“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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In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb As the snow continuous to endlessly fall over these past couple of days I have had the above poem playing in my head over & over again. This winter, my first winter, in the Northern Prairie has been an interesting adventure as I experienced winter like I rarely have before. Firstly, this is the second winter where the warming effects of El Nino have been extreme enough that I truly have seen the "benefits" of the warming temperatures, & will remember them for years to come. Secondly, I have gotten familiar with the beautiful winter phenomenon of a Chinook wind. Who knew for the this prairie girl the answer to finding a milder winter was in fact going North?! A contradiction, but one that has proven true in this move... or at least for this winter season. With these milder winter temperatures I have been finding myself out enjoying the outdoors a lot more than I usually do. My inner hibernating bear is a little upset, but come next winter I am sure she will get all the sleep she needs as we move back into a regular winter cycle. This getting out has been an excellent opportunity to explore my new home as I develop my new routine, which includes finding my favorite spots to wander & let my puppy run wild. It's beauty has not stopped producing amazing views as I explore in the depths of winter. The Northern Prairie has been an amazing new home to me, & I often forget how far North I am actually living, or the fact that I am living within British Columbia & not in my beloved forever home province of Saskatchewan. The amazing sunsets, & paths amongst fields, have me feeling like I never left home. It has made the transition to the Great White North a lot easier. Then I have moments, that are a quick drive away, that remind me that I have very much left my beloved provincial home far behind. One weekend this past winter I got to enjoy a quick jaunt to Liard Hot Springs. On the way there I got to check another species off my list, the Stone Sheep. It was amazing to catch a sight of these Northern dwelling animals, & I loved that I got to catch a glimpse of their babies. I fell in love with this very interesting animal. It was neat to actually drive amongst the mountains on this trek, & enjoy the unique geography that created the area. The Hot Springs themselves were a truly amazing piece of nature to behold, & I can't wait to go back to experience them some more. It was definitely one of the neatest places I have ever been during the winter. The mountains, the landscape, the plants & animals, all combined with the experience of swimming in hot naturally occurring water in the middle of winter with beautifully delicate frost hanging from the trees is not something I will ever forget. Something that I will definitely head back to next winter when the cold chills me to the bones... however, I will remember to pack better to keep myself warm after a dip! This winter has been an amazing adventure, & I can't wait to see what the next season has in store. Tomorrow when I wake up I only hope that I will get to explore all the new fresh snow that has fallen in better weather conditions, & let my puppy run through it all. For a person who admits readily her distaste for winter I am strangely growing a new kind of fondness for the season. The adventures that are possible, & the things I can't wait to do the next time this season comes around, has me excited. Though my inner bear rumbles upset at the prospect of losing yet another promised seasoned of sleep. I guess it will be a challenge learning to balance the two sides for I truly enjoy winter for it's quiet, rejuvenating, beauty. So, don't get too excited to see me turning into a winter crazy girl. I don't know if I will ever wear the "Northern" badge fully, as I do love my winter hibernation a little too much. “You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ― Dr. Seuss So it is a Monday night & as my New Years pulls closer I find myself going over memories from the summer. There is one specific one that sticks out in my head tonight, on this Memories Monday. It was when my family & I decided to go back to Riding Mountain National Park this past summer. On a whim, & a quick change in our family vacation plans we found ourselves in a new direction & packed up to enjoy an oTentik. *Side Note: if you ever have the chance to camp in one of them, please do it. You will not be sorry!* This spur of the moment trip that got planned, when we realized our original family vacation for the summer wouldn't work out, was a lesson in taking a moment to remember. That is because while planning the trip we realize that it was 18 years since we had last visited the park. My mother & I pulled out the old photo album & began to share memories of that amazing first "big & full" family vacation. As we went through the old photographs we thought back to the old memories & noted which spots we would have to stop again in. Upon entering the park from the original direction we first visited it in it was like a case of extreme deja vu. However, for me, that would be replaced with a sense of accomplishment & pleasant realizations on how far I had I come in those past 18 years. As we toured through the park I tried to bring up all the old memories I could of who I was, what I felt back then while being in the park, & what all that meant to me now. It was a very pleasant, & accomplished, feeling to realize that I was now visiting this park while also being a Parks Canada employee. As I explored all the different parts of the park I began to think more, & it was one of the most eye opening trips of a lifetime. Sometimes the best thing a person can do is take a break & find somewhere they can walk in the shoes of their own at a different time in life. You stop to take notice of things you didn't the time before. Admittedly I was too young to appreciate what an amazing & unique place the park was. I didn't understand the importance of the geology or history it now held (being the last national park to be decorated by the gate displayed in the first photo). As we toured around the east part of the park exploring the history, & taking in a road side view from the escarpment, I took in the views in a way I never would have understood in my young age. I am glad I got the chance to re-experience this spot & take notice of something I missed the time before. That moment of awe was repeated later as we toured around the park with the help of our great guide during one of the driving/walking tours of the park. The little spots we were taken to in the park & the details about the