the Sabre Ranch vantage point at sunset was a beautiful experience. My mind drifted from the pleasant thrill of finding the thriving native wildflowers, to my day dreams of futures to come. I drank in the beauty of the valley, & let the wind wash over my worn out body. I let myself be awe of the natural beauty that was to beheld among the rocks. I wondered as I sat on them how they found their way there, & was thankful for their placement as it gave the perfect perch to take in the views. As the sun ducked low underneath the clouds I made my way back to my truck. Between the yellow washed skyscape a little speckle of red caught my eye. I stopped, turned left, & there in a tree near by I found evidence that fall was truly coming. The first sign of the leaves turning was the evidence in front of eyes. What was once green was now red. I smiled to myself, & continued onto my truck. While I made that drive back to town along my "detour" route I took extra note of the fields that passed by my truck. As the sun dipped lower washing them in yellow, orange, purple, & pink hues I knew what I was seeing. My favorite season of the year had come... Harvest was here! The crops were ready to come off. The combines, & swathers, would soon speckle the landscape to get the crop off before the cold. As the sun set on that day, the crops were setting themselves. The crops were ready to be harvested. Fall in Saskatchewan was truly upon us, in all its amazing colors! Always Keep DreamingThis summer was a wet one, & with that came a lot of mud! This gave me plenty of great opportunities to get my feet dirty this summer. Now to most, hiking around in flip-flops seems like a bad idea. However, for myself I adore the feeling of mud between my toes & so I love the chances I get to feel it between my toes as I wear my flip-flops. Sure they break on occasion, which leave me walking barefoot, but nothing could replace the feeling of that Saskatchewan mud in between my toes. With the summer colors coming through on the landscape, & the water that accompanied these colors, there was no lack of amazing photographic opportunities. I felt so lucky this summer to get the chance to witness how flooding can change a landscape, & watch the floodplains of the Qu'Appelle Valley come to life. To see this natural "washing" of the landscape is an immediate reminder of the strength that water can hold. It is also a stark reminder that as we develop as humans on the landscape mother nature will always have the last say in what happens, & when it is time to "take a bath". The areas surrounding the water were alive with color, & movement, as animals & plants enjoyed the fresh green foliage drenched in the summer sunlight. The mud left clues as to whose feet have graced the landscape before I came, & some tried to hide their presence as they attempted to blend into the landscape. The landscape that surrounded the flood plains were alive with color as well, as the agricultural landscape did what it does best... grow. Yellows of the canola fields brought forth a yellow sea that reflected the golden glow of the summertime sun. The cattle, & other animal neighbors, that grazed on the range land looked very pleased with the abundance of green foliage that surrounded them. As the landscape turns to be blanketed with its sheets of white I find it is always comforting to look back at the warmth in these summertime pictures. Pictures that remind me of what is hidden under the snow, & that even though first it will get colder, there will be these colors to treasure this following year.
Today is World Food Day, this month is Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan, & this year is the International Year of Family Farming. To celebrate today a social media campaign was put out to #toastafarmer. This entry is my toast. Without all the amazing people who choose to make thier life in agriculture I wouldn't have all the stunning photographic opporunities that I am blessed with. To those who choose work before play, land & animal needs before their own Thank You Dreams Come True
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