Category Archives: Photography

Photography by Deborah Robinson

Another Spring, A Slower Pace

Another Spring, A Slower Pace

Yet another spring, but not quite like anything I have ever known before. The breath of anticipation, watching the movement from afar.  Another birthday in isolation. How quickly the time goes, even while confined. My priority has been my mental hygiene. Although I enjoy my alone time, and solitude which is necessary for creating, I also need a balance. I miss connecting.

The slower pace has been welcome though. The world is changing rapidly, more evident, as we view it from our own private spaces. Another pandemic was inevitable, and overdue, and we were unprepared. Human nature revealed once more as another spring emerges. Greenery & blossoms & feral bunnies, bobcats and lots of birds are part of my new landscape. I am a five-minute walk from the river.

On the Move

I had to move recently. It was difficult because it was not by choice,  but by gentrification.  Characteristics of the artist life, I have been the last to live in many a fine antiquated property. So, not a first for me, yet this was a very big change. Imperfections became apparent after moving in, so, I am seeking a way to make this place feel like home. More modern than what I am used to, it is a work in progress. I am still not fully unpacked. The kitchen is nice, the bathtub, a disappointment. It is not only more narrow, but a bit shorter. Someday I will have a soaker tub.

Adjusting to a new neighbourhood, looking for the pulse, I am in Erlton now. I am almost downtown, as this is one of the most inner city residential neighbourhoods. Downtown is where I started my journey in this city precisely twenty-five years ago. May 26, 1996, I arrived here after a twelve-year stint in the Arctic, preceded by my life in Vancouver.

New Creative Life

I need to get it to the point where I can indulge in my creative work once more. I have a lot of artwork, it was a lot to move. Check out my galleries, and let me know if anything interests you. This pandemic has given me a chance to reset my focus, and explore what is and isn’t working in my life. Also, I have been paring down, allowing what is important to remain. I donated a truckload of items, and now that I am in the new place, I am letting of more things. Stuff that was once for comfort becomes a burden.

Nature is healing

Perhaps too much introspection becomes ridiculous. So I went out into nature which always rejuvenates me. Nature is healing and inspires me and is definitely not optional. But I confess, I have been lazy and doing the absolute minimum. Sleep rejuvenates me too. I have needed time for healing. The longer I stay inside, the harder it is to go out, even for things I enjoy. I was able to take a few photos, which always cheers me up. My new camera lens allows me to capture some special moments in nature, and it gets me out walking.

For the Birds

My affinity for nature and birds is evident in the pictures I took, mostly for the birds this time. Here is a yellow-headed blackbird. I have seen a lot of these this year. Previous to this,  I had only ever seen red-winged blackbirds. And there is an abundance of these yellow-headed blackbirds this year.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
An American Avocet, which is a premier sighting for me. There are a variety of species at Frank Lake, depending on when you go. Happy to have a camera again to capture these.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
These black-necked stilts are also new to me.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
Of course the pelicans are always a welcome sight to see, along with their faithful companions the cormorants. As I drove in to Wyndam-Carseland Provincial Park, I saw the white forms, like sculptures on the still water, barely believable. I arrived during their inactive time.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
The water looks crisp, fresh and inviting.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
Pelican coming in for a landing.
Another Spring, A Slower Pace
Pelican in flight. I love the reflection of this one. It happened so fast, I wasn’t sure if I had gotten the shot at first, and was pleasantly surprised.
Pelican in Flight with Reflection

Sauntering Through Life

Our existence on this planet is finite. My pace is slowed, it took me decades to find a slower pace. Now I am faced with younger beings impatient with my casual affair with time. Another spring, a slower pace, but starting again in a new way. I am aware I have a lot of work to do to fulfill my promise to myself and I will be shown the way. My circle has narrowed. Like pruning a tree, I am redefining & refining my life, so I can come back healthy and strong. As we come into this world alone, so shall we go out. A line from a song, which I am composing; “We are the wing of spirit on the wind.”

 

Photography

Photography

The first thing I ever bought with my allowance was a brownie box camera for one dollar & five cents. Fascination with photography has remained with me. I travel everywhere with my camera. Taking pictures is a way for me to get out walking and to free my soul in nature. I have been taking photographs long before digital technology.

Why I love it

Taking photographs really trains the eye and helps one to inherently know what is the difference between a good photo and a bad one, as it relates to composition, lighting and more. I have used it as a composition tool for my painting. I have thousands of photos, and this is merely a small selection of a few of my favourites.

See more of my photos on I am on Flickr

More info

All the photos on this site were taken by me &  are copyright, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Permission is required to use in any way.  Prints can be purchased by request. Check my Shop for Photo Prints

Writing

Writing; Writer for Hire

business —content—seocreative essayfiction non-fictionmarginalia—poetry


Currently, I develop content for websites. I enjoy researching to help place you as an expert in your field. Please hire me to write for your business and help create your content. In the early days, I designed text ads. If you need assistance, get in touch. 

Writing for search engine optimization will make you visible in the search results. I am accustomed to writing for marketing. My broad scope of interests and research skills allow me to write on several topics.

Topics I specialize in, but am not limited to, are health, environmental, green technology, job search, organizational psychology, real estate, construction, building, renovations, design, creative process, philosophy and lifestyle. I can write extensively on business, art, music and the beauty industry as I have the technical knowledge and experience.

I do freelance work by contract and for marketing and small businesses. Professional content samples of my work are available upon request.

Only a little creative writing here so far, I know. In the meantime, you can visit my blog here. I’m on Medium too!

Storytelling and writing have always been intricate parts of my life. Those who know me can attest to me knowing a million stories. I kept journals even as a child and always enjoyed making up stories and poetry. I took some writing courses at the university, creative and novel-writing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, I completed the songwriting course through Berklee online. Written projects are in progress. I will post things here when they become available. I would like to release a book of short stories soon.

Blogging was something I never imagined myself doing, yet once I started, it became addictive. As a blogger since 2005, I have always written. It became a valuable tool for sharing my creative projects and interests, and a way to set goals for myself. Let me help you achieve your goals too.