“Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together”
The above wording could not be more on point. Last year was a year of transition, changes, & a whirlwind of unknowns. Last year I wrote "in these past few months, and upcoming months, I have been, and will be, under going big changes in my life". But I had no idea what those changes would be, & what they would mean. I underwent one major change before Earth Day last year, which included a sudden career path readjustment, & I knew that shortly after Earth Day I would be leaving behind a community I loved growing to be a part of during that year. I had no idea what I was moving to, and what was going to happen. I had no current work lined up that I was moving for, & was still on the job search trail with many applications floating around in the job search world. I had no idea which one would turn from application to work, & if amoungst those applications was a career path I would enjoy & follow.
To my pleasant surprise, & very good fortune, I ended up landing two amazing job opportunities last year. Both, to my enjoyment, were surrounded by agriculture. Though neither what a person would consider a "direct" agriculture job, but both being a perfect fit. I first got to work for a dream organization of Parks Canada, & enjoyed a job in "agriculture/history tourism". With one call on a sunny Friday afternoon while I unpacked my things in my new place I got word about the job. I was very excited,& thankful, lady. It was certainly a summer to remember, & working for Parks Canada will always be to me a "Job of a Lifetime". I would write more on it, but instead I encourage you to check out myprevious post on the amazing experience.
It would also be the summer that Fish Girl Photography grew from a solo operation, to a partnered one. My Shadow came into my life at the end of June, & has been at my side ever since. It has been amazing to have a hiking partner, & with my luck I even have a partner who loves plants as much as I do! We have many grand adventures together, & he has become the focus of many of my photographs. You can check out some of my favorite ones here. I am really excited for the upcoming year & all the adventures we are going to have together.
It would be during the summer, & during my job of a lifetime, I would get word about another big change in my life. I got word about another job application I sent out in the job seeking universe. I had been the successful applicant for a Range Agroloist job, & I would be moving to Dawson Creek come fall. The ultimate career path job was now mine, & I was excited to begin the job. Though, I was also sad because I knew I would miss my beloved home province of Saskatchewan. The knowledge of the move ahead had me dropping many things in favor of experiencing my favorite things in Saskatchewan. So began the experience of my "Last Saskatchewan Summer". Though I know it was not, & is currently not planned to be, my last Saskatchewan summer experience I knew I needed to make the most of the last time I would be a "Saskatchewan resident" for an indefinite amount of time. It lead to many great experiences this past summer, & will not be a summer I easily forget.
I was lucky to see so much of Saskatchewan's amazing beauty this past year. Right from the start of the year with my Walk for Wildlife, right through to the end of the year. The trips back home this year delivered beauty I was very lucky to experience in the trips that were, & will always, too short. In my Walk for Wildlife last year I was even lucky enough to spot a Wood Duck in Saskatchewan! They are an amazing bird, & I am glad I got the experience. Of course though, I can't forget to talk about the amazing landscape that I had moved into in Northeastern British Columbia. Dawson Creek, with it's strong agricultural ties, reminds me so much of my favorite places in Saskatchewan. Though, it has the extra ultra cool factor that when I travel an hour out of town I can see the Rocky Mountains & waterfalls! I know that I will have many amazing experiences in the upcoming year as I explore more of this beautiful, under appreciated, part of British Columbia.
Things have certainly changed in my life, & I do not yet know what all those changes will mean. I know I am excited to explore my options for starting my much talked, & dreamt, about farm here in Northeastern British Columbia in my coming future. I am extremely appreciative to everyone that has been in my life this past year that have filled me with knowledge. I am grateful to have a job that challenges me, along with letting me indulge in both my passions of conservation & agriculture at the same time. The opportunities that are ahead of me are great & I have the many people in my life to thank for that. My mind is excited, grateful, & ready. I am truly grateful for those that have been with me in the past & continue to teach me as I step into the future, even if some of that will occur at distance. The distance does have me scared, but I know I will be able to bridge the gap. I know I will miss Saskatchewan dearly this summer, but I am optimistic that Northeastern British Columbia, & the Peace District, will win over more pieces of my heart as I get to experience my first summer here.
As I close this blog, & review of my past year, I want to express a thank you to all the people that have been a part of my past, & to all those that will join in my journey forward.
Cheers to another year! Thank you for all your support in this past year, & upcoming support. Every like, comment, & follow, means the world.
Happy earth day! Happy #farmvoices, & best of luck in the upcoming year!
