Flashback to 1985 … 

A 10 year old Kerri and her 12 year old sister, Tina, are hunched over their gettoblaster, anxiously waiting for ‘The Goonies R Good Enough’ (by Cyndi Lauper) to play on the radio. Tina’s fingers hover over both the play/record buttons, preparing to snap them down simultaneously, precisely after the DJ stops talking, but before the song begins.

Capturing a clean recording of our favourite song, on a cassette tape, from live radio! There was no bigger accomplishment for someone of my generation.

Flashforward to 2022 …

As the recently turned 47 year old Kerri (my birthday is today), I wonder what it would be like to talk to that girl, to let her know – 37 years down the road, there would be another version of herself, sitting in her own home, a mere kilometre away, with access to the entire world of media  – all songs, all movies, all videos – at her fingertips.

I could not only listen the ‘The Goonies ‘R Good Enough‘ right now, I could watch the movie it is based on, OR – virtually any other movie I have ever enjoyed or dreamed of seeing.

AND, let’s say I was worried the plot line of The Goonies might not be as engaging for my 47 year old self as it was for my 10 year old self, I could wander on down to the local Cannabis Store (!!???) and find something to enhance the experience.

AND, let’s say I wanted a Slurpee and various gummies from 7-11, to further enhance the experience, I could order both in seconds, and they would arrive on my doorstep in minutes.

There are so many more ANDS! If feel like my 10 year old self would find it difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend how ‘easy’ and ‘accessible’ everything seems to be these days.

More on this below, but for now – it is my birthday today, and I am celebrating the beginning of my 47th year by publishing a display of my top ten wildlife encounters of 2021. Following the format of last year’s post, I’ve decided to allow the images to speak for themselves.

Pssst.. I’m curious if any of these animals speak to you in some way?  If so, I would love to hear your thoughts – please comment below. 

#10

Juvenile Sora

Frank Lake – July 2021

#9

American Coot

Emerald Lake – March 2021

#8

Alberta Birds of Prey

SE Alberta – August 2021

Golden Eagle

Juvenile Ferruginous Hawk

#7

Calliope Hummingbird

Weasealhead, Calgary – May 2021

#6

Wet Grizzly Bear

Kananaskis – June 2021

#5

Long-tailed Weasel

Lethbridge – April 2021

#4

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Calgary – March 2021

#3 

Wolf

Kananaskis – June 2021

#2

Grizzly Bear 142 and Cub

Banff – May 2021

#1

Great Grey Owl Family

Alberta Foothills – May 2021

Celebrating the Goodness of Now

Our world today terrifies me at times, particularly when it comes to technology-based automation and the digital evolution of communications/media. Our dependence on digital tools, and access to seemingly unlimited virtual experiences, makes me wonder:

Are we getting lazy? Are we becoming disconnected from reality? Are meaningful, face to face relationships a thing of the past?

Not to mention the extreme toxicity and divisiveness which seem to dominate social media and online discourse in general.

Then I remember…

There is so much power in this multi-dimensional, interconnected, beautifully complex medium of the world wide web.

The digital landscape is so much more than propaganda, mindless entertainment, toxic discourse and disconnection.

So. Much. More.

KerriMartinPhotography.com – is another aspect of today that I feel would shock my 10 year old self. For close to nine years, I have been examining the nuances of my encounters with wild animals in the form of this gallery-based website and blog.

I love being able to look back at my photos and read my stories, relishing in the rhythm of nature and the interconnectedness of life. This digital entity is the primary means in which I have been able to practice and share my art.

My experiences observing, photographing and being in the presence of wild animals have transformed how I view the world. I understand the power of aligning with the energy and essence of animals.

Overwhelming appreciation for the goodness of now, in all forms – digital, physical and everything in between – is the basis of my newest artistic endeavour.   

A new web entity will emerge in the coming months, and will eventually culminate into a ‘real life’ deck of Animal Wisdom Cards.

I believe there is an abundance of creative and connective potential online, but engaging with our natural world has never been more important.

Featuring a marriage of my photos and insights, these cards will encourage a deeper connection, highlighting the mystical qualities and unique characteristics of a variety of wild animals.

I can’t wait to get into more specifics in future blog posts – if you are currently not subscribed, please sign up using the form below.

And stay tuned for official news about the creation and launch of my Animal Wisdom Cards.

Until next time, continue loving life an everything wild. 🙂

P.S. – did any of the above photos speak to you in some way? If so, please comment below.