A Pink Surprise
Last weekend, in celebration of our anniversary, my husband surprised me with an impromptu trip to Edmonton for the Pink concert.
What can I say, he does have his fleeting moments of redemption.
Seriously though, it was truly a great weekend. Everything was perfect. From the mouth watering pre-concert Italian meal at Bianco, to the luxurious stay at the historical and apparently haunted, Fairmont Hotel. A great concert, then, a delicious breakfast, after a 40 min wait, for a table - at De Dutch in downtown Edmonton.
I sat down to write something poignant and meaningful - But today those kinds of words escape me. This week has been a busy one.
Not too busy, but busy enough, with a couple of photo sessions, some inquiries, a few quotes, texts and emails. When there are none of those things, business is grim, and self esteem hitting rock bottom is just around the corner. So I shall bask in the tedious non fun end of this business, which eventually rolls into creative opportunities and getting to do what I love, which is take pictures.
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Today, anxiety is at an all time high. I chalk it up to an impending weekend wedding photo job. This anxiety thing is nothing new. It’s how I dysfunctionally operate.
Ah the life of a self employed creative. Good times.
I despise the fact that the first week of September is already drawing to a close. Don’t get me wrong, I love fall. Warm and golden light, orange and brown hues. And just the right amount of warm and cool. Thankfully, here in the Sask everything is still green, so I can mind f*ck myself into thinking it’s still summer. I just don’t love the seasonal impending doom. The fact that fall, tumbles into winter. Submerging us into dark frigid days, that seem endless. The deep darkness of winter.
Alas, the downward spiral has begun. It’s cold enough in the mornings that I have resorted to sitting inside for the morning coffee and writing. I can feel myself grasping at summer moments, as it’s slowly slipping away.
Deny, deny, deny.
Garlic hangs to dry in our kitchen. A sure sign of fall.
The Anniversary
Last weekend, in celebration of our anniversary, my husband surprised me with an impromptu trip to Edmonton for the Pink concert.
What can I say, he does have his fleeting moments of redemption.
Seriously though, it was truly a great weekend. Everything was perfect. From the mouth watering pre-concert Italian meal at Bianco, to the luxurious stay at the historical and apparently haunted, Fairmont Hotel. A great concert, then, a delicious breakfast, after a 40 min wait, for a table - at De Dutch in downtown Edmonton.
Pink Concert Common Wealth Stadium Edmonton AB
On the road back to S’toon, stopped in to see some good friends for a quick over night. Made our way home on labour day Monday.
Phew it was a busy one. Not one dull moment and some great memories made.
Espresso
Which leads me into next story about my somewhat impulsive buy, that I am not yet regretting.
I could not stop fantasizing about the frothy perfectly balanced espresso that the Nespresso machine brewed in our hotel room.
This is why my husband avoids taking me fancy places. It’s a worm hole of frivolous and unattainable future expectations.
So this morning while writing, and staring into nothingness while everyone else slept, I sipped on some deliciously frothy ‘kick ya in the ass’ espresso. Then I transitioned into some coffee. I am now level 10 caffeine overdosed, which is not helping my pre weekend, wedding photo job, anxiety.
Pray for me friends.
Until next time
xx Tam
Leaving you with some pics from the weekend -
Herded like cattle into the stadium
View from room 324 at the Fairmont Macdonald Hotel Edmonton
Some Essential Soul Work
This retreat was a first of it’s kind for me.
Guided healing, cleansing and sharing, (not so good at this kind of stuff). Emotionally exposing ones self, and getting into some deep rooted soul work, also something i truly suck at.
I laughed, I cried, and I opened up to women I just met. It was terrifying, humbling, and liberating all at the same time.
Marilyn, the facilitator of this healing retreat, created such a loving safe space for us to to all come together and dive into some soul work
She is also the owner and operator of her business Soul Essentials offering healing modalities from Reiki to chakra healing. Here is her link on Facebook
The retreat was held at this stunning 2 storey walk out over looking Echo lake in Qu’Appelle Valley.
The lake view from the back of the retreat lake house
Kitchen in our private little cabin
My good friend Rox and I decided to rent a private cabin for our weekend stay. We arrived the day before all the festivities. It was a short drive from the retreat location, and gave us some quiet time away from all the action to regroup and just do our own thing.
Because i’m rarely in front of a camera , here are some cell phone snaps below ~
A little wine, and a sunset dip.
Yours truly, taking a sunset swim in Echo Lake Qu’Apelle Valley - Video compliments of the lovely Rox
Waiting to Rewild with some ecstatic dance.
