Photography by Lisa

2013 Saskatchewan Calendars

2012-01-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Watch for the line up of the 2013 Saskatchewan Calendars coming up for a preview shortly!

Another GREAT line up of Calendars

2013 Saskatchewan Classics

Saskatchewan's Bridges in Black n White

Saskatchewan's Inspirational Living Skies

Birds of Saskatchewan - another great calendar by well-known SK Photographer Wayne Shiels

The above photos are samples of what the photos will be like in the 2013 calendars. A full line-up of each calendar will be coming shortly! I know you're going to love them! :)

Brenda & Medel Engagement Pics

2012-01-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

R & A Family Pics

2012-01-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

2012 Saskatchewan Calendars Flyer

2011-01-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

So here you have it! :-)

The lineup of the 2012 Saskatchewan Calendars!

2012 Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes are photos that have been taken around our great province. As I've been driving around going places, my camera is often with me, ready to take a shot at something that catches my eye. Kids often say, "We're stopping again mom??" :-)

2012 Saskatchewan Hidden Treasures are photos that I've taken over the years when we've driven down those back roads, looking for deer or grouse to hunt. My boys like to hunt every now and then and then I like to go along and hunt so I can "shoot" things with my camera. :-) Not all these are taken on back roads though....some are right along a major highway as well. Can you recognize any of the photos from driving along one of Saskatchewan's 'major' highways?

2012 Saskatchewan Inspirational Women of Praise is definitely one that is close to my heart. I've always been involved in Women's Ministries in my church and have had many wonderful women come across my life over the years. Many women have inspired me and so I've wanted to create this calendar for quite some time to share the hearts of women. Hope you enjoy this inspirational one.

2012 Saskatchewan Wildlife is a special one this year. Mr. Wayne Shiels was my elementary school teacher and has been a photographer for many years. He's taught me many things and has always been such an encouragement to me in my photography. It is such an honor to invite him to share some of his favorite wildlife photos in this special 2012 calendar. Camp Kadesh is a camp ministry for all ages, it's up at Christopher Lake, SK, and it's been very dear to my heart and also to Wayne's. It seems only fitting that a percentage of the sales of this calendar be donated to Camp Kadesh. I know you're going to love this addition to the 2012 lineup this year with the wildlife photos from Wayne.

If you'd like to order any of these calendars, please contact me at lisaspics@sasktel.net

2012 Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes

2011-01-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

The great country scenes of this wonderful province give us many incredible opportunities to take photos. I love the barns, the wagon wheels, the horses and all the fences....and then there’s the quaint cottages one comes across. Oh to imagine the life that in some ways seem much more simple. But at the same time, they had their challenges in those older days too. I hope this calendar brings you many more good memories of some days gone by, but also of the days here and now. I thank God for this gift He’s given me to bless you with another fantastic Prairie Scenes Calendar. God bless you all!

If you'd like to order this calendar, please email lisaspics@sasktel.net

Cover - near Shell Lake, SK

I love the rolling hills of the prairies. While driving up to Shell Lake, there are many of them and I never get tired of that sight. Between Saskatoon and Regina, the prairies are very flat....but driving through those rolling hills between Blaine Lake and Shell Lake, the beauty is incredible in all seasons.

January - near Warman, SK

The most favorite part of winter for me are the frosty days. When the frost comes out, the beauty of God's creation in the winter months shine forth and make winter all the much more bearable. :)

February - near Osler, SK

The water levels have been high these past couple of years and it's gotten very close to some of the homes and farms in the area. But it also makes for some beautiful shots like this one.

March - Warman, SK

There's not that many places I can get to where the train tracks curve but there is one place in Warman where you can catch shots quite nicely. I love the skies in this one. :)

April - Christopher Lake, SK

When you're driving around in the countryside, it's so fun to come across little cottages and ranches. I love the quaint scene of this place. Reminds me of days gone by.

May - Elk Ridge, SK

We had the joy of attending a wedding one weekend in May. The rains came for a while but didn't deter the wedding photos that were taken outside. We were very blessed with this rainbow that came out and reflected in the pond.

June - Blaine Lake, SK

Take a drive through Blaine Lake and you'll see this quaint little cottage on one of the yards in the town. It's a cute little town with some great murals on some of the buildings downtown. I'm not sure how old this cottage is, but it's sure held up well. Reminds me of the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretal. :)

July - Shell Lake, SK

Driving around Saskatchewan, you will often see horses roaming in the fields. I will never tire of seeing these sights. So peaceful and gives you such an at home feeling.

August - Saskatoon, SK

I had the pleasure of taking wedding photos at The Willows in Saskatoon. Off to the side of their parking lot, they have this beautiful red barn that one can have weddings and other celebrations in. It's a beautiful setting. I love the wagon wheels. :)

September - near Iroquois Lake, SK

More roaming hills and round bales....love it. And out by Iroquois Lake, it's not just the flat prairies either...it's hilly and lots of trees and lakes in the area. A beautiful place.

October - near Shell Lake, SK

Whenever I come across driveways with the trees stretching overhead, I can't help myself but to stop and take a picture. I love the angle of this one...thought I'd try something different and it turned out really well. Autumn is especially beautiful with all the colored leaves.

November - near Martensville, SK

If you know anything about Saskatchewan, you know that we have some GREAT fans of the SK Roughriders football team. This family has enjoyed displaying their support of this sports team on the backside of their barn facing the highway behind them. What great fans they are supporting a local team!

