We take a break during this regularly scheduled thesis writing time to make an important announcement. About one month ago I was re-introduced to Instagram, one of the big 2012 website explosions. This website is a photo sharing site on which those who post retain the rights to their own photos (unlike Facebook and others sites), can use quick filters to alter shots, and look at other people's creative talents. I only have about 52 pictures up so far but I am finding a great place to post current pictures and past travel pictures that are sitting on my hard drive but deserve to be seen. Here is my Instagram feed: toniavoyage (pics also on the right hand side of this blog).
Like all social media there are tricks and tips on how to increase traffic to your pictures and connect with other photographers. By photographers, I mean people who actually take interesting shots with creative perspectives and interesting compositions, not people who take selfies (pictures of themselves) or food pics (just eat it, don't capture it every single day). So I have been connecting with people, making comments, learning what hashtags connect with the type of people I am trying to connect with, etc.
This week I received a nod from a magazine that I look at on a regular basis and have a goal to be published in some day, Canadian Geographic, one of the premier photo magazines in Canada. They liked the following picture that I took back in early December:
Art Books Architecture
The photo is a combination of a new art installation on campus near the University Centre, winter and architecture. In the foreground on the left, the art installation includes old brown and black books encased in decorative plexiglass or plastic, suspended in a larger decorative rectangular prism also made from plexiglass. The gold, dark yellow and brown leafing and designs set around the books and prism enhance the artwork's details and compliment the colours of the books. The middle ground leads the eye down a lightly snowed on path, lined with planter boxes and trees, until the eye extends into the background, the Administration building enveloped in a sunset, the most iconic structure on campus.
This small but significant nod made my week. Approximately 80 million photos are uploaded onto Instagram on a regular basis, and I was LIKED by Canadian Geographic. Go me!
Last year around this time, November 2011, I went to a conference and W. Brett Wilson was the keynote speaker. He told the story of his life, including the ruination of his relationships due to the amount of work he was completing while making millions of dollars (follow link to hear this story). While rebuilding his relationships he has told his family that he will answer their calls at anytime, and then his phone rings during his keynote speaker address. He answers it, tells his dad he is in the middle of a speech in front of 400 people, and that he will call back in ten minutes, then hangs up. I tell this story a lot as, in our society, we are still learning how to interact with people, electronics and social media in socially appropriate ways. Here is an example contrary to much of what I have established as socially acceptable, and yet Brett's decision to put his family first makes sense.
This evening I was asked to attend a fundraising concert at which my nephew was performing with his touring choir. I love seeing my nieces and nephews perform and gladly agreed. My father, sister, brother-in-law and I went to the dinner and concert and the performers were the most eclectic mix I have ever encountered. As it turned out, this was a philanthropic evening organized by Brett Wilson and his staff in order to raise money for the Calgary Veterans Food Bank. Here was this former Dragon's Den millionaire who had made his money in gas and oil doing more work in the community. As I looked around I saw a former mayor of Calgary, a few CBC reporters, a Calgary Stampeder (this person was pointed out to me), and several other faces I knew from around Calgary but could not name. This evening while listening to seven different artistic acts we raised $95,000 dollars, $20 of which was mine. I did not expect such professional and well connected musicians or audience members, instead I was anticipating a junior high school type performance. What a night! This is why I write a little, read and little and get up and live a lot. The living part is just so enjoyable and filled with surprises.
The performers are below with comments about my favourite parts of the evening. What a joyous night to be a part of and I did enjoy rubbing elbows everyone in attendance, and I will return next year.
Boys Choir
They performed several pieces written by Benjamin Britten a challenging composer who wrote in the UK around and after World War Two. They were delightful and Brett Wilson actually won a performance by the choir at another charity auction and used the performance he won to earn more money for even more charities. This is a smart man.
Brett Kissel Official website
He is a talented and young country singer who wrote a song in protest of the NHL lockout on behalf of fans, 'Hockey, Please Come Back'. Rumour has it, it is somewhat viral at this point. An interesting micx of songs with several poignant ones written for his grandparents.