ecosystem & history of park development were appreciated in a whole new way. The hike, & drive, with guide was excellent in itself. However now being a graduate of a Wildlife & Fisheries Management program, along with the beginning of a working career in grassland (along with watershed) conservation, it gave me a whole new set of eyes. Now I understood the importance of the history found in the fun bison song that explained the expansion of the native wild bison herd in the park. Along with understanding the incredible uniqueness & importance of protecting the ecologically diverse spot that the park is founded on. I was able to pick out the amazing native wildlife flowers that were growing in every spot we visited, & I was often left behind the group as I tried to grab photos of these treasures. Riding Mountain National Park is an excellent spot to go capture photographs of some of the unique & beautiful wildflowers that grow within Canada. The park is full to the brim with moments that you can get the chance to see the many amazing parts of nature that make Canada unique. Some of these have to do with the things on the smaller size, but it also includes the large ones as well. Keep your eyes out while camping you might just notice a Black Bear, or while driving/walking through the park you may notice Moose, or Deer. The park is home to hundreds, & even thousands, of the amazing animals that make Canada their home. Of those animals, that also includes the amazing Bison. These amazing animals are healthy & strong at Riding Mountain National Park, & other Parks Canada sites in Canada. They have to be one of my favorite wild animals, & the reason for that is simple. Every ecosystem needs that one "superstar" animal to help promote awareness for it. The prairies, & more importantly the grasses, have the bison to speak for them. Though there is two types of bison out there, the wood & plains, & I have a passion for both species. Each one speaks specially to the ecosystems they are attached to, & speak for conservation of the grasslands they feed on. Every chance I get to be able to spot true, wild descendants, of our native bison populations I jump at immediately. Though I have nothing against our domesticated stock (I actually am quite in love with them), it is amazing to see where they started from. Including getting the chance to be able to watch & analyze how much has, & has not, changed. I will admit I owe my family a lot on this trip & that they allowed me the chance I got to see the beautiful creatures. I forced my family up early in the morning so we could get out there to see them before the descended into the trees to take cover from the heat of the day. As we made our way into the viewing platform of course I made notice of the sign that discussed bison conservation. Though it is something of a good conservation tale that we have been able to bring bison numbers back from the brink. That good tale is only half of the real story. You see, their habitat is not as lucky. The habitat that supported many of these great creatures over vast miles is very small in amounts in our current world. Looking at grassland ecosystems as a whole only 25% of them remain. If one actually looked at every grassland eco-type as they looked at specific tree habitats in the forest, then there are ecosystems that have 5% or less left. It is a great to know that Parks Canada is taking a step foreword in the protection of these unique habitats & the animals that exist within them. I am truly thankful for all those that put the effort in to study, & assess these cultural gems (furred & otherwise). This trip truly reminded me why I have taken the path in life I have chosen. How I ended up in university in a Wildlife & Fisheries Management program rather than an agriculture centered related field of study. I can only hope that if I had the chance to run into the young girl I was the first time I visited that park that she would look back at me proud of where this life path has taken me. I can say I can't wait until the next time I get to explore this amazing park, & that I look forward to accomplishing my "bucket list" goal of visiting every National Park in Canada. I am excited to see what other wonders await me at the other Parks within Canada, & what inspiration will hit me there.
As I close this blog I must strongly urge you if you haven't visited a Parks Canada National Park or Historic Site that you add it to a "must do" to your summer adventure list. I am thankful everyday for the forethought of the people who conserve these spaces & tend to them for future generations to enjoy. Each one protects at least one unique Canadian gem, & each gem deserves to be seen. Also, if you enjoyed the wildlife photos seen in this blog, & would like to try your hand at some, please first do some reading to ensure the safety of yourself & the animals your photographing. A great place to start would be here (Parks Canada specific rules), here (National Geographic), here & here. It's the beginning of January, & with it has come the cold temperatures. So I thought it was time to share some images that should hopefully make you as "warm & fuzzy" on the inside as they made me. Of course my Last Saskatchewan Summer included some much needed time out on the farm. I was lucky enough to be able to explore not only my own, but also had a few people welcome on to their farm. I learnt a lot this summer as I explored different places than my own, & different from this previous years. From seeding right to harvest there was a blossoming of color that painted every subject I looked at this summer. I was able to get out to experience a branding day yet again this year. This time at a brand new location & where I got witness an actual fire brand placed. The calves as always were cute & there were many moments that will fill my memories for sure. The landscape I got to experience it in was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It could not have been a better place to experience a branding in my Last Saskatchewan Summer. The family was very welcoming & I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. To be honest I would love to head back to that property to explore it more, & to capture more of the beauty that I saw in the amazing place. The summer went from one burning smell to another one entirely. With the fires burning in the forest to the North, Southern Saskatchewan was covered in a smokey haze. As the canola bloomed it created a very interesting look on the landscape. It was haunting in it's beauty. Made a person all to aware that there is more to Saskatchewan than the open fields & pastures. It reminded me of the Saskatchewan North; the trees, & the people. The smoke subsided