December - Memorial Lake Regional Park, SK

SK has many parks and they're all beautiful! I just love the angle of this photo with the shadows of the trees coming through towards me. The sun just glistens off the rolling hills of the field in the distance. Early morning or late afternoon are great times to take photos...lighting is great at these times! :)

2012 SK Hidden Treasures

2011-01-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

The past couple of years, I’ve added a black and white calendar as well as a SK Classics calendar. Many have loved them and as I pondered how I could create a black and white “classics” calendar, I thought what better way to do this than to have photos of backyard junkies. So many rural places in Saskatchewan have pretty old vehicles out in their pastures or in the back bush. You come across them on almost every back road you take. Over the years, I’ve collected numerous photos of these great unique bush finds. So here they are to be shared with you in this unique Hidden Treasures black and white calendar. I hope you enjoy it and that it brings back memories of those old cars and trucks your parents or you yourselves drove. J

If you'd like to order these calendars, please email lisaspics@sasktel.net

Cover - near Petrofka Bridge, SK

January - near Warman, SK

February - near Warman, SK

March - near Flaxcombe, SK

April - near Waldheim, SK

May - near Prince Albert, SK

June - Gabriel Dumont Bridge, SK

July - near Dalmeny, SK

August - near Canwood, SK

September - near Petrofka Bridge, SK

October - near Glenbush, SK

November - Warman, SK

December - near Shell Lake, SK

2012 SK Inspirational "Women of Praise"

2011-01-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

For many years I’ve been involved with Women’s Ministries in my church. I’ve always had a heart for women and studying God’s Word together. One of my favourite pastimes, aside from spending time with my wonderful hubby and family, is leading ladies Bible studies in my community and in my church. Deepening my relationship with God and learning and growing through life, together with other women who are passionate for God, is something I love to do. I’ve been inspired by many wonderful women that have come through my life. Life wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have those dear woman friends to laugh with, to cry, encourage, give a hug or pray with. I want to honor these women, many dear friends and family, by sharing these inspiring photos and scriptures with you. So many of these scriptures are the cry of a woman’s/wife’s/mother’s heart. I thank God for each and every one of you.

If you'd like to order these calendars, please contact lisaspics@sasktel.net

Cover - Emma Lake, SK

God has blessed me with sisters! Yes, I have 4 sisters by blood whom I love, but God has also blessed me with many sisters of the heart! I could not walk this journey if I had to walk it alone. How many times have I enjoyed the company of women friends to laugh with and cry with, to be angry with and to be absolutely silly with, and to experience the joy of the Lord with! I am so incredibly thankful for each and every woman that God has brought across my path in life. I have learned so much from each one, they've all taught me so much! I thank God for you sisters....I thank God for you and I love each and every one of you! Life would definitely not have been the same without you. That is why I created this calendar....to remind myself, and others, of the huge blessing that women are!

January - Warman, SK

I've had some dear single mothers who've come into my life over the years and how I love them so. Being a single mom is not an easy job. Being married and raising children brings great joy but it is not as easy task. I can't imagine doing that task alone on a daily basis. I applaud those mothers who sacrifice so much to be the best mom they can be while walking alone down that parenting road. May God be ever so near and dear to you and bless you for your love and sacrifice you give to your children. As you direct them on the right paths of life, God will honor you and hold you up dear ones. Rely on His Strength daily and He WILL give you rest.

February - Saskatoon, SK

Oh sweet teenage girls, you are never alone when God is by your side. He's ALWAYS there ready to help in times of trouble. You CAN rely on Him to carry you through the rough turbulent teenage years as you grow and mature into womanhood.
But my heart cried out in pain and heartache when I realized the vast number of young girls that are caught in the slavery of teenage prostitution, drugs and alcohol...hundreds of them, even in my own city close to me. What hope do they have? Who is there for them? Where is their mother to tuck them in at night and hug them when they're hurting?? I weep as I write this. It is in this time that I can only cry out to God, who sees all - to in some way, hold them close and give them hope and a future, to send someone into their path to comfort them and to provide a way out for them. I know He WILL hear my hearts cry for them. He weeps over the evil of it all too! And someday this world will be rescued of all evil!

March - Saskatoon, SK

I've been truly blessed and surrounded by women who love the Lord with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their mind. I have come to know such women with being involved with Women's Journey of Faith www.wjof.com. Each of them that I have worked together with on the WJOF team have lived godly qualities that are a great example for me to look up to. No they are not always perfect, just as I am not always perfect...but they also know that living every day is a gift from God and their hearts desire is to please and honor Him. They also know that our God is a God of love and forgiveness and He uses all our imperfections to mold us into becoming better each day, rather than bitter through our life's experiences. It is in HIM that we are strong when we are at our weakest points. "God takes our mess and turns it into a message. He takes our pain and turns it into His gain." - Joyce Meyers

April - Saskatoon, SK

Can you imagine how different life would be, how different relationships would be if everyone were an example of love? Just think about the words, read them slowly....love is patient, kind, not jealous boastful proud or rude, doesn't demand it's own way, isn't irritable, keeps no record of wrongs. WOW! What an incredible relationship! But I think I can truly say that I've come across some amazing marriages that have exemplified this to it's best degree that is humanly possible. I want to be around those couple all the time! What beauty that just exudes from them and spreads all around! Now THAT is contagious! How I hope to be a model of that in my life...........but oh I got a long way to go! But I am so thankful that My God is ever so patient with me, and never gives up on me. He's not finished with me yet...and neither is He with you. :)

May - Saskatoon, SK

Yes it is my greatest desire of my whole being to be closer to My God, My Lord Jesus Christ and to spend ALL of my days of eternity with Him in Heaven. Each day my heart yearns for more and more of HIS Presence and less and less of the meaningless things of this world that will not last. We go empty to the grave, the same as when we came empty into this world. The only thing that will last is what we have built on with our own personal relationship with God.

June - Emma Lake, SK

As I watch the younger generation through the eyes of my 3 teenagers, I am blessed when I see relationships being molded together through the love of God. I am so thankful for the godly role models that are surrounding my children. When I see friends being examples of love, faith and purity....oh it just blesses a mother's heart so! I have been so thankful for the many friendships that I've grown up with, and now many our kids are growing up together AND learning to love the Lord together through their studies, through their daily lives and youth and mission activities. This verse has always struck a deep cord within my soul because I am the youngest in my family, and I am also a few years younger than my husband. Leading ladies Bible studies over the years, I have often walked alongside older/wiser women, and I have often been humbled being the youngest one in the group. Lately I have not always been the youngest though as I am at the age where I am surrounded by older/wiser women and younger women at the same time. This verse is in the back of my mind many a time....to strive to be an example to those around me, regardless of the age. And when I see my kids or their friends being an example to those around them, oh how it warms my heart and I praise the LORD for it. :)

July - near Prince Albert, SK

There have been many many times that I have been honored to share in the special wedding day by taking the photos to capture the memories of a beautiful union. Each couple has been so dear to my heart and I have often remembered them in my prayers. I don't forget any of them. To see them years later flourishing in their relationship with each other brings a huge smile to my face. Each bride is always so beautifully dressed for her husband, heart fluttering with sweet love and desiring to walk perfectly down that aisle looking adoringly at the man she has given her heart to. Oh that sweet sweet love! :) Each wedding also reminds me of how we as believers, as Christians, are the bride of Christ and how God is preparing a Holy New Jerusalem, a Heavenly Paradise, for all His chosen ones. A place where there will be no more tears, or pain or hatred or sickness and death. What a place that will be! How GREAT that day will be when the LORD comes for His bride, the church - his people. I can't wait!