A bowl of pre-rolled joints being passed around to help ease the journey into some ecstatic dance.
Completely complimentary and voluntary.
Cana butter portioned out on spoons
The ladies of Soul Essentials Retreat June 2023
These beautiful souls have a piece of my heart
Family Day Weekend And A Horse
Couple of weeks back my husband and I took a road trip out to see my son Dorian, and his fiancé Brie, in Whitecourt Ab. It’s a bit of a drive that’s for sure. Six hours and 48 mins to be exact.
Luckily (dripping sarcasm) I had just fallen down a flight of stairs the night before, sober I might add, and caused some major damage to myself. One of those injuries included a dislocated and badly bruised tail bone. So that six hours and 48 mins sitting on my assaulted ass, felt more like 60 hours and 48 mins.
Brie’s family was throwing them a surprise engagement party and they were so sweet to include us in the lies and deception. Shall we call us the decoys?
Plans well laid ..
Most of Brie’s family lives right there in Whitecourt. Which is pretty amazing that my son inherited this big beautiful family way out there in Alberta. He is surrounded by people that love him. What more can a mom wish for?
They live on a beautiful acreage just outside of town. It’s surrounded by forest and they even have a neighbours horse hanging in the backyard. Like come on.
The Bait
As you can see this horse became my muse for the weekend.
Should I be worried about this tongue thing?
Grand daughter Drew feeding Lightening the Horse an Apple
I should add that my son has also inherited 3 pretty awesome grown children, and one adorable granddaughter.
That’s right. He is grandpa Dorian. As his mom this is both bizarre and beautiful, all at the same time. This little spitfire has stolen his heart, and our hearts as well.
Fun fact this granddaughter and I share the same birthday.
The morning of this planned surprise was allegedly our leaving day. But our plan was that we wanted to go for a walk with Dorian and Brie before we left. You know, stretch legs, get some air, before the long drive.
This would give Brie’s family and friends time to swoop in, decorate, and lay out some brunch.
However dorian god bless him, decided to make us one last breakfast before we left. . Now time is of the essence and it was our only job, to have them leave the house when instructed.
It’s 10:10 am we are supposed to have them gone about 10 minutes ago.
Dorian is just cracking eggs. Oh boy. I believe I have fucked this day up and it’s not even noon.
Internally I’m panicking, hot flashes and twitchy agitation ensues. I’m putting the pressure on about having to leave and setting these anxiously rigid time lines, without being conspicuous of course..
Toast is still in the toaster.
Brie is very intuitive. She is going to know something is up, that, or, she will decide that her newly inherited mother in law is indeed a ridiculous, uncompromising psycho.
I text my contact for this mission, Brie’s oldest daughter Ally. I let her know we are behind schedule by at least half hour. I’ll text when the eagle flys. .
Finally dirty dishes left where they are, and pans still on the stove, we leave the house, I’m in a subdued panic.
Ally is sent the all clear. The eagle has left the nest.
Our walk although beautiful, ends up almost an hour long instead of the half hour scheduled. Well shit, I’m sure the whole entire family has decided Brad and I are incapable of following simple instructions.
We finally get back to the acreage, behind schedule is an understatement, and Brie’s spidey senses were tingling the whole time.
Better late then never?
Despite the morning panic and delayed start time, these two love birds were greeted with balloons, a champagne brunch, a plethora of family and friends, and a couple of afternoon card games. It was a perfect family day. Celebrating two amazing people, their love, and the joining of families.
It’s truly about the who, and not the what.
Hug your people, and hold them close. I hope your family day was as unscripted and full as ours.
Chilled mimosa cheers
xo td
Winter get away in Waskesiu
Wildlife, ghost town, scenic winter landscapes, frozen lakes and sprawling forests. A photographers dream really. Im not a travel writer, and I generally suck at logistic details, which doesn’t bode well when recommending and promoting destinations on the old social media vortex.
So please bear with me on this blog post.
A chance to just indulge in thine own creative self and make some pictures because i want to.
Not because there is some sort of looming client dead line or pay cheque attached.
Foot prints in the snow leading down to the snow covered beach leading to a snow covered Waskesiu lake
Every couple of years my husband and I take a little winter trip up to Waskesiu.
For those not familiar, its about 2 and a half hours (238 km) North of Saskatoon.
This year, like every year mid winter, it was much needed. Kind of like hitting a mini refresh button.
Kinda.