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On this Sweet November Sunday I find my thoughts drifting back to a year ago. A year ago I was sitting in the stands, & enjoying the sights & sounds of Harvest Showdown in Yorkton. It occurs at the end of the harvest season, & is a place where everyone can come to show off their talents of the past year. It's one of the only times in a year I sit down to enjoy a horse pull competition.The big beautiful horses at work is a sight to behold. It is amazing how much power can be found in the gentle giants. After I enjoyed taking in the horse pull competition I got to take in a couple more demonstrations of the unique teamwork that horses & humans can have. First it began with a beautiful display of unqiue horse work with the equally unique Gypsy Vanner horses. The horses are absolutely beautiful, & it is always a pleasure to be able to watch them work. Then it was onto the team spirit portion of the night! The local 4H club puts together a drill team that has preformed at both years I have been able to attend of the Harvest Showdown. It is awesome to see all age groups work well together, & to watch the hard work of the team come together as they maneuvered beautifully through their routine. After that the local Football team decided to show their muscles & challenge the winning horse pullers to a tug of war. The football team put up a good fight, but the horse team took home first place on that challenge... even after the rodeo clown jumped in to help! As always the harvest showdown showcases the agricultural world from all aspects, & so they always have room to show off their "western" roots. Each year at the showdown there is a roping competition, & last year they brought in a mounted shooting demonstration. It was time to put the cowboy hat on straight, & get serious in that saddle. Like everything else at the showdown it was top notch entertainment! The night ended with one of the greatest shows. It was awesome to watch as "wild" mustangs were worked by the "One Armed Bandit". Yes, the gentleman in fact truly has only one arm. This, however, did not stop him from working off his trusty mule to maneuver the three free horses around the area at the crack of his whip. I have to say it was neat thing to watch him ride his mule without a touch of the reins (as his working hand was busy with the whip, which only cracked loudly & never touched a horse). It takes quite the riding abilities, & core strength, to be able to manage that.
photographs of (link to them in the green button). I don't know when I will back for the Showdown, but as I sit here knowing I have missed it... there is a large part of myself telling me this will not be often reoccurring thing. I will be back for as soon as life lets me! If you find yourself in Yorkton during the Harvest Showdown I highly suggest stopping by to check it out!
A moment in time separated by a year and over 1000kms... Last year at this exact same time I was taking a walk down a country road while listening to the song I'll Be Fine by Erick Macek. As the song played in my ears & I watched the sun set I had this calming moment of peace (top photo). I knew within my core that a chapter was closing with that setting sun. That my life was about to change in a way that I didn't know how. I just knew. Its like Mother Nature whispered it to me through the wind. Last night as I took my puppy for a walk down my favorite country road I watched the sun set in a glorious array of colors (bottom photo). I felt a piece of my soul fall into place & I knew I was "home". Two country roads. Two sunsets. Exactly a year apart. Over 1000kms & different latitudes apart. My life came full circle. A new chapter has begun & I can't wait to see where it takes me. "Colors they change in instant[...] My chapter is closing, something tells me that I may just like it; I know this is my time [...] I know I keep in mind that I may find a better a life a head this time; I don't know why but I hide my pride; still I wonder if I am losing my mind; or am I blind not to see the time; either way I know I will be fine" - Erick Macek, I'll Be Fine So it is October 15... October is half way over! I can't believe how time has flown in the last 5 months. It seems to move faster every day. As I watch the landscape change around me in my new home I can't help but think back to my old one. October in Saskatchewan hast to be one of the "warmest" time in Saskatchewan. It's certainly not due to the weather on the gauge, however it's due to a much different reason. The way the colors turn in October in Saskatchewan make you understand warmth, not blazing heat but true comforting warmth. Each leaf, blade of grass, and flower finds itself in transition. All the green bursts of summer start to calm down, and are replaced by hues of gold, yellow, brown and red. As they transition from bursting with summer growth to saying good-bye before the winter's cold breeze blows through. It is one of the most glorious times of year. It's nature's climax for the year, signalling the end of the great symphony of a growing season. This transition happens slow as Mother Nature attempts to hold on to the green, as hard as I hold to the hope of a delayed winter. The wind finds a certain chill to it as it brushes across the landscape. It is more crisp than it's summer counter part. Warning of what is to come in the few short weeks ahead. Anytime spent down by a Saskatchewan lake will show the truth of what is come as waves crash on the shore. Though the air may be crisp, and speak of what is to come, fall is a kind season. As fall takes care that as you go to bed with the sun, on those days that are starting to get shorter by the moment, that you think of fond warm memories. As during fall, and the month of October, the golden hour takes on a special sweet glow. It's not as blazing as the summer, but instead softer in its hues of hushed gold, and soft pinks. As the sun sets on skies filled with harvest dust the light catches just right. Giving rise to an amazing "rose colored" landscape. One that warns of the cold night ahead, and chases you inside with a soft kiss. As I enjoy my new home I am introduced to a new fall as things at this latitude hugged against the rockies happen a little bit differently from my home in the Qu'Appelle Valley. As I get adjusted to this new interpretation of fall I think back to the days that signaled a harvest complete, and the "calm before the storm". Very fond memories of taking in that last bit of heat before winter drops her cold coat of shimmering white on the world.
