Photographing The Chill

Well it’s fourty below and a don’t give a f#ck… That’s right, 40 below with the windchill folks, once again. It could be worse, It could be -40 before the windchill. These are the small blessings us Saskatchewanians are actually thankful for in mid-January here on the prairies. Sad isn’t it?

Early morning downtown Saskatoon-  20th street 

It’s 7 days past Christmas, plenty of time to come to terms with the fact its all over and get back to the reality of the daily grind. It’s also fly day for Ma & Pa. I am driving them to the airport at 7:30am so they can catch a flight back to Parksville B.C. Where they now live. Sask. born and raised, even they threw in the towel when it comes to dealing with our cold prairie winters.  

Hard to believe Christmas has come and gone. The house will be empty once again. Quiet, lonely, void of all family. But I am not going straight home after I deliver these precious packages to the airport, I’m going to photograph the chill. Who’s brilliant idea was this you ask? Oh ya, mine. 

This city of Saskatoon is beautiful. It really is, even in the cold, I promise. And the weather is not always frigid. I promise this to. This engaging and divine city is just the right size, and oh so friendly!  Yes yes, in the winter it does have it's moments of sub-thermal. And some days not just cold, but fucking cold. I don’t like it, not one bit.

But the other seasons in this place are stunningly beautiful, colourful and inspiring. Summer is most definitely my favourite.  It’s warm, sometimes too damn hot believe it or not..  The anticipation of those muggy summer days, and late night barbecue suppers on the deck. Forests of green, barefoot on a beach, green and yellow rolling fields stretching as far as the eye can see, all the way out to where land meets the sky.  Fiery sunsets, oppressing humid heat, and dark thunderous looming skies. That eerie quiet calm before the summer storm. And oh the camping, with those lazy summers nights around a lake front campfire. 

 So you see, this my friends, is what keeps us going through the inevitable onslaught of blistering cold. Trust me, its worth it. Most days anyway.

So stay warm fellow Canadians for the ice will melt, and buds will soon bloom, a sure sign of a joyous and much anticipated reprieve from this frigid hell. Just kidding. Hell is hot. 

P.S. Miraculously enough no fingers or toes were lost during this frigid shoot.

Brrrr
TD

Harold E.

Hey there,  I want you all to meet Harold Empey. Local Saskatonian, retired Federated Co-op Executive, and recipient of the 2011 Cornerstone of the Community Award. I had the pleasure of meeting Harold again for the second time a few weeks back for some portrait shots to help promote Harold and all his tireless time and efforts he pours into the Saskatoon community.  

Harold is also an advocate and promoter for the Just in Case binder. Supplied through the Saskatoon Community Foundation. This binder is a priceless guide through finding and collecting the information that your executor and loved ones might need Just in Case. Many of us leave our loved ones with too little information. The Just in Case Binder and Seminars help to create an open dialogue about your wishes and work to educate people on the things that will need to be completed once you are gone. 

This sweet warm soul always puts a smile on my face. He's a great story teller,  you can't not want to sit and visit for a while. My first time meeting Harold was at one of his Just In Case binder presentations. He is an excellent presenter, and pleasure to listen to, even though the subject isn't all that uplifting.. I have to say many thanks to my Financial planning wiz Tammy Richmond at Soterra Financial Group for the much needed, and appreciated invite to that event! 

Harold you are such a bright light. Thank you for all that you do. 

Adele + Mel

Well I do have to share some pictures from this heart warming evening a few weeks back.  It was more than a pleasure to have the opportunity in documenting a once in a lifetime milestone for these gems. They are genuinely sweet people and adorable to each other.

Married fifty years these two. FIF-TY. Yes folks the big 5 - 0 -  And as I watched their family celebrate them that evening, it was apparent, and rightfully so, that their commitment to family and each other is so cherished, and respected. 

Word has it that these two love birds both like to "cut a rug." And on weekends, maybe some weekdays to - if there's a dance within 50 miles they'll find it!  
Pretty sure this is how they both still fit into their wedding day threads.