In the deep dark chill of winter, January can often feel like it’s 62 days long, instead of the actual 31. Especially when the temperature hovers in the -27 to -35 range for days on end.
A boatless and snow covered marina
As an Entrepreneur and creator, this time of year can also feel stagnant, uninspired, anxious. In my profession this is one of the quieter months. Which can work to a photographers advantage if you can get past all the other bullshit emotions that start to creep in.
Tree shadows on a snow covered beach lakeside Waskesiu Lake, PA National Park
An Elk standing on the road, pauses for a photo shoot. Thanks Elk
The bustling summer hamlet of Waskesiu is located within Prince Albert National Park. Not so bustling in the winter months.
Surrounded by Boreal forest, lakes, and campsites.
This snow covered and seemingly abandoned community does host a few winter wonderland visitors like us. And I far as I could tell, a small number of full time residents tucked in the back end of town, some RCMP, park staff.
But truly, its emptiness is eerie yet peaceful.
The pay phone.
Thanks to cell phones, here stands an archaic form of communication
A snow covered SaskTel payphone in the seasonal town of Waskesiu
A snow covered patio at the Patio Cafe in Waskesiu
We chose to stay at the Hawood Inn , located across the street from the lake.
In the winter it hosts winter wandering adventurists like myself and my husband, looking for a quick and affordable get away.
Staying at the Hawood Inn you have access to snowshoes and cross country skis and 2 roof top hot tubs. It’s located close to some groomed ski trails.
You are almost guaranteed to see some deer, fox, and if your lucky a few Elk.
Take the scenic route 263 past Emma and Christopher lake off of highway 2, into the park if your not afraid of some snowy roads.
So beautiful, and so close. Go take a tour, you won’t regret it.
Careen Lake part 2 - 2022
Well we did it once again. Hopped on a float plane in Buffalo Narrows, and made the flight to Grayling Lodge on the massively beautiful, secluded and awe inspiring, Careen Lake.
And it only took me 6 months to organize and post. .
Hopefully the summer visuals will bring you some warmth and smiles.
There were camp fires and smores, fishing, and boating. Relaxing mornings with warm coffee and a book. Wine and bourbon - Bourbon and wine, sipping/guzzling evenings.
Hikes, and barbecues. Warm sunny days lounging on pinkish white sandy beaches, secluded by miles of water, with only access by boat.
Here are a few memories captured.
Voyage Air float plane in Buffalo Narrows, Sk.
A goth Caribou adorning the kitchen wall at Grayling Lodge
This big guy got released
This little guy also got released
Lilly Pads and flower wooing
A rain storm - Careen Lake
Nephew Grady does some hot tub snorkeling in the rain.
What can i say, this kid loves the water
The local Whiskey Jacks, love Grady’s pancakes
Two Canada Jay’s enjoying some breakfast pancakes
Smores
A trip to killer hornet Island - A capture hostile mission
Protective gear was of the utmost priority
Killer Hornet island mission was a success.
*Killer Hornet is a fictitious name, created by those who were stung discovering the tiny island.
Views at Cabin #4
The Stewart thumb
Thanks for stopping by :)
xx td
The Lettuce Episode
So this lettuce incident happened the other day. It was a calamity of errors so to speak. You see when I left the house that day I was confident i had placed it far enough back on the counter that my vegetable seekers would not be able to reach it. .
What I didn’t realize is that they would have the foresight to employ the services of a vegetable hit man - Sir Finneus, the Irish Wolfhound.
So when I got home, there it was, the romaine lettuce I was to have for supper, strewn all over the kitchen floor. Princess Ayva shamelessly feasting on the greenery right in front of me. No guilt. No shame.
And Finn staring down in awe of her brazen zero fucks given.
A Covid Grad
A Covid grad from the inside.
Social distancing left the Graduates of 2020 looking for new and inventive ways to carry out a graduation ceremony and celebration.
This beauty is Paige. I’ve known her, her whole life, and adore her and her strong and magnetic personality.
I was excited, honoured, and little curious about how this was all going to play out.
It took place at a race track. I believe there was more than one school involved. So there were a lot of diplomas to be given out, and a lot of waiting.
Each graduates name was called with a brief introduction.
They would then proceed to do a lap around the racetrack, safely segregated inside their vehicle. Waving to the crowds out an open window or sunroof, like a parade of royals.
It was a grand procession of vehicles of all shapes, makes, and models circling the track, each containing graduates optimistic for a future yet unwritten.
Here are some photos from the day.
