Uploads from PrairieEyes, tagged northernalberta

Each One Different

nobody@flickr.com (PrairieEyes) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:15:00 -0800

A favourite album this time of year is George Winston's "Winter." While caught up in the bliss of the historical Ukrainian church in Redwater, AB with gigantic snowflakes falling past my lens, the clarity and detail of every note was unmistakable. How pristine the sight, and how perfect my recollection of these fine piano melodies.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKZpjoKqkGc

“Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.”

*Please view LARGE for best snowy detail
**Textures courtesy of various sources
***Always___Thank You for your generous visits and comments

Big Times in a smaLL Cafe

nobody@flickr.com (PrairieEyes) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:02:53 -0800

PrairieEyes posted a photo:

Big times in a smaLL Cafe

I've been looking for this neon sign for a long time, a definitive marker that embodies Alberta, without the big city fanfare. Little did I know it's been hiding in the small town of Westlock all this time, I just needed to cover some territory (I was on holidays).

Our prairies are 90% space, glued together by cities and smaller communities. Without intention I always look for the nostalgic Cafe's, where friendly folks meet and everyone likely knows your favourite television programs. If I'm fortunate enough, a home prepared meal and coffee/tea is still piping. The character is unmistakable, every conversation that happened in the past resonates right through your soul.

Curious enough, a few onlookers asked why I was photographing this ragged neon sign. I mentioned I fix em' up in my mind, polish the memories, and light up the past. Besides, those Walmart signs never change, and I hardly warm up to the problematic fast food.

"You can fool just about anyone, but the easiest one to fool is yourself." (Richard Feynman)

Cardiff Cup

nobody@flickr.com (PrairieEyes) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:16:47 -0800

PrairieEyes posted a photo:

"When the artist is alive in any person... he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature." (Robert Henri, 1865-1929)

While Southern Alberta is currently dried out (snow free) from warmer chinook winds, further North the prairie landscape features crisp white blankets of crystalline snow. Well aged wood constructed remnants stand in stark relief no matter the direction you'd glance, no GPS necessary. It's a winter photographers motherlode.

It's a crisp and cold morning near Cardiff (North of Edmonton), the cleared entrances to farmyard gravel drives feature freshly plower tractor marks, the crunchy snow beneath Goodyear tires a merry sound.

The welcoming wagon hound dogs with frosty whiskers great me with barks, howls, and appreciative tails wagging. I'm a complete Southern stranger. If I hang around long enough, the owner might offer a cup of coffee/tea, some history and conversation, and I have miles to cover capturing this breathtaking landscape.

Such is the risk you balance exploring, connecting with agricultural specialists, and enjoying a morning coffee with hearty winter people.

*Please view LARGE for best rural Alberta detail
**Textures courtesy of various sources on Flickr
**Thank You for your generous support, visits, comments, and favourites

I Know Your Secrets

nobody@flickr.com (PrairieEyes) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:10:49 -0700

PrairieEyes posted a photo:

Textures courtesy of pareeerica, cleanzor, skeletal mess.

*Please View LARGE for maximum rural effect.

We'll Leave our Tracks Untraceable

nobody@flickr.com (PrairieEyes) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:18:53 -0700

PrairieEyes posted a photo:

Textures courtesy of cleanzor, pareeerica and skeletal mess.

*View LARGE for maximum rural effect!