August - Memorial Lake, SK

My life has been so incredibly blessed through many relationships that I've developed over time with beautiful native first nations women and girls. They are such a beautiful people and many of the ones that have come into my life have an incredible love for God. I have so much to learn from them! This family in particular, has been especially dear to my heart. I've had the honor of taking some family photos as well as wedding photos for some of them. There's often things that I don't understand about other cultures but I do know that God created each and every one of us! Most every mother has that God-given love for their children, to love, care and nurture them. When I see the tenderness in a mother's eyes, that she has for her children, so often it reminds me of the love and care that our Heavenly Father has for us. As human parents, we are not always perfect and we make mistakes in raising our kids, but God is always there as our Heavenly Father. He knows where each of us are at and He desires a relationship with each and every one of us.

September - Emma Lake, SK

Emma Lake is one of our favorite places to spend some time with family and friends. This dear couple has spent many a day with us at this cottage on the lake. Our families have grown up together and we enjoy each other's company. I'm inspired by their love for God, for each other, by how their family chooses to put God first in their lives and how they each desire to follow the LORD. This wife is an incredible example of a virtuous and capable wife enriching her husband's life on a daily basis. Thank you to the many couples that have enriched our lives through your friendships and through your relationship with each other.

October - Saskatoon, SK

I had the privilege of taking family photos for this family one Fall day. All of their family was included in this photo session and I was inspired and encouraged by how close they all were. The parents were so proud of all of their kids and grandkids. It was so beautiful to see the love between the older father and mother and I could just tell they were leaving their children a great legacy of love and joy and relationship. This particular family above was active with 3 young boys with many days to come of laughter and hugs! :) They were a beautiful family and the mom definitely struck me as a virtuous and capable woman.

November - Memorial Lake Regional Park, SK

I have been so blessed over the years with wonderful friendships of godly women who've set such an example of love, joy, and true beauty of the heart! Spending time with these special friendships up at the lake have been absolutely delightful! Taking walks together, sitting around the campfire eating spitz and having wonderful conversations, enjoying the beach and the water activities.....all of it just builds together for such great memories! The relationships with those that love God so deeply have truly enriched my life forever!

December - north of Saskatoon, SK

When I have the privilege of taking photos of young couples who've just become engaged, it warms my heart so much seeing the love for each other shining in their eyes. I often pray for them. I pray that the photos I take will be a blessing in their lives. But to me these photos are also a sign of standing on the threshold of their whole life and where will they be 50 years from now. Will they still be together? My prayer is always that they will. Do they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and will it grow and mature over the years? I always pray that it will, that they would allow God to lead them and that they would desire God to be involved in their lives on a daily basis. It is only with God that we can truly have a most fulfilling life. We don't need to be anxious about the future, or about anything for that matter, when we've given God the reins of our life and allow Him to reign throughout our lifetime.

2012 Saskatchewan Wildlife Calendar by Wayne Shiels

2011-01-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

I am SOOO excited to introduce this very special SK Wildlife Calendar to you that portrays the great photography of my good friend Wayne Shiels. Wayne was my Grade 6 teacher many years ago at Warman Elementary School and years later when we moved back to Warman in 2001, I came across a SK calendar with a couple of his photos in it. I couldn’t believe that thee SK photographer Wayne Shiels, and my teacher Mr. Shiels, were one and the same. Mr. Shiels has been a photographer mentor to me, encouraging me in nurturing my photography skills and sharing my photographs with others. When the dream of having my photos in calendars came true in 2007, and then creating 2 of my own calendars for 2008, Mr. Shiels was one of the 1^st persons I showed the finished product to. In this 5 year Celebration of creating SK Calendars, inviting Mr. Shiels to create a SK Wildlife calendar as part of the 2012 package, is truly an honor. In this way I would like to pay tribute to the incredible photography that God has gifted him with. J “I really appreciate the opportunity Lisa has given me to be a part of this outstanding line of SK Calendars. Growing up on a farm in SK, I developed a love for nature. It is a beautiful world that God has created and I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures of wildlife. Lisa has been an inspiration to me and we both share an incredible passion for God, His Creation and His Love for us all, and of course photography J ...as well as a passion for Camp Kadesh.” Camp Kadesh at Christopher Lake, SK is a great family ministry that is so dear to my heart, as well as to Wayne’s heart. A percentage of the sales of this Wildlife Calendar will be donated to the camp in recognition of the incredible passion they have of sharing God’s love with kids, both young & old....even seniors. We trust this calendar will be a blessing to you!

Lisa Braun......and Wayne Shiels :-)

If you'd like to order these calendars, please contact me at lisaspics@sasktel.net