Shane Koyczan
I had no idea who this man was but I have been exposed to modern forms of poetry, including poetry slams and the spoken word. He performed at the Vancouver Olympic opening ceremonies with 'We Are More' a tribute to Canada, and is working hard to spread the word about clinical depression and dealing with bullying. His love poems were equal parts hilarious, thoughtful and enchanting.
One of his funny and brief poems:
The Stellas Official Website
A group whose name I was familiar with but whom I had never heard. We were fortunate enough to hear both Brad and Marylynne and their two children, Lennon and Maisy, who recently made a video that went viral and earned them a spot on Good Morning America. As two duos they are incredibly musical, gentle performers and talented people. As a quartet, they sang a few lovely Christmas songs and brought others up on stage to share the spirit of the season.
Here is one of there most beautiful videos which Marylynne wrote after finding a book of love poems written back and forth from soldiers to loved ones back home during World War Two. A moving piece of work:
Also performing were Christian Laurian and his sister Malia Ashely Kerr. Lastly, we received an operatic performance by Sara Staples along with her accompanist, Nathaniel Schmidt.
Such a delightful night that surpassed my expectations.
This past October I took a chance to drive from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Jasper, Alberta....OK, I was headed to an academic conference and I couldn't afford to fly so 'took a chance' might be over stating a bit. I had to drive. While in the mountains I was reminded how much I love them and how lucky people are who live near them. When they were in my backyard I certainly did not take advantage of them as much as I should have.
During my drive I pulled over repeatedly for about two hours on the way home, taking pictures, feeling the peace and quiet, and watching the daylight play on the scenes before my eyes. Here are a few shots that I played with on my computer that remind me of the old postcards you can buy in tourists shops. Pictures such at these can also be seen on the walls in the old Canadian Pacific hotels as framed tributes to the historical past. These are new though, and mine.
My cousin is having a new stain glass window made with the colours, shapes, and textures from photographs that the family has taken on the family property on Shuswap Lake. I finally added some of my pictures to the medley. I hope they will prove helpful. It is one of my favourite places to take pictures and I shall continue to capture the natural, least altered beauty of one of my favourite places on earth. Enjoy!
The president's office at the University of Manitoba sent out an email notifying all campus members that he/they were looking for a photograph of any of the University's campuses that display a winter scene that can be used for the University's holiday card. Well, as you can tell from my blog, I really enjoy taking photographs and sharing them with others. I took the challenge and lucky for me over the past week, 42 centimetres of snow fell, which made for better snowy scenes.
On Tuesday of last week I went out at the golden hour of which there are two, sunrise and sunset. My night owl status definitely encourages me to lean towards the sunset side of the golden hour. Having scoped out the campus and noticing the sun set on the opposite side of the campus from where all the historic building are found, I ran about taking about 100 shots, only one set that I really liked. It is kind of spooky and holiday-ish as the same time.
I cropped it a little, I altered the colour as the sun had set by then and the shot was a glowing blue, but I decided to leave the balls of snow in the bottom right hand corner so that the observer who sees the details would notice that the background of the photograph is snow. A hint as to what I shot.
The second shot I was not really happy with and would have rather have sent in a picture I took last year at Assiniboine Park, but the request for photos was specific about campus shots. It is of a piece of artwork near the music building. The piece include holiday red and I do like the snow resting on the top of the graded coloured pillars but not stunning in any way in my opinion.
The last pictures is why the golden hour is so important to exploit, or use, or take advantage of. The University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus is nestled in a curve of the Red River, at which this picture was taken.
While I was taking this shot and several dozen others, I noticed that I am far more physically adventurous with a camera in my hand. I was meeting a friend of dinner on campus after I finished taking the shots so I was in jeans and healed winter boots. The shots were down a green, snowy stretch of land, then down a slope covered with forest floor dead branches, stumps and other debris. No matter. I had to get down there to see what kind of picture I could get from that perspective. Having taken many shots, I liked this one and enjoyed altering it a little, enhancing the colour, lightening some shadows, and cropping the tree stump out a bit. I am hoping this one, although a classic shot rather than a push the envelope shot, is definitely studied by the panel as they make the final selection.
I am not holding my breath. There is little on this campus that I have ever won, money, awards, or recognition even though I have poured my time, intelligence, heart and soul into my graduate work, but I shan't give up. Especially when photography is involved.