My COVID Chronicles - Our little shack
Hey there, it’s me again. Just checking in after a few days at the cabin. A quick visual below. It’s nothing fancy but we still pinch ourselves and we love it all the same. As you can see it’s not the kind of cabin with a guest house, 6 bedrooms, and a dishwasher. There is no running water in the winter, and no furnace. We do love going out there and roughing it. It’s so tranquil and beautiful, especially in the winter.
It is our first year of cabin ownership. Hence the lack of seasonal winter photos.
The fireplace keeps us toasty warm. Oh and did you know there is such thing as a toilet seat that snaps onto a 5 gallon pail?
Yup there is. It’s quite comfortable. And there are bags special made for what you do when you sit on that old 5 gallon pail, strategically placed in our bathroom.
It’s our little shack on the lake.
We stayed there for as many days as we could muster with no shower, limited water, grocery supplies, and a shit pail.
Sorry for the visual.
I’m still having waves of crushing anxiety combined with dooms day scenario’s ripping through my brain. I have an involuntary eye twitch that has just returned. Mostly I just worry about the financial impact of all this.
I’m really trying to subdue this foreboding trepidation with something other than weed and wine.
Just kidding.. I also do yoga and I love to get outdoors, but somedays the need to self medicate is just too strong ;)
But out here, you could almost forget about that world wide pandemic spreading across our planet. Isolating was a whole lot easier. Especially the way we smelled. Just kidding we don’t smell. Well, maybe a bit.
My COVID Chronicles
Last week
McDonalds at lunch time in Saskatoon. This photo was taken March 19th, approximately 5 days after the government started requesting people self isolate and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of the COVID- 19 virus.
Thursday March 19th. Photo’s of an overly quiet, 3rd Avenue, downtown Saskatoon.
Ayden Kitchen and Bar on 3rd and Little Bird Patisserie over on Ave. B are just a couple of restaurants here in Saskatoon posting signs on their door explaining their closure due to the COVID- 19 virus outbreak.
These are scary times my friends. As of 5 minutes ago my last scheduled job on the calendar cancelled. For good reason. I completely understand, and I know I’m not alone.
Still, It’s terrifying thinking of what will, or could, happen next. My foreseeable financial future is non existent at this point. They are predicting months of this and let’s be honest, here in this quiet and relatively safe little corner of the world we are just starting to see the wrath of this thing.
On that note of doom and gloom (your welcome) I will switch gears.
I am going try to focus on good things. Quality time with loved ones. Time to work on long set aside projects. Good people and good times yet to be had. Making plans. Appreciating the little things and moments this “down time'“ has given us.
Friday March 20th - I was out for some necessary items, and ventured into Shoppers. I was feeling slightly anxious, about it all.
Some tape on the floor specifying how far back one needs to stand when in line to check out at Shoppers Drug Mart- Saskatoon Sk. Friday March 20th, 2020
Signs taped to the doors give customers the heads up they are out of toilet paper, antibacterial items, gloves, and most other items that fell into the anti viral protection category, and were easily stockpiled when this world wide pandemic started creeping into our part of the world.
The green tape on the floor lays out where customers need to stand when going through the check out line.
Cashiers are just a few of the professions dealing with the public, on the front lines. The floor tape gives some boundaries from the public, and wearing rubber gloves are a small sense of security when handling frequently touched items.
A big thank you and huge respect for those who are working out in the trenches with the general public. From health care and emergency workers, and kind souls delivering groceries and medical supplies to the isolated. To the cashiers and shelf stockers at the grocery stores, and the Pharmacists, doling out medical advice and medication. And everyone else in between.
On the front lines in every sense of the word. Thank you.
This has been a crazy couple of weeks. I know I’m not alone in having to take some time, to slow down, rethink what’s important. Get back in touch with what is. Whats working, what isn’t…
I would love to hear how you’ve been coping with this global shit storm. How have you been keeping been. Really. Don’t be shy..
Feel free to leave in the comments below, or don’t, either way, just know I will be sharing thoughts and photos through this whole thing. I will talk to you soon my friends.
Stay safe wash your hands.
xo td
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Mr. Connor McDavid - The Dog
Connor’s family happens to be some of our best friends. They live too far away for my liking but when we get together we make up for time lost.
When we visit Connor McDavid not only does he put up with our (haven’t seen my best friends in forever) shenanigans.. but he also graciously obliges me shoving a camera in his face. Sometimes I think he even appreciates the fact there is a human rolling around on the floor with him.
Here are a few pictures made of this slobbery - big teddy bear - heart of gold, fur turd self.
❤️