though, & beautiful unfiltered summer colors blossomed through. Fields, pastures, flowers, & gardens bloomed with flowers of color that tempted a person to think that perhaps just this summer will stick around at least just a little bit longer. I enjoyed taking in these landscapes as I traveled back & forth from one destination to another. Of course I had to take up my seat next to our yearly oat crop & soak up the sun, barefoot & all. My ShadowDuring this exploring at the farm however, you will notice I had a new little friend. At the beginning of July my life was changed in a great way as I welcomed my Shadow into my life. I am now the happy owner of one full of energy, smart, pile of love of a dog. A mix of breeds my little farm dog became my walking partner, & I soon found a lover of alfalfa, & plants, as well. The little lady girl at the farm found herself with a new, & fast growing, playmate to explore the farm with. He was a happy addition, & one I am glad to have chewing away on one of his toys, ready for adventure, while I write this. As always the the colors did change, & soon I found myself enjoying the onset of harvest colors as August found it's way into my life. I am so glad I got to enjoy my favorite month in some of my favorite places. Watching the harvest come & begin (& end on our farm) made me ready for a change. However, I will forever miss seeing the simple beauty that is to be found in the month of August in Saskatchewan. Perhaps, I will need to request from Range Boss some time during August so I can still enjoy it no matter how short. So closes Part 3 of my Last Saskatchewan Summer, & I come closer to starting to tell tales of my new life in the Northern Prairie. I am excited to know, that as I leave these Saskatchewan prairie scenes behind I will fill my life with new ones to experience in this upcoming year. I am excited to see what this summer holds as the region I have settled into is home to the largest agricultural region in British Columbia (with close to 2.5 million acres in production). I am sure to enjoy all that agriculture has to offer, however in a nifty Northern package. I am excited to see if I will love August as much as I loved it back at home, or if a new month will claim my heart. So many new adventures to be had alongside the comforting scenes of "home" (i.e. agriculture). Agriculture will always be my "culture", & I am glad I get to see the many sides to it as I do. I am truly lucky to be able to experience things most people are removed from (sometimes by generations). It is my blessing, & my passion.
As Christmas season is upon us & I get ready to visit with my Saskatchewan family, my thoughts drift back to my "Last Saskatchewan Summer". As I moved away & now carry a very blue licence I can't help but think back to the amazing landscapes I left behind this year as this year winds down. I was blessed to have such an amazing summer to be my "Last Saskatchewan Summer". I take solace in knowing that it will in fact not be my last summer in Saskatchewan, & looking at these photos just makes me eager to start planning my vacation time (Sorry, Range Boss). I started out this summer/spring, with my usual walk for wildlife. If you recall from my previous, & sporadic, posts on my walk this year was all about the birds. I saw so many birds every time I stepped out of my house, & I took extra notice of these beautiful creatures. See, most of the time like most Saskatchewan residents I take them for granted. I am not what you would call a "bird person", so I don't tend to go out of my way to see them. However, with the knowledge that I wouldn't be spending another summer day in and day out, everyday, back in this feather filled province I seemed to pick them out. In Saskatchewan, we are blessed to have a home filled with not only a high number in variety of our feather friends, but also in sheer population numbers. This was something during my time at university that I took notice of, as I found during my homework of "bird watching" the numbers in British Columbia's north bird population to be a terribly disappointing while away at school. The numbers we get to see fill our prairie skies are something to always be thankful of. This summer I found myself living within Regina's city limits & like a good Regina resident I spent a lot of time wandering the edges of the Wascana (both lake & creek). Wascana Park, & trails, were amazing spots to run away to from the city streets. The beauty found in the valley, along the water, & hidden beside the paved in city trails was a place my mind could go to to rest. The sunsets, the animals, & all the plant life I found living in these areas were a treat. Definitely one of Regina's best assets is the beauty that is held within the Wascana. Of course, like every summer I made sure to make some time for my fishing rod. Not nearly enough, but I still found myself pole in hand on a lake's edge. From the beautiful Last Mountain, to Buffalo Pound, I enjoyed taking in some new fishing spots. The sunset over the beautiful lakes is always a great sight to behold, & the moment is made even sweeter when you notice a fish fin waving in the distance. However, being able to visit one of these fishing spots on horse back was just the cherry on top. This summer was not a summer to forget, & delivered in Saskatchewan beauty like none-other. The stormy skies that took too long to get there for the summer were well worth the wait. The stormy skies colored the Saskatchewan skyscape with an amazing assortment of colors & clouds. There was Northern Lights, & flowers bursting to bloom all summer long. Everything I could have asked for as I sat down to enjoy the Saskatchewan landscape. So much color, & so much vivid life. I am very excited to share even more of my views from the summer. This little snippet, shows only the beauty I was able to capture in my walks, drives, & quick fishing ventures into the province for the summer. There is much more to my "Last Saskatchewan Summer" & this is only the beginning of the story... setting the stage if you will. As I step into this new year, & to share my new life, I first will recount the world I left behind. Giving thanks for its beautiful bounty, & the honor the life that gave me the solid base I needed to take the next step I am taking. I will always be proud of my "Made in Saskatchewan" roots, & this last summer was a perfect climax to the amazing life that I found in my birth province. 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. 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 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
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...
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