Cover - Codette Lake, SK

January - Warman, SK

February - Weirdale, SK

March - Saskatoon, SK

April - Christopher Lake, SK

May - Saskatoon, SK

June - Prince Albert National Park, SK

July - Prince Albert National Park, SK

August - Prince Albert National Park, SK

September - Saskatoon, SK

October - Waskesiu Lake, SK

November - Danielson Provincial Park, SK

December - Pike Lake Provincial Park, SK

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF SASKATCHEWAN CALENDARS

2011-01-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF CALENDARS!
2007 was the 1st year my photos appeared in a SK Calendar. Thank you God for sending Page One Printing along to request 6 of my photos to be featured in their 2007 SK Calendar, together with other great SK photographers.
For 2008 I had 2 SK calendars created, SK Prairie Scenes & SK Inspirational, that featured my photography in addition to the SK Calendars that Page One had created as well featuring numerous SK photographers.
2009 was the same, with 2 SK Calendars featuring my photographs, SK Prairie Scenes and SK Inspirational plus a 3rd calendar with other SK photographers in the Page One Calendar.
2010 brought a printing move to Saskatoon Fastprint as well as a 3rd addition to my calendars: SK Classics featuring classic SK vehicles, SK Prairie Scenes in Black and White, and a very special Inspirational featuring photos from the Holy Land.
2011 then featured 100% SK Calendars with a SK Classics calendar featuring both cars and trucks; a SK Inspirational Churches of Saskatchewan calendar in Black and White; and also the traditional Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes calendar.
WOW! What a great 5 years~~
It has been an exciting 5 years of bringing you calendars to enjoy each day of the year.
I am VERY excited for the 2012 line of Saskatchewan Calendars!! In 2008, it was such an honor to have photos in a calendar together with my Grade 6 teacher, my friend, and photo mentor, and very gifted SK Photographer - Mr. Wayne Shiels. From the time I was young, I had always dreamed of having photographs in calendars and I couldn't believe it when this dream came true. Then to have photos in the same calendar as such a great photographer, wow, that was amazing! I am excited to tell you I'd like to honor my friend Wayne's photography by inviting him to add a calendar to the 2012 calendars.
So now for 2012, I am pleased to present to you 4 authentic Saskatchewan Calendars:

These will be the 4 amazing calendars for 2012 and photos of each individual calendar will be following shortly. They will be available to order by February 2011. See you soon!

Appreciation for Saskatchewan Calendars

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"Lisa your calendars look wonderful - they are awesome! Everyone loved the calendars - got the most comments from the guys about the car calendar!" - Rolna Pranke from ReMax in Yorkton, SK

"I attended a Christian Counselling dessert theatre and they had some calendars featuring your photography. Awesome to see your calendars and wonderful talent being used for fundraisers." - E.P. from Saskatoon, SK

"Last year I was able to purchase your calendars through a group in Caronport who used your calendars as a fundraiser to go on a missions trip to Bolivia. I would love to purchase more calendars again this year. I love them so much and I want to give them to all my family for Christmas." - S. B. - from Caronport, SK

"Lisa, we recently received from the Checkered Flag in Martensville the 2010 Saskatchewan Classics calendar that you put together. I am very impressed and thrilled to see a calendar strutting local beauties. My husband and I car buffs and can appreciate the work that it takes to get these cars into “calendar ready”. Thanks for putting this calendar together. It’s a keeper!" -Vicky Giesbrecht, Martensville, SK

"You did a beautiful job on the SK Classics Calendar....it's great to see Saskatchewan cars on it for a change." - Evan Davis, Service Mgr. at Naber Ford in Shellbrook, SK and member of the Klassic Kruizers Kar Klub in Prince Albert, SK

"Took a look at your website...very well done with the calendars! Blessings to you!" - Bryan Conrad from Ebenezer Baptist Church, Saskatoon, SK

"Very impressive calendars, Lisa! Hope all goes really well for you! I wish you great success!"

- Carolyn Bergen from Bergen & Associates in Winnipeg, MB

"Lisa, I found your calendars through Google Earth...cool! Also, we are getting many compliments on the Calendars we bought from you; they are a high quality, classy product!" - Martin

"Beautiful photos Lisa!....awesome pics....I love your perspective and your journalling on each photo...so beautiful and I love the verses your chose on the Inspirational Calendar!" - comments from various Facebook friends. :-)

"Very nice calendars, very happy with the quality - they are very attractive. Customers were very happy with the appearance and the finish of the calendars." - Rick Casavant, Sales Mgr. at Warman Homes in Warman, SK

"Everyone enjoyed the pictures and the scripture verses. Job well done!" - Ed at Golding Service in Borden, SK

“The Saskatchewan scenes combined with uplifting Scripture verses serve as a source of inspiration for each person who received the calendar. Christian Counselling Services utilized these calendars to raise funds for people in our community in need of counselling and support. What a beautiful way to invite people to reach out and support those in need of hope, healing, and peace in our very own community!” - Bee Jay Carter, Executive Director at Christian Counselling Services in Saskatoon, SK

"I find these calendars to be a work of art - not JUST a calendar. Everybody loves to hang these in their homes and businesses." - Ted at Theodore's Bakery in Martensville, SK

"Calendars are very demanding - people always ask for them - strangers are asking for them too because they are local. I am very pleased with the product." - Grant Lehmann at Shell Lake Service in Shell Lake, SK

"People were appreciative of these calendars and loved the photography and the design. They really liked the Inspirational verses on the photos in the Inspirational calendar." - Jerry at Abe's Signs in Saskatoon, SK

"Very pleased with the calendar - it was a positive calendar that represented our province very well. The Inspirational message on each month was meaningful and added to the whole package." - Jim at Logan's Bigway Foods in Christopher Lake, SK

"Very beautiful - pictures were fantastic! Scriptures went well with the photos. One lady commented that she never hangs up a calendar in her kitchen - but this one she did because she loved the photos and the scriptures so much!" - Jodi at Prairie Christian Academy in Saskatoon, SK

"Very good calendar - everyone likes the local photos and the quality." - Brian at Blaine Lake General Store in Blaine Lake, SK

"Awesome!! Nice to see local SK pictures!" - Spencer at Bramshott Spirits in Leask, SK

"Local photos from the province have been greatly appreciated. Good quality photos and great composition. People love the local scenic pictures. Being local - all the better!" - Gerald at Dalmeny Funeral Home in Dalmeny, SK

"The clients are pleased to see the local pictures - that's what interests them the most - local pictures and photographer." - Richard at Kessler Agencies in Warman, SK

"Everything good - service is good - personal touch is excellent. Lots of people asking for them because of the local SK scenes. No complaints whatsoever." - Annette at Westbank Welding in Marcelin, SK

"Beautiful pictures - very nice calendar. Will order again and again." - Marc at Dalmeny Accounting in Dalmeny, SK

"Thank you for the calendars. The pictures were awesome. They have been a great marketing tool for us as they were snapped up very quickly. I will definitely order them again, only this time I will get more. Thanks again." - John at Vern's Pizza in Martensville, SK

"We are very pleased with the wonderful photos and appropriate scripture on the 2009 inspirational calendars. We'll be ordering double for 2010." - Ernie at Hoeppner's Insurance in Blaine Lake, SK

"The photos are beautiful and everyone loved the calendars!" - Kristina at Zak's Building Supplies and Contracting in Hague, SK