Their children & one photo bombing grandson

Below - a gorgeous cake created by their daughter in-law. Some beautiful decorations, and a lifetime of togetherness memorabilia are displayed throughout the room.  

Family and friends put on one heartfelt tribute to a fun and inspirational couple.  

Cheers to you Adele + Mel, here's to many more!

Becca

This is Becca. She isn’t superwoman, but like most women juggling life, mommy-hood, and a career, she comes pretty damn close most days. 

Fashion on the street project threads compliments of Tryst Boutique

 Those shoes though..

This is her family. Two gorgeous and brilliant littles - a defiant and mischievous party poodle named Peter Parker, and her superhero sidekick, A.K.A husband Nathan.

I’m writing about her today because she’s fun - she’s fabulous - and because I can. The other night we consumed a bottle of wine and a bucket of bacon. For real.  And this bit of information confirms she has her priorities straight. 
Becca’s technical work title is National Director of Education with Surface Hair. This territorial term "national" covers Canada and 48 U.S.states. Wow! Surface is a professional hair care and styling product, manufacturer, that respects personal health and the earth. A brilliant vegan & chemical free option for professional stylists, and their clients. Owned and operated by the Grund family, right here in Saskatoon. Pretty impressive hey? But thats a whole other story of awesomeness. 

Becca & Nathan 

Nathan is the Vice President of operations for Surface. To say this family is busy, is a bit of an understatement! Theres the usual day to day grind, a lot of travelling, and a fair bit of juggling going on.. But with the support of family and each other they do a pretty damn great job. High five to you both for always putting family first. 

I was more than grateful for the privilege of snapping a few family photos for them awhile back. I love photographing people, its one of my favourite things. And sharing a few priceless family moments with this glorious crew, made for a pretty sweet afternoon. After all isn't that what life is about? Those simple moments that seem like nothing, but mean everything.

Makes me think back to the days of my little boys; Nostalgic sigh, and I digress.  Did I mention they handed me a glass of wine and fed me afterwards? Thats right folks, it pays to butter up the photog. Even if I am already partial to ya ;) 

Forever grateful to Becca for being my muse for this fashion photo shoot. Big thanks to Tryst Boutique in Saskatoon for the beautiful threads, & triple hive five to Flow Magazine for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to the spring fashion article!

Hugs & Cheers

 - TD

Dirt Rich

Don't know 'bout you, but I'd hire'em

 I had the opportunity early summer to do some promotional photos and the album cover shoot for The Dirt Rich Band. This talented group of guys are loosely based out of Lloyd AB. and surrounding area.. but made the trek to Saskatoon for shoot day.  I'm telling ya' It was a kick ass afternoon with this crew! They're fun, easy going, and didn't hesitate to 'bring it' for the camera ;) 

Its crazy to imagine but these guys juggle full time day jobs, families, and gigs most weekends. Its an endless circuit of bars, weddings and outdated halls. Late night/early morning tear downs ’till 3am,  broken down trucks and vans;  All nighters travelling down dark and anonymous backroad grids, just to get home - get up - and do it all over again the next night. Its a strong testament to their tenacious dedication, to the group, and where they want to be.  

Their commitment and skill has led The Dirt Rich band to a recording studio with any spare time, and cash they can come by. Your daily FYI: When you pay to download music from independent artists, you are feeding a starving musician and their family.

Check out their second release Your Song available on Apple Music, Google play, Spotify, and most other music streaming sites. It’s a definite fav!

Big thanks to O’Shea's Irish Pub for letting us invade their space! Lunch, and bar shots, pictures that is.. (Ok ok, we might have had one or two)

These back alleys in downtown saskatoon are the best for kicking in some gritty character! 

And their off 

Later guys- Looking forward to the next venture

The 50'ith

Well Ma & Pa’s 50th wedding anniversary has just passed. There was a small gathering with some close family and friends. Some last minute rushing and planning. Some lack of organization, communication, and at times assistance; Marinated in a good dose of anxiety, all neatly wrapped up in a large loaded soft tortilla of love, appreciation, and nostalgia.  I’m hungry can you tell? 
All in all I escaped unscathed with most of my sanity and pride in tact.

