Category Archives: Photography

Saskatchewan synonymy

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A few things are often associated when one thinks of Saskatchewan, such as fields of golden wheat, the beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders and the return of wild crocuses each year signifying spring’s arrival.

Recently I found myself awake unusually early and that was followed up by an even more unusual a.m. activity: I took a hike up to the top of the hill behind my cabin, still in my pajamas. Really, I was trying to locate my dogs who had taken off running so what ensued was a stroke of luck. While up there I became caught up in the beauty of wild crocuses and dewy grass, so I ran back inside to get my camera. Here are a few pics where a bokeh and glowing effect resulted. They have not been edited.

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I kissed a fish and I liked it

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Is that wrong? Well, my lips didn’t actually make contact but it nearly did happen. This little dogfish was cute, at least in my eyes. So cute in fact that I promptly returned him back to his icy cool water. Just thought you might enjoy some insight into my crazy animal loving nature.

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The photo above was taken during my time discovering a beloved Saskatchewan pastime.

Stepping in front of the camera for Uganda

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More coverage for Uganda! Although this was painful for me as I prefer to be behind the camera I lent my side of the story to Pink magazine for their April issue. Here you will get to learn a little bit more about me, how I got into storytelling and of course my great adventure in Uganda. Enjoy!

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Read the full story here: Cover story Pink.

Remebering Waskesiu

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The trek up to Prince Albert Park to explore Waskesiu was a memorable one. As you will recall I blogged a while back about wolf trekking and dog sledding.This month’s article I wrote for Pink goes into more detail on how I went about finding winter in Waskesiu. And I sure did find it. It was -20 to -30 all weekend long! Read the full article here.

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The intention behind the travel spread I write for Pink (and for my blog in general) is to inspire exploration, whether that be in your own backyard or beyond. You won’t regret it.

Personally speaking, travel truly nurtures my soul and provides me with constant inspiration. I have also learned that travel with children proves not only to be fun, but such an amazing opportunity for little ones to learn.

Beyond sharing and writing about these experiences capturing them is a great way to look back and remember how much fun was had. If you are interested, I have  just posted more photos from the beautiful Waskesiu region on my Facebook page. Here is a sneak peek at one of the very lovable sled dogs from SunDogs.

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Always an opportunity for birding in Saskatchewan

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With over 350 species of birds, Saskatchewan is a solid destination for birding activities. That seems to be ringing true throughout the chilly winter months and is evident even in my backyard. As I learn more and more techniques for attracting certain types of birds into my yard, they seem to come a ‘flocking’. And they bring their friends.

I think I have even been able to get my neighbors on the bird train and there may even be some friendly competition going on for the most attractive yard for the feathery visitors.

At any given time I can see large families of sparrows can be spotted nestling contentedly in the pine tree; juncos cleaning up the fallen seeds in the snow; a downy woodpecker rapping on the maple tree; house finches hopping along the fence link; beautiful red polls who pose for me; and of course nuthatches and chickadees who have fierce speed competitions through the branches. Those are the most common yard visitors this year but certainly not the full extent. Winter birding in Saskatchewan has not disappointed.


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Embrace winter. Get up and get out.

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I did something different this weekend. I made a concerted effort to stay and play outdoors in the cold. Plus I chose where I thought would be a beautiful winter playground, Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan. I couldn’t have been more right. I had found Saskatchewan’s winter wonderland.

Heavy snow laden pine trees, windy white roads and animal sightings a plenty, Waskesiu  boasts a perfect winter landscape to get outside and reconnect with nature while trying out some fun winter activities.

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Moose Jaw: More than expected. Surprisingly.

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Moose Jaw is a city that has a lot going for it in terms of tourism. In this month’s travel spread for Pink magazine, I go beyond the obvious hot spots and unearth some other gems found in this great southern Saskatchewan destination.

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Read this month’s magazine here.

The look of sustainability

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We visited numerous farms during our time in Uganda. One thing that became clear very quickly was that the land is ultra fertile and the diversification among the crops farmers can yield is quite vast.

Below is a photo essay capturing a few of the commonly seen commodity crops that provide sustainability for the farmer’s families; their communities and whoever is on the receiving end of the exporting trail. Most important to note though is that the farming practice is the livelihood of many Ugandans and it truly sustains their families and provides  a life with potential for future generations.

Cassava – a root vegetable, starchy much like the potato. It is a main source of carbohydrates for many and considered a staple crop. Another staple crop not pictured here, but grown extensively is maize (corn). cassava Continue reading →

Take a lesson from the birds

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So after a couple of days in Uganda I know a couple of things to be true:

1. It is hot here and I hear we are just coming off of the winter season.
2. There are a lot of people here, albeit, friendly, warm people (35 million-ish, comparable to the population in all of Canada in the space of about 1/2 the province of Saskatchewan).
3.On a journey to discover how highly functional co-operatives can be in a country such as this I have I already learned that even the Ugandan birds co-operate.

Yes, I have found a way to sneak the birds into my Uganda stories. But there is a point, I promise.
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Riversdale revitalized, a trend around these parts

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It’s a trend that can be seen across the province. Areas, neighbourhoods, towns and cities of Saskatchewan have experienced record growth, rejuvination and revitilization. Why?

Well, with a leading economy comes a healthy increase in population growth. People have been drawn to our lovely province for jobs, quality of life and the opportunity to start their own businessess and follow their dreams. These of course are just a few reasons.

On a recent visit to Riversdale, a Saskatoon neighbourhood, revitilization efforts were well underway. Ideally located minutes from the beautiful South Saskatchean River - hip restaurants, galleries, young people and innovative entrepreneurs have moved in and set up shop in the neighbourhood.

Here are a few pics from just a few of my favourite pit stops in Riversdale and a link to the article I wrote that appears in the December issue of Chatelaine.

http://www.chatelaine.com/living/travel/hot-hood-riversdale-saskatoon/

The Hollows Restaurant

Any restaurant that holds onto and cherishes vintage interiors is a winner in my books. The Hollows is a very hip restaurant specializing in food to table meals. It is located in a heritage building that used to be a Chinese restaurant. The owners have chosen to adopt some of the former retro interior and by add their own flavour. From the recycled glassware to the bathroom decor, any hippie or hispter for that matter would feel at home here.

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