“Turning the page of each calendar month with scriptures and beautiful scenery is truly a gift. There is so much in creation that is inspirational to begin with and then adding the Word of God to it reiterates the artist behind it all, the author and perfector of our faith- Jesus Christ. Thanks Lisa for using your creativity for practical everyday use!” - Jodi Kozan Founder/Director of Women’s Journey of Faith in Saskatoon

"Calendars/pictures are fantastic! People love opening up the calendar and recognizing local pictures." - Darwin at OK Tire & Auto Service in Warman, SK

"We have been ordering Lisa's calendars for several years. Our clients are thrilled to have pictures that are symbolic of the prairies. They are especially appreciated by the clients that now reside out of province." - Linda at McGregor Financial Inc. in Saskatoon, SK

"We've really appreciated the Inspirational Calendars with the original SK photos. People that have received them from Teen Challenge have really appreciated them as well. Brad Wall and members of the SK Party have been given the calendars and have really liked them. Thank you so much! They are an inspiration to many with such a message of hope." - Drew Byers from Teen Challenge in Saskatoon, SK

"I'm a painter but haven't had the time or the desire to paint for a number of years. I was given one of your calendars from the Saskatoon Christian School and have absolutely loved it. The photos and the verses have inspired me to pick up my paintbrush and begin painting again. Praise God!" - Laura in Saskatoon, SK

"I've loved how you captured photographs of animals in the moment - you gotta be there at the right time to get those photos. Great calendars!" - Lanette Voth in Vanscoy, SK - SK Barrel Racer and Independent Consultant with Arbonne International

"I am writing to tell you that I really enjoy your calendar. It is awesome to see Saskatchewan highlighted in this way. There is no place on earth that can rival Saskatchewan for it's seasons, views and photo opportunities. Thanks be to God! Keep up the good work!" - from a letter I received in the mail

2011 Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes

2010-02-10T11:19:00.001-08:00

Well, here you have it....the 2011 Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes calendar filled with photos from our beautiful province. Orders for these calendars are being taken until June 18, 2010. If you'd like to order any of these calendars, please contact me at lisaspics@sasktel.net

Cover photo - Chamberlain, SK
In every town you drive through in Saskatchewan, you will notice a Canadian flag and a Saskatchewan flag flying together through the air. :-) A very typical sight you see and it won't matter which town you're in...the flags are hung and waving at you in the breeze. I hadn't actually noticed this part of SK until just this past summer. It's one of those things you just take for granted I think and don't really think about it too much. While my hubby and I were driving through Chamberlain this past summer on a windy day, I looked up and saw the beautiful white puffy clouds and these two flags flying together. It took a few shots to get them waving nearly perfectly at me so that I could see their full colors. This was as close as I got....after about 25 tries. :-)

January - Memorial Lake, SK
Oh, this beautiful mamma was watching me through the trees one lovely winter day while I was at Memorial Lake. When I drove up, I had spooked her out of her winter bed in the trees and she just stood there and watched as I snapped a few shots of her beauty. Don't you just love her?

February - Rosthern, SK
Grain elevators in our communities are becoming a thing of the past...they're being torn down in so many places already. This one in Rosthern is still standing and is still being used. I loved the sky this day as the sun was setting.

March - Borden Bridge, SK
What memories I have of coming to this place fishing or picnicing with my parents and siblings. Dad loved to go for a drive and go fishing down by the river. This place used to have a lovely little campground and picnic area. The bridge is no longer being used but I love how they've kept it here so we can walk along it and still take photos. A two lane bridge now stands on the other side of it. During any season, the riverbanks and the bridges are always a breathtaking scene to take in....anytime you come up over the hill and see the riverbank, I love it. :-)

April - Saskatoon, SK
Another bridge beauty to behold. Saskatoon is indeed the city of bridges. The new waterfront walkway they have along the riverbank here is wonderful and a great place to go for family bikerides, runs, or walks with your pets. The Victoria Bridge is the oldest in this city and is very picturesque. The river was so calm and it was a gorgeous sunset on the river this night...very peaceful.

May - near Hafford, SK
I've always wanted to get a photo of a hawk on a fencepost and here I got one. :-) This beauty was "posting" and watchin the fields for small rodents to pick up.....now that would've been a great shot! One day I'll get one of those shots too. It's hard to capture a hawk on a post though because as soon as you stop your vehicle, they fly away and they're gone. I'm thankful to have been able to get this shot.

June - Mistawasis First Nations, SK
Driving through a couple of First Nations Reserves this past summer and capturing a few photos of the churches and this old schoolhouse beside an old cemetary. I can just picture the kids in this one room schoolhouse, running around with their lunchboxes and playing on the wooden seesaws and swings. :-) I love how the windows have been painted with the green lines and the fencelines just add that special touch to the photo. :-)

July - Emma Lake, SK
At this lake, it is just the perfect spot for sunset photos. I love how the docks and boats give more definition and character to the "old sunset" pictures. Definitely one of my favorite peaceful places to be.

August - Chamberlain, SK
Ok, I know this is a dandelion....but there's beauty in it. :-) Dandelions are very much a part of Saskatchewan...and so is combining. I just love the character of this "beautiful flower" with the combine and tractor equipment in the background. It's a different type of shot.

September - near Martens Lake, SK
On one of our numerous drives past this place, I had my mom along. My dad just passed away this past June and he was my mom's one and only love. So, I took her here and had her stand in this field with the house in the background. She loves yellow too so it was a perfect shot. It's a good memory for me. No, she's not in this picture -it's not a trick shot :-) but now that I've shared the story with you, I'm sure you can picture a dear little old lady standing to the left of the house surrounded by yellow thinkin of her one love here on earth. :-)

October - near Flaxcombe, SK
Came across this place on a drive back from Calgary this past winter. I loved the character of the old car together with the wagon wheels by the fenceline. Thought it made a great fall photo.

November - near Warman, SK
This barn brings back good memories for many great folks. I love the contrast of the red against the white of the light front. It was a foggy day when I took this photograph but sometimes those can be the best pictures. We didn't have too much snow yet so I was able to drive onto the field and walk closer to get a better shot. Now we have more snow so I'd probably get stuck. :-)

December - near Blaine Lake, SK
I love these big trees that stand alone in the fields...I've had a few of them in the calendars already but they each have such character on their own. When I look at this photo, my eye wants to follow the road on the right and also the fenceline on the left. We pass this tree many a time when we're driving out towards Blaine Lake. I just love how the sun peaks through the clouds and casts such a haze all over the clouds. Beautiful!