In the winter my brother-in-law sent me a link to a set of snake pits, called the Narcisse Snake Dens, that were not far out of Winnipeg and suggested I go. As the spring approached, I heard many references on the radio, from friends, as well as at other events that snake were beginning to wake up early this year and try to find a mate with whom to reproduce. Time for another Love Manitoba trip.
Only one of my Love Manitoba friends was able to make it to the snake dens but we still had a great time. As we approached the sight we saw small fences, and I am talking small fences, 10-12 inches high, along the highway. They were so short but meant for the wee snakes we were about to meet, so that they did not meet their death as squashed long meat on the highway.
We parked, gathered our few belonging and noticed that the first thing we forgot was a picnic. In the heat of a summery May and with tables available we could have brought a light snack or a lunch, which we were not aware as an option. Shrugging our shoulders and walking on, we noticed several boards pointing out what was in store for our visit.
There were four snake pits, all active, but with two containing the most number of snakes. The dirt path led us through and around short trees and bushes to the first deep snake pit. With a fence to ensure we would not jump in the pit, we saw the following wee snakes. I was expecting larger ones to be honest having grown up with the images of Indiana Jones falling into the snake pit with huge snakes, or attempting to get out of quicksand with a snake. Even so, there were A LOT of snakes!!!
Many bodies and tails. One wee head.
Snakes all piled on each other in a frenzy.
In view was a pit about 30 feet around with various levels of vegetation, rocks and small alcoves. In the midst of this natural setting small snakes piled one on top of the other. The movement of each pile was never-ending and a soon as a pile was created, is morphed into a smaller grouping until only 5-10 snakes were left, then another pile would build a short ways off. Quite amazing.
We watched the first den and moved on to the second, where the viewers were higher up on a rounded precipice with a fence looking 20 feet down and out about 60 feet out at another area full of vegetation, rocks, dark dirt, and snakes.
Snakes appeared to be dripping off the edge of the den.
They just kept on moving up, down, around, all over.
The occasional snake took a break and enjoyed some sun.
We were in luck at the second den as an interpretive guide appeared and my friend and I sequestered him for a while and rapid fired questions. He explained that this was mating season and there were far more male snakes than females, all with the biological need to mate. As it turns out there is one, ONE female at the bottom of each pile, and HUNDREDS of male snakes on top of her all vying for her attention as she picked a mate. We asked if she does get to pick and he said yes, that it is in her biological make-up to pick a mate each spring. He has seen piles as many as 150-200 snakes large. Imagine being the small wee female snake at the bottom of that pile!?! Wow! Animal behaviour. Quite amazing!
Our trusty park interpretative guide.
Where is the female? Who knows!
In the third den there was less activity and more individual and small groups of snakes just slithering about. The snakes had begun their mating early this year but some were sticking to their usual schedule.
Calm snakes in the sexual storm.
At the last snake pit I took the opportunity to hold a snake that had escaped its thin, small, shallow pit. With families about, kids holding touching and shrieking, and pets chasing snakes, this pit was active with humans and noise.
I really liked the yellow and bright orange stripes on the snakes. Funny enough, my nail polish that day matched.
Many years ago in the 1980's my two mature and extremely cool cousins came to visit and live with us in Belgium for one year. They flitted about Europe on various travels (while I was stuck going to grade 7, still kinda bitter) returning with trinkets and presents they had purchased themselves. Cousin Rebecca was obsessed with the recent trend of snake jewelry and purchased herself a snake necklace, earrings and bracelet. I wrapped the snake around my wrist and it stayed to hang out. I remembered the jewelry at this moment and took these few pictures for her. I wonder what ever happened to those pieces?
My snake skin/real bracelet
The bracelet begins to climb
If you are ever out this way in late April or early May, head to the Narcisse Snake Dens for fun with some little, wiggly creatures that will put a smile on your face. Remember, snakes aren't slimy they are slithery. Two very different things.
It is now my second winter in Le Peg (2012) and it is much warmer and more enjoyable than 2011. The Chinook's from the Rocky Mountains have somehow lasted all along the prairies and warned us over during past two weeks. (That statement is probably completely meteorologically incorrect and perhaps improbable but it sounds good to me.)
