Ann Edall-Robson Author, Photographer, Lover of Life "Capturing moments others may never get to experience.” to edit. | Be the first to get all our latest news and updates. |
Water sputters across roof tops from garden sprinklers. Taps open wide. Smoke bellows over the ridge. Flames crowning tree pushed by the fire’s own weather system. Retreat choices are gone. The argument to stay, to fight for my livelihood, my life, lost. I hear the helicopter coming to extract me from this hell I didn’t ask for. Tears splash through grime on my face and I wipe my nose on my sleeve, not giving a damn who sees the raw emotion. Sniffing, I take one last look, before the chopper dips, retreating towards the other end of the valley. The summer of 2017 saw wildfires descend upon the land Steve once knew as home. This picture, taken by his daughter Kate, does not begin to show the devastation that ensued. They had moved their stock and did what they could before having to leave. They were able to leave by road. As the fire progressed, flames became visible along the top of this ridge above their place, taking bites out of some stands of trees. Thanks to the dedication of the fire crews and the wind shifting, they did not have any loss. Using some of their experiences, I have taken liberties with their story to create my fictional story. May 2, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about extraction. What is being extracted and from where? Is it an idea? How does genre change the perspective (sci-fi versus romance)? Go where the prompt leads! #AnnEdallRobson #FromWhereICome #99Words #FlashFiction #farmerslife #ranchtradition #ranchlife #wildfire #lovefortheland #fightingforyoulivlihood #fireweathersystem #thankafarmer #thankarancher #storiesofthepast #thewindshift #CapturingMomentsOthersMayNeverGetToExperience #CozyMysteries #cookbooks #PromptWriting #WesternHeritage #TheOldWays #RanchCulture #BeginningToEnd #RuralLiving #WhoaBackUpStop #AnnEdallRobsonPhotography
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Flying is the answer for getting to a destination in the least number of wasted hours. Carving days off from vehicle travel and being able to use those days to enjoy and give time to what is important. Stowing hand-luggage, a.k.a. my camera equipment, could be a challenge. The logistics argument always prevails. Stow the camera in its bag, on the floor, under the seat in front of me, or tuck it under my arm, out of sight. My need, actually my want, to have a camera where I can use it at a moment’s notice usually means the latter wins out. I never tire of the opportunity to capture the landscape while air born. Prairie patchwork scenes to mountain peaks. Wildfires, sunrises, fall colours, and reflections on water. And let’s not forget the Montana sunsets from above the clouds.
April 25, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “up and away.” You can imagine a story from the photo of hot air balloons, a flying superhero, a natural wonder, or any other direction your inspiration goes. Go where the prompt leads! #AnnEdallRobson #FromWhereICome #99Words #FlashFiction #farmerslife #ranchtradition #ranchlife #upandaway #montanasunset #enjoytheflight #thankafarmer #thankarancher #storiesofthepast #hidinginplainsight #travelphoto #CapturingMomentsOthersMayNeverGetToExperience #CozyMysteries #cookbooks #PromptWriting #WesternHeritage #TheOldWays #RanchCulture #BeginningToEnd #RuralLiving #WhoaBackUpStop #AnnEdallRobsonPhotography
Does it stop at the meadow’s edge, or the tree line along the ridge? Perhaps it’s where the horizon vanishes at day’s end, or at that point a slit of light starts a new day. Always welcome, this view from atop the hill, the home to the joyous sightings and sounds that the land brings. The evocative, earthy, smells segues into the connection of magical glimpses of all that graze this corridor, and dance on wings through the clouds. Resonating with the memories of those who rest here. Consummated by a never-ending love of life and the land. This is my destination. For years I have left our friends’ home before dawn to watch the daybreak emerge over the ridge. A photographer’s dream and the perfect outdoor office writing location. The gravel crunching under the tires and the rumble of the wheels crossing the cattle guard is all that rides shotgun. As it gets close to sunrise, parked on the hill with windows down, there are other morning sounds that filter in. Hawks screeching overhead, cows calling to calves, Canada geese and ducks chatting while they glide through the waters in the slough. All too quickly, it’s time to return to the sounds of people, and the smell of breakfast cooking. Something else, besides the sun rising and the sounds of cattle, birds, and writing has been added to my trips to the hill. Now, I am going to visit the one who is resting here among the grass, wild flowers, and open range. Watching over the valley and all that come this way. With every step I take, I am gifted with a feeling of quiet strength, inspiration, and love. Never alone as I wander.
April 18, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about never ending. You can hyphenate never-ending or write an example of a story that never ends. What is endless and why? Go where the prompt leads! #AnnEdallRobson #FromWhereICome #99Words #FlashFiction #farmerslife #ranchtradition #ranchlife #neverendinglove #lovefortheland #manofthehouse #thankafarmer #thankarancher #storiesofthepast #restingplace #CapturingMomentsOthersMayNeverGetToExperience #CozyMysteries #cookbooks #PromptWriting #WesternHeritage #TheOldWays #RanchCulture #BeginningToEnd #RuralLiving #WhoaBackUpStop #AnnEdallRobsonPhotography
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