Well I hope you've enjoyed this journey through the 2011 Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes. I'm already looking forward to the printed copy of them. :-)

2011 Inspirational - Churches of Saskatchewan

2010-02-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends, following are the photographs and stories of the 2011 Inspirational Churches of Saskatchewan Calendar. These calendars are available for sale from now until June 18, 2010. They will be printed in summer and distributed in September/October of 2010. If you'd like to purchase the calendars personally or for your business, you may email me at lisaspics@sasktel.net I hope you enjoy the scenes and the stories. Hope to hear from you soon.

near Krydor, SK - cover photo
I've always wanted to put together a SK churches calendar and here it is. :-)
The above photo was taken along the highway between Blaine Lake and Krydor but I was using my long lens as it was quite a long ways off. In the distance somewhere is Redberry Lake. I just love those little churches in the country...reminds me of an old hymn my parents loved so much "There's a church in the valley by the wildwood, no lovlier place in the dell..no spot is so dear to my childhood than the little brown church in the dell." Something like that - I can't remember all the words. :-)

Vanscoy, SK - January photo
One weekend we drove out to Outlook for a basketball tournament with our son. The morning came and we had to leave bright and early and Oh MY! The frost was just so beautiful so of course I had to grab my camera and leave a littler earlier to make a few extra pit stops. :-) My family didn't even mind this time cause they knew I was praying for a frosty morning so that I could go snap some great church shots.,,,and God answered my prayer. :-) The sun wasn't shining but that was ok..it still makes for such a great photo.
Cudworth, SK - February photo
We had been out for another basketball tournament with our son and came across this lovely church in the town of Cudworth. One of the great opportunities of living in a small town and having your kids involved in sports, you get to travel to other small towns and communities around SK. Along with seeing all these great communities, you also have great chances to capture memories and photographs of God's creation. I love taking photos of churches and I love the distinction of all the different church buildings. Oh, and the crosses, they're so beautiful! And each one can be so unique in itself as well. I love the craftmanship of these churches.

Chamberlain, SK - March photo
My hubby and I were out for a drive to Chamberlain to go trade his car for another car. Of course I grabbed my camera knowing that I'd have an opportunity to take some shots of whatever God put in my path. While we were in Chamberlain, I walked around the little village while the guys talked prices about the cars. I came across this old church near the ridge by the valley at the edge of town. The clouds were just perfect at the time and I fell in love with the steeples. It didn't look like the church was being used anymore and that always makes me sad but it sure didn't stop me from taking a few photos. :-)

Borden, SK - April photo
One day I had to head out to Borden for a photo shoot for the Living Light newspaper. It was a nice day and after the shoot, I drove around town looking for the church. I instantly loved this small church nestled in the trees with the simple cross on top of the steeple and also another cross on the front of the peaked roof. As I was taking photos of the church, I prayed for the families in this town as it wasn't that long ago that a van full of young Borden basketball players were in a fatal accident - they were on their way to play a game against the team that my son plays on and the game was at our school. I had come across the accident right after it happened, I was on my way to the school to pick up my son. My heart just cried out "why her Lord, why this mom & her son and not me & my son?" Oh it was so hard to see and even harder to imagine what this mom was going through. I've never stopped praying for her. We can't always answer the why questions of life and it is not always easy to continue on. But with the strength of our Lord, we can carry on under the comfort of His Wings. I pray for you, families of Borden, each time I think of you. God be with you.

Muskeg Lake First Nation, SK - May photo
During the summer months, I co-ordinate 5 day Bible clubs for children ages 5-12 and have often driven along with the youth workers who drive around SK to teach these 1 week clubs to kids. It's fun to see the kids hearing the Bible stories, sometimes for the first time, and singing the songs, repeating the memory verses, handing in their lessons and playing the games. These youth workers devote their entire summer to traveling around our great province to teach these kids clubs in communities all over SK. This particular week, we drove to the Muskeg Lake First Nation to share with the kids there. Across the road from where the club was, there was a gorgeous lake behind this quaint little church located next to a graveyard. What an incredible setting! I just couldn't resist heading over the road and snapping a few shots. It was a perfect country setting.

Prince Albert, SK - June photo
After dropping our girls off at camp, we drove through parts of PA. We saw the crosses of this church rising over the tops of the trees and just had to come on over and take some photos. I love the differences of all these churches. Each one is so unique and has a character all it's own. On this same day, we had just dropped our son off as well - he had just left to go on a Missions Trip with other youth across the city - they were off to Trinidad. My hubby and I were looking forward to a week alone together. Little did we know that God had different plans for us that week which included burying my father after his 77 years of life. It was a difficult week and even more difficult telling the kids that their grampa passed away. I'm thankful for some good memories with my dad...some are difficult memories as well, but God is good and I am thankful for forgiveness and restitution of relationships. I spent many years going to church as a child and even though I didn't always understand everything or appreciate the guidelines in our home and in the church, I can understand better now. God has helped me to see my father in a different light and the last couple of years of his life, our relationship was much better than it had ever been. I am very thankful for that. My father instilled in me the importance of taking your family to have fellowship in church each week and to grow in the knowledge of the Bible.

Mistawasis First Nation, SK - July photo
On the same day that I was driving around SK with a youth worker who was teaching the 5 day kids clubs in communities around SK, we also drove through the Mistawasis Reserve as well. It wasn't far at all from the Muskeg Reserve. When I saw the white of the church poking through the fields, :-) I just had to drive down that summer road and check out this little beauty. I was so pleased to see the bell standing atop a cement pillar in front of the church, which obviously used to sit up in the steeple. I loved the location of this building as well, nestled in the trees beside a graveyard down a narrow summer road. These are the best places out in the country.

near Mont Nebo, SK - August photo
There's the cutest little church - St. Luke's Anglican Church just north of Mont Nebo as you're driving towards Sandy Lake Reserve. It's really small and down a narrow summer road as well. Some of the tombstones behind these small country churches have dates from the 1800's on them. Can you just imagine the stories that these people who attended these quaint country churches have to share with us? Oh, how I'd love to hear some of those stories.