Hoar frost all over
This one appears to be covered during a windy day.
Last week, the weather would dip down just under freezing overnight, then rise up just at or barely above freezing during the day. This produced several days of gorgeous hoar frost on the trees. (The first time I heard that word, I though someone said whore frost. I could not believe that frost would be named after disenfranchised women/women making money for them selves. Turns out is was hoar. Sounds similar, but not.) Several days of this frost on the trees, bushes, plants and wooden structures must made the city a magnificent winter wonderland. I thought it would not get better, but then the fog moved in and the beauty doubled. So gorgeous!
Pavilion in Assiniboine Park
Under another tree, taking pictures of this tree.
Time to head out with my camera and see if I could capture a thing or two. Assiniboine Park was my destination of choice and I was able to capture several beautiful pics. I also sent a text to several friends in town encouraging them to head out and capture the delicious vision of a city. My friend Darren went to the Legislature and captured some photos now on Flikr. Several others went out but I have not seen their shots as of yet.
Crusty and lovely
Who love a weeping tree? Me!
I walked around the park, drove around the park (it is very large), and clicked away at everything that took my breathe away. While standing taking pictures of the Pavilion, I heard a rustling in the bushes. Twas a small family of deer looking for food in the bushes behind me. What luck! I turned, slowly perched on the bench nearby and snuck a picture of this deer behind the branches.
There was mutually observing and gazing for a time, then they moved on to a trodden path, then on behind several buildings. Before they got away, I slowly walked around the bushes, squatted and found the same deer unable to stop looking at me, as I was unable to stop looking at it.
Before I moved to Winnipeg I looked up some information about the city so that I could be more prepared, for what, I am not sure, but I figured more information was better than none. One of the first pieces of information I learned was that for its size (about 634,000 people) it is the coldest city in the world. Yep, you read that right. In the WORLD. I moved here anyway. Let's just say that the 'training' I received in Edmonton back in 1991, as my first real Canadian winter, was long and hard, but last winter, of 2011, was absurd. Six weeks of -25 to -45 degrees Celsius! So crazy! Not only that but my apartment overlooked a major intersection of two week used roads and a large parking lot. Every week a large dump truck and tractor with bucket would appear to scoop up the snow and release it outside the city limits. I could not believe winter actually existed like this. So much snow. So long cold. So very crazy.
The dump truck leaving its load at the University of Manitoba
Piles and piles of snow
There was so much snow that the snow ploughs did not head down the major city arteries one at a time. No. They convoyed down the street three and four at a time, gunning anything down it their wake, including snow, ice, and winter debris (like slow people running out of the way). Sadly, I did not have the courage to jump in front of this careening vehicles to take a picture so your imagination will have to do. Needless to say, it was quite a sight, especially at night.
I learned during this long winter that the sun is deceiving. It was out almost every day for six weeks, blazing brightly, making the snow sparkle on the sidewalk, but there was no warmth. Some cruel celestial being had turned off its heat and left its light as a taunting joke. Several times I left my apartment, ready to enjoy the hot, yellow, burning sun, only to have my eye lashes freeze my eyes together as I attempted to stumble out of the way of the snow ploughs. Thank goodness they have spinning lights that are stronger than emergency vehicles or I would have been thrust aside like a snow bank. I had to trudge on.
My bad holding up a Winnipeg size snow drift.
Around the first week of March, my parking neighbour who had learned that I had just moved from Calgary and missed Chinook winds, joked that Winnipeg was having a Chinook. It was -15 degrees Celsius. Sadly, it felt warm and delightful as with the windchill, it had been up to -50 for several nights in a row during February. How did my ancestors ever survive without down filled jackets, central heating and on occasion a hot toddy? I honour them and their will. They must have survived based on pure will, cuddling or hiding in the innards of their dead farm animals. Ok. I went too far. I survived and somehow many of them did, as I am here, still living in these crazy winters. We must all be crazy.
Off to buy garbage mittens as they are the warmest and fashion at -50? Ha! Only for fools. Give me the bright yellow and the tight wrist bands. At least I will match the sun.