Ah, this funny guy can still make her laugh

Adorable 

 
My parents are pretty great. First of all I thank the lord, my lucky stars, and a few angels every day for still having the both of them around. They are fun and full of life and I can’t imagine not being able to share all the good stuff with them. 

Vacation selfies out on the ocean low tide, Parksvillle British Columbia 

Dennis and Val were high school sweethearts. Cool hey? (Is it still cool to say cool?)  And the fact that they are still together probably makes them eligible for some kind of “defying all the odds” certificate of merit. 

Grad 1964/65

what a good lookin' pair 

They are fantastic role models and I admire their commitment to family, and each other.  

The stories these hands could tell..

 
This celebration of defying all odds A.K.A 50th wedding anniversary, was held here in Saskatchewan. Both of my parents were born and raised right here, but in recent years have migrated to a little community in B.C.  With the distance they needed to travel, and their presence somewhat required.. this party could not, and was not, a surprise.  

Campers at heart, I arranged the weekend at a small regional park/campground in a little hall on the golf course out there. We gathered, we camped, we ate, and we drank… Its the way we roll here with summer in the Sask.  
Some very close friends of ma & pa's travelled all the way from Iowa and surprised the hell out of them. Of course I knew they were going to be making the cross country trek, but the utter shock and joy of this little surprise for them was one of my favourite parts. The smiles and laughter lasted the whole night, I'd have to say, it was worth every minute of fuss.

So here is a kick ass moment alert! My dad is a musician, and he doesn't go far without his guitar. - Hey, that rhymed - So no surprise, he took stage and started jamming with old band buddy Gerald. Old referring to the band.. and not those two crazy coconuts ;) It would not have been the same with out them busting out their talents. 

Both my boys and Holly (my daughter in law to be;) were there - As most parents with grown kids can attest too it’s not very often the whole clan is together in one place. Big heart sigh! 
Aunts, Uncles, cherished old friends, and even some of the original bridal party, all came to help party the day away.

On a side note, that end of the night shit got real as nephew Jayce broke out the clothes pins. Despite what you see here, I assure you - No children were harmed in the clean up of this hall... 

Saluti
TD 

Dennis + Val, sittin' in a tree, K-i-s-s-i-n-g

Farm House

Some of the coolest little adventures come from exploring the mundane and everyday. So when my husband suggested taking a little detour on our way home to Saskatoon, for my own selfish reasons, I was all for it- its the photographer in me.

Front door was open

We were straying off the beaten path to visit the house he lived in as a small boy; An old abandoned farm house in the middle of the prairies? Hell ya.  

Green grassy prairies in July 

Sask. born and raised, I’m no stranger to old farm yards and the abandoned dwellings that scatter our countryside. The prairies are full of them. But this would have some sentimental value and memories. For Brad, because this is where he spent part of his childhood. And for me, reminiscing about the adventures in exploring old abandoned farmhouses as a young girl with my dad. 
This dreary rainy day complimented perfectly the lonely emptiness of this deserted house quietly awaiting our intrusion.  Pulling into the abandoned yard Brad maneuvered the truck through the bumpy overgrown field, grass as tall as my waist. 

The old farm house

Getting inside was somewhat treacherous! I'm going to admit the flip flops and camera dangling from my neck were not conducive to the task.  If ever there was a Kodak moment this was it. God bless a patient husband..  There was a slanted plank propped from ground to the door threshold, that was slippery as hell from all the rain, front entry steps long gone.We strategically assisted one another, (insert husband rolling eyes here) in scaling the slippery slope up into the dilapidated front entrance.

The stairs

Some Old technology left behind. 

Cracked, peeling, and in need of love. If these walls could talk.

Ceilings caving in, and bird droppings piled high throughout. Broken windows and peeling wall paper. This place couldn't be more perfect, in all its dilapidated splendour.