near Big Shell, SK - September photo
Scandia Church, just west of Big Shell, is around 100 years old I've been told, or maybe over by now. I had the privilege of taking wedding photos a few years ago, for a lovely young couple who got married in this church. Many of the guests had to stand outside, but it was a beautiful summer day. We enjoyed taking a bunch of fun photos of the wedding party running down the summer road that was wrapped with an archway of old trees....beautiful. :-) During the winter months, the snowmobile trail comes by the church here as well. Another treat to this lovely country near this church are all the deer trails and the other wild animals that roam around. I'd love to get some photos of some of these animals and hopefully God will grant that desire someday soon so that I can put more of those photos in these calendars I enjoy making so much. :-)

Saskatoon, SK - October photo
Ah, one of my favorite places to be. How I love to walk in the doors and see the smiles and receive the handshakes and hugs of so many of my extended family members. "How I love to part of the family of God...." another song my mother loved to sing back in the day. :-) This is truly my home away from home...a place to rest, to laugh, to cry, to pray, to celebrate, to use my gifts...and to praise my Lord, the God of my life, my Savior and my King.....along with my other brothers and sisters in the Lord.
On the particular day that I took this photo, the sun was shining, obviously, :-) and there was not a cloud in the sky...and it was a cold crisp morning. I loved the suns rays shining over the cross of my home away from home.

Laura, SK - November photo
Driving back from Calgary one weekend, after attending a Women's Journey of Faith conference with a bunch of other great ladies in my life, we passed by a sign that said Laura. Well if you blinked, you'd miss it. I think I counted 2 houses in this town, or hamlet. But then my eye caught this old deserted church building. The ladies in my van were very forgiving as I turned around so we could come scope out this lovely old church. Don't you just love the steeple on this beauty? What a beautiful church this must have been in it's day. But it did make me sad to see such a lovely building, lost and deserted and run down. As I was taking photos of it, I sensed some eyes on me and as I turned my eyes to the left, I saw a doberman watching me through the bushes. Yikes! That sure made me freeze in my tracks a bit....I was very thankful that he/she was tied up. :-) I finished taking my photos and climbed back into my van then I drove it down the road and turned around once more and took this shot from the safety of the van....but with the eyes of the black doberman still clearly focused on me. :-) But the verse was already etched in my mind to write on this photo "What good fellowship we enjoyed as we walked to the House of the Lord." I can just picture the young girls in their petticoats running around and watching the handsome boys as their families gathered around visiting and having fellowship with one another. Great place for a picnic....minus the dog. :-)

Outlook, SK - December photo
We were out for a basketball tournament out in Outlook this weekend and between games, I took the girls and went for a little drive through the town...had to fill up with gas anyway. :-) Yep, I had my camera along and I was scoping the treetops for the church steeples I so longed to find. Low and behold, here was another one that I had not yet gotten a photo of. The frost on the trees across the street from this church gave a beautiful frame for these 3 crosses. Reminds me of the 3 crosses that stood on Golgotha so many years ago where my Jesus hung on the cross with 2 other men on their crosses on either side of him. To the one man he said, "Today you shall be with me in Paradise." Why? Because the man believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Just a couple months ago, I stood on the base of that hill where those 3 crosses once stood along the Damascus Road heading into Jerusalem. I walked the streets in the Old City where Jesus carried His cross on the way to his crucifixion. I saw the empty tomb in the Garden where He no longer lay because He rose again to live in Heaven with His Father preparing a home for us too. Are you ready my friend? Oh how wonderful it will be one day, when with our Savior we will forever be...where there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more hurt....only joy and peace and love.

Thanks for journeying through these memories with me. I pray that you are blessed through these photos, stories and the calendars. God bless you all!

2011 Saskatchewan Classics Calendar

2010-02-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

Once again, I've thoroughly enjoyed putting together the 2nd annual SK Classics calendar for you. Many thanks go to Joe, Ken, Mark, Sam, Jack, Norm, Brian, and Darren for giving me the privilege of photographing their beauties and sharing them with you in this calendar. :-) Every car person that I've run into has been very appreciative of having a local classics calendar. I'll be looking for more classics to photograph so contact me at lisaspics@sasktel.net You can view the flyer in a post below which shows you the cost of the calendars. They're great for your businesses as I put an imprint of your business name and logo on the bottom of the calendars and then you use them to give out to your customers at the end of the year. Orders are being taken now until June 18/10.

Welcome to the 2011 Saskatchewan Classics Calendar showcasing photos of local classics in our surrounding communities. If you'd like to order these calendars, please contact me at lisaspics@sasktel.net

January photo taken at Langham, SK

February photo taken west of Waldheim, SK

March photo taken south of Saskatoon, SK

April photo taken at Langham, SK

May photo taken at Saskatoon, SK

June & cover photo taken at Langham, SK

July photo taken south of Saskatoon, SK

August photo taken south of Saskatoon, SK

September photo taken south of Saskatoon, SK

October photo taken at Saskatoon, SK
(Valley Kruzers club Member)

November photo taken north of Saskatoon, SK at Cathedral Bluffs
(Valley Kruzers club Member)

December photo taken west of Martensville, SK
(Valley Kruzers club Member)

Tyler & Amanda's Engagement Pics

2010-02-10T11:11:00.003-08:00

Diana's Family

2010-02-10T11:11:00.001-08:00

At Christmas time, this family got together and wanted some fun casual shots to add to their memories. I usually do outdoor photography but these worked out okay indoors...it was fun!

2011 Saskatchewan Calendars

2010-01-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

It is that time again where another calendar season is upon us....and I am very excited!
2010 was a great year...over 16,000 calendars were sold. That is incredible for this small town SK girl. I am so blessed to have been able to bless so many wonderful people with fond memories of SK with the SK Prairie Scenes B&W calendar and my 1st SK Classics Calendar and also through the 2010 Inspirational Holy Land.

For 2011, I am pleased to present three 100% Saskatchewan Calendars..........

2011 Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes calendar with great photos from across our great province.

2011 Saskatchewan Churches Inspirational calendar with photos which portray the Spirit of God that many SK communities testify through the beautiful churches that are such great presence among them.

