​

The land and what it has to offer holds the connection to all things that matter to me. As I age, the stronger that feeling gets. The need to wander, capture in the memory bank and share, is deep seeded. The land and what it had to offer is where our heritage began. 

I have my favourites destinations that give me a tranquil inner peace. They let me know I have 'come home' so to speak. They are not all within close proximity of where I live, but that makes them all the more precious when the opportunity to visit is gifted to me. ​

Our trek takes us past the Elephant Bone Yard. So named by the imagination of young minds that discovered bleached bones of a long demised bovine strewn hither and yon by coyotes that call this place home. ​

A place of grounding. A place of finding. A place of appreciation.  A place of connection. This place?

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​​

Imagine a jar, a spoon, a sleeve of crackers and a locked door. Any locked door as long as you can escape with the other items in hand to partake in some solitude. A place you can enjoy eating crackers heaped with Mom’s Yellow Bean Relish without interruption. ​

Now is the time to head for the garden or local Farmer’s Market to get your supply of fresh beans.

Life does carry on if we remove ourselves from the day going on around us. All those things that are a jumbled mass of “I must do this, I have to do that” become less daunting after spending some time in a place that gives us pleasure. 

Taking time is what it’s all about. Recognize and revel in its gift. ​

Everyone has a go to zone. Where’s yours?

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​​​​

Thanks to technology glitches and fixes, we can now share the the pictures from A Gathering.

Prints of these pictures are available in our Silver Valley Collection; and, DAKATAMA Gallery offers additional prints and giftware.

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​​​

A perfect evening for a pot luck at one of my favourite locations. It might seem odd for some to set up the event in and around the barn, but the whole idea of the get together was to enjoy the food, company, activities and maybe a little networking.  

Since our host for the AWBA evening was Silver Valley Ranch; and, we would spend some time interacting with the Tribe and participating in a drum circle, I couldn’t imagine a better place to be than outside in the summer sunshine.

It’s funny how your attention goes to things you are comfortable with. For me, it was the gaze from across the yard from the mare. Yes, Thee Mare came to the gate, made eye contact with me and invited me to visit with her. It was not something I take for granted and was certainly something that made my evening. 

Soon we were in a rousing session of community drumming lead by Renee Warenka of Airdrie Drums. A new experience for me. It was easy to be drawn into the rhythm of the drums beating around me. Relaxing and exhilarating melded as one.

And then there was the eye catching sky that kept me glancing to the West. The drums continued to sooth and I continued to watch the sky. Possible storm warnings had been issued early in the day, but this was something different. A combination of sun streams, clouds and sunset thwarting off the thunderheads. All making for a spectacular end to the day.  

It was a night of coming together. The old adage of great food, great conversation and great people, made it so. 

And yes, I did get pictures of the sky. This is only a sampling of the palette that was presented over the next hour, until the moon said, “Enough already, for one day.”

How many of you share your knowledge at no cost to the recipient?  Have you ever had a conversation with someone only to find out you words encouraged them to embark on a project they may not have ever entertained?

Conversation makes for interesting results. And, listening will fill your basket. From early morning outings, to dinner in a crowded restaurant, be thankful to have the opportunity to have seeds planted in your mind for future use. Often you will be unaware that they have been sown as there may be no signs of growth for days, weeks and even months. They rest, and slowly the dormant seeds germinate. All thanks to others who have planted them in your mind. 

Sharing our thoughts and ideas will nurture the growth of some interesting theories. Be it a business plan, a plot for a book, or plans for a surprise party. 

Networking opportunities come to us in many ways. It’s important to allow our brain to get past the “What’s in it for me?” and focus on the benefit of gathering and sowing seeds. ​

It takes time and patience to bring dreams to fruition. In the end, the information you share with others and store from them, just might be the start of your own harvest.

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​​

It's the time of the gardening season when the tomatoes are showing off their colour.  In some instances, the harvest can reap bushels of of this fruit that need to be dealt with before the frost starts to make an appearance. So we pick them green and spend the next few months checking on their transition to red. 

One of our all time favourite recipes to look after the abundance of green tomatoes is Mincemeat. It stores well and is ready to use when the urge takes you to make pies and tarts. 

 In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and salt.

Combine tomatoes and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Stir often. Boil gently for 30 minutes. Drain. 

Add apple, suet, raisins, currants, mixed peel, and both sugars.  Bring to a boil. Boil gently until thick ~ about 2 hours. Stir frequently.

Stir in pieces and vinegar. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to blend the spices evenly  throughout the mixture. 

Pour into prepared jars. Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.