Fall in the Saskatchewan prairies is something truly unique onto itself. One thing I am glad to have spent many years appreciating, with the most important years being the last three falls I got to enjoy. I can't wait for next fall as I know I will visit during that precious time. No fall captures my soul quite like that Saskatchewan Fall. It's truly one of a kind, and I am proud that its beauty is a part of me (even if it is only in my memories). Hello Everyone!I know it has been a super long time since I have last posted, & that I truly need to clean out the cobwebs on the blog page. I want to apologize for my absence, & express a great amount of gratitude to those who have been patient enough to stick around the page. However, if you can remember back to when I discussed that big changes were coming my way I want to say they have come! I have spent the summer "off", without notice, to get everything in order and enjoy my last summer of being a Saskatchewan resident for an unknown amount of time. Yes, you read that right; I will no longer be a proud resident of my beloved home province of Saskatchewan. I have chosen to follow my other passions of agriculture and conservation. I have decided to take a risk and take on a new challenge in the most northern extent of the Boreal Plain/Aspen Parkland Prairies. I am looking forward to connecting to the agricultural community up here as I work my day job. I am also looking forward to connecting you with a truly unique gem of a place that many are unaware of. So as I take this next step, I hope you will continue to join me. I promise I will be back to visit in Saskatchewan... because my heart will always lie with those big beautiful living skies. Though I hope the place I share will steal your heart as it did mine so many years ago.
So, again thank you for sticking around as I went through this big change. Keep your eyes out as I will be blogging very soon about my "last Saskatchewan" summer, & my new home. Fish Girl is back, & ready to share! 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.
And so in the middle of November in comes the last big event of the year for me... Canadian Western Agribtion & the Candian Cowboys Assoication Finals! Agribtion is an amazing time for anyone that loves livestock agriculture. There is trade shows, auctions, and demonstrations that fill up the entire Evraz Place. Building after building, from corner to corner, there is no lack of things to see when it comes to livestock agriculture. The demonstrations range from working cow horse, to milking, to dog shows, and it gives an excellent opportunity for those who can't see these interactions in their life to be able to see it. It is evident by the large amount of inner city school tours that participate with the Agribition that there is a large audience for this education. It is an amazing experience, and not one I would miss any year if I can. Every year this is a new piece that I want to see. This year's included a colt starting program, and the dog agility show [I have never watched dog agility before, and it was sure neat to see]. I also had a great giggle at the sheep riding competition, which was sponsored by Cabela's. The fact that non-agricultural direct sponsors are apart of Canadian Western Agribiton gives a true hint to just how big, and important, the whole week is to the city. The rodeo that followed every night after the daily events was an amazing show every night. This year it was extra special being the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Cowboys Association. The opening ceremonies were even more special as a history of the association was shown on the big screen, and the whole arena buzzed with an extra energy. The announcers did an amazing job that night keeping everyone in a good party mood, with the help from the amazing rodeo clown of course. On Saturday, the closing day, it was family day and you could see the pride of those in the arena as they had their kids join them. In a display like that it is very apparent the importance, and respect, that family really has in the rodeo world. This being a major final event, I once again did not bring my camera to capture the event. I worked hard to challenge myself to catch what I could with my iPhone camera along with just sitting back to take in the event. All three days I took in the rodeo were amazing. This was due not only to great talent that was on display, or due to it being a finals competition, but also because the amazing energy that came from the crowd. Each day the arena showed a great attendance, and from regions all over the world. The entertainment throughout the entire night keep everyone upbeat, and excited for more. The clown did an amazing job as always providing hilarious jabs to keep the audience entertained as those working behind the scenes did their best to keep everything rolling smoothly, and quickly. The charity portion of the night with the football toss was also very entertaining to watch, along with seeing all the great support that came out for the cause with all the balls thrown. The 50/50 showed great numbers, and I am sure the high school rodeo association was happy with the funds they raised through it. My favorite part of the intermission shows was the wild pony race challenge that took place. Watching the kids work so hard to ride the ponies was thoroughly entertaining. I have seen wild horse races, which never disappoint in giving a great show, but there is something extra special watching the kids work the ponies the same way I have watched grown men and women work horses. And as always the night ended with the big display of bull riding. On the Thursday night performance there was also a bull fighter's challenge. It was amazing to watch as each bull fighter took on each bull in an attempt to show off their skills. And boy, skills do these guys have. It was amazing to just sit and watch them do their thing, without the extra distractions that usually go along with their job. It is awesome to see some special attention paid to these excellent people that help keep the cowboys safe. The bulls every night gave an excellent show of their talent, along with the people that ride them. It was definitely a great performance to watch, and send out my year of rodeo chasing with. Those beautiful animals never disappointment me, but it is great to know I will have great memories of the event to hold me over to next season. There were some rough rides for some of the cowboys, but thankfully they got out of the situation safely thanks to the great efforts of everyone on the ground. No one was majorly hurt, and thankfully the paramedics didn't have to work too hard [or at least not in arena]. The Canadian Cowboys Association Finals at the Canadian Western Agribition are always a great time. If after reading all my blogs of this past summer you decided you only want to go to one event, these finals definitely should be at the top of your list. It gives an excellent show not only from the amazing talent, but along with all the great light, along with fire, shows. There is no lack of big city entertainment in at these finals. The energy you feel while sitting in the crowd is at high, and will keep you enthralled with everything the night through. I have made the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals a family event, and it is the one time a year I bring out my entire family to come enjoy the sporting event that holds my heart. They are never disappointed when they come for their once a year rodeo intake, and I am sure you won't be either! So I encourage you to mark your calendars in November to take it in, along with all the other great things you can see while also taking time to enjoy the Canadian Western Agribition during the day. There is no doubt something for everyone to enjoy between the two great shows. |
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