The pink room- I'm no interior decorator but that curtain might be a little small..

Remnants of a growing family, an old growth chart still penciled on the inside wall of the upstairs bedroom closet. 

Brad - He's so proud

Growth chart penciled inside the upstairs closet

 I’m having a bit of a small love affair with the windows in this place. 

Room with a view - One of the upstairs bedrooms 

Another room with a view of the surrounding Canola fields

My partner in crime decided our time was up and so we hit the road.  I really do love Saskatchewan in the summer time!   

Backroads & rain drops 

Happy trails to  you... until, we meet, again-

life of lib

For those of you whom have never had the pleasure of a pet that became a special part of your life and family, your missing out. Not that a person can’t live a fulfilling and glorious life without one. .   Just sayin'

Lib chillaxin on the beach 

And If you are not one of those "pet people" you may be momentarily annoyed with my sappy recount of this most gentle an adorable furry soul. The thought might even cross your mind that I am certified cray cray, with a splash of neurotic, I’m no where near rich enough to be eccentric. 

But oh, this loss is real.  The unconditional love we received and years of great memories are something our family wouldn’t have given up for one second.  Seriously just look at that face!

Lib waiting for popcorn to fall out of my mouth , she never has to wait long.

Let me help you get to know our furry family member of 11 years. Her name was Libby, and she was a true lady. Lib always laid with her front paws crossed, And although medium sized and oddly shaped; She was a gentle, pretty little thing, and despite her too short for her body sized legs, she was a lethal hunter of rodents.  Truly a women of her time. Gentle, sweet, quiet, slightly tenacious and dead lethal when she chose to be-  If you know what I mean.

Gopher hunter - No rodent stood a chance 

This common dainty pose she was so famous for 

Lib loved to rest or sleep with her head propped up against the wall or baseboard; Weird.. I know. You see when Liberty first came into our home as a foster, the kennel she arrived with was too small. When kennelled, she would lay with her head propped up against the grated Kennel door, and I wondered if maybe this position became comforting in a strange familiar way? Comfy maybe, but it sure looked awkward as hell.

The armpit depth wade in 

Libby was very modest, and disliked having her picture taken. She would promptly look away from cellphone or cameras. She loved the water but would only venture in up to her underarms. Past that would cause her to float and therefore lose her footing, causing extreme panic, and for her to exit the water immediately. Better safe than sorry I always say. 

She always kept her younger sister Ayva in line. And if the younger newer addition to the fur family ever wandered out of site, or became to rambunctious with another dog at the park, Lib would surely give her a good talking too, with her burly bark, and a stern nipping at the heels. Which could be a challenge because she could ever really catch “like lighting” Ayva. This may have pissed the old girl off more than anything,  but on occasion Ayva would graciously let her catch up and take the discipline.

Lib & Ayva on the river trail

Libby never wandered off and would stay by your side. A rare thing to have a pooch you don’t have to leash.

And that girl, loved her fresh veg!  She would devour lettuce, and left no potato plant unturned.  This year I decided no potato plants, for obvious reasons.  Without missing a beat she moved onto my cucumbers. Needless to say the pickle supply took a big hit this year.

In the summer after every feeding Lib would head straight out to the crab apple tree in our backyard. No apple hitting the ground was spared her crab apple hunting prowess. And because the wasps like them too, she learned quickly how to nudge and listen, ear to the ground for those nasty little things hiding inside her favourite treat.  If safe to do so she would pick that apple up, trot back to the house and chow down. It was like her very own self serve dessert bar. 

She loved popcorn and hated loud noises, yelling, and thunder. There were many sleepless nights consoling her gentle sole during years of our prairie summer thunder storms.

Have a feeling I'm being watched..

Hiding under my desk during a thunderstorm

Our home will not be the same without her. I miss her. And if there is a doggy heaven she is surely there. Head propped up against the front pearly gates, keeping an eye on things. 
Sleep well baby girl until we meet again - xo 

Libby Stewart  RIP Sept. 2003 - Oct. 28th 2015