2011 Saskatchewan Classics featuring more great photos of classics that we are able to enjoy driving around it.

These calendars will be sold from January - June 18, 2010....printed right in Saskatoon, SK in the summer months and then distributed out to your businesses in September, early October. The cost is $2.25/calendar with black imprint of your business information and logo and $2.50/calendar with color imprint. The cost of the design fee is $35.00 in order to set up your business logo and information on the bottom of the calendar.

Photos that will be featured in these calendars will soon be posted.

I look forward to serving you again in 2011 with these beautiful 2011 Saskatchewan Calendars.

Shea & Shar

2009-10-20T13:26:00.001-07:00

Sharlene & Kevin

2009-09-15T23:00:00.001-07:00

Delia & Dan

2009-09-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Matt & Janice

2009-08-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lynsi & Dale

2009-08-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

Mitch & Aimee

2009-06-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

2010 Calendar Sample Pages

2009-03-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

The following are photos and designs of the calendar pages that you will find in all 3 of the 2010 calendars - the B&W Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes, the Inspirational Calendar with photos from the land of Israel and also the Saskatchewan Classics Car Calendar featuring local SK cars. If you would like to see all the photos in each of the calendars, keep scrolling down through this site and you will see each of the photos.

2010 Calendar Flyer

2009-03-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is the 2010 Calendar Flyer that is sent out to businesses.
If you have any questions, or would like to place an order for the calendars, please contact me by email at the address shown on the flyer.
God bless!
Lisa Braun

Appreciation Expressed for Calendars by Lisa's Pic's

2009-02-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

"Lisa your calendars look wonderful - they are awesome!" - Rolna Pranke of ReMax, Yorkton, SK

"You did a beautiful job on the SK Classics Calendar....it's great to see Saskatchewan cars on it for a change." - Evan Davis, Service Mgr. at Naber Ford in Shellbrook, SK and member of the Klassic Kruizers Kar Klub in Prince Albert, SK

"Took a look at your website...very well done with the calendars! Blessings to you!" - Bryan Conrad - Ebenezer Baptist Church, Saskatoon, SK

"Very impressive calendars, Lisa! Hope sales go really well for you!"

- Carolyn Bergen at Bergen & Associates in Winnipeg, MB

"Lisa, I found your calendars through Google Earth...cool! Also, we are getting many compliments on the Calendars we bought from you; they are a high quality, classy product!" - Martin

"Very nice calendars, very happy with the quality - they are very attractive. Customers were very happy with the appearance and the finish of the calendars." - Rick Casavant, Sales Mgr. at Warman Homes in Warman, SK

"Everyone enjoyed the pictures and the scripture verses. Job well done!" - Ed at Golding Service in Borden, SK

"I find these calendars to be a work of art - not JUST a calendar. Everybody loves to hang these in their homes and businesses." - Ted at Theodore's Bakery in Martensville, SK

2010 CALENDARS

2009-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

The 2010 are nearing completion. The proofs have been worked on and the photographs are posted. Just a couple small changes to make and we're ready to go. They are now available for sale until June 15/09.

I am excited about a couple of changes for the 2010 calendars. Saskatoon Fastprint is very excited to be printing 3 calendars for me for 2010: a Black & White SK Calendar featuring memorable photos from days gone by; a Car Calendar featuring 'cruisin chrome and fast muscle' cars that are locally owned in Saskatchewan; and an Inspirational Israel Calendar featuring photos taken in the land of Israel as well as a photograph from the land of Jordan and of Egypt as well. A great variety to choose from for your 2010 calendars to give to your customers or to use for your fundraisers. There will also be envelopes available for you to purchase along with these calendars. The 2010 calendars will be resized just slightly so that they will fit into a regular 10 x 112 or 13 inch envelope that can be mailed with regular postage.

The prices for the 2010 calendars are staying the same as the 2 previous years: $2.00/calendar for a black imprint of your business logo and information, or $2.50/calendar with a color imprint of your business logo and information. The minimum order is 100 calendars and there is a $30 design fee per order for the printer to set up your design on the bottom of the calendar with your business logo and information.

Orders are now being taken until June 15, 2009. The calendars will be printed in summer and ready to be distributed to you in the fall so that you have plenty of time to have them out to your customers before the end of the year.

If you continue scrolling down, you can view the photos that are in all 3 calendars.
I look forward to hearing from you. God bless you!
Lisa Braun
lisaspics@sasktel.net

2010 Israel Inspirational Calendar

2009-01-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

What an incredible dream to have come true - going to Israel. Such an amazing journey and very hard to put into words what you experience there. But I'm very excited to have put together this incredible glimpse into the lands of Israel, Jordan and Egypt for you. The calendar is mainly Israel but with a photo from Jordan and one from Egypt as well. Below each photo will be an explanation of what was happening or had happened in that are shown in the photo.

These calendars can be ordered now until June 15/09. I am taking preorders - the calendars will be printed in summer and ready for distribution in fall. The cost is $2.00/black imprint and $2.50/color imprint - the imprint will be your business logo and information. I sell these to businesses to be used for their advertising - the minimum order is 100 calendars. Individual calendars are sold for $10.00/calendar. These calendars can also be used for fundraisers...email me for information regarding this at lisaspics@sasktel.net

I know you will be blessed by this calendar....enjoy.

The above photo was taken near Haifa, Israel and we're overlooking the Meditarranean Sea. It was so incredibly gorgeous here....what a marvelous sunset God gave us this first evening here. I'll never forget this sight.

Nearing the end of our trip, we drove into Egypt and stayed at St. Catharine's for 1/4 of a night. We had to wake up at 2 am so that we could leave with the bus at 2:30 in order to be at Mount Sinai, Egypt at 3 am to begin the climb up Mount Sinai. There were 26 of us who climbed up this mountain in the middle of the night, in darkness with only a handful of us having flashlights. It was a 3 hour climb up the mountain to the very top so that we could watch the sunrise at 6:30 am. What a sight that was!! I was a crazy nut and rode a camel up 2/3 of the way. My camel was a bully and wanted to be at the front so he bullied his way past the other camels and led the way up the mountain....I prayed the whole way "Lord, you must have an angel guiding this camel up the mountain because my guide is nowhere to be seen." It was a steep climb and the ledge was always very close to my camel's legs. It was a good thing it was dark and I could not see where we were walking. :-) After the 2/3 climb, I numbly got off the camel to rest my extremely sore legs so that I could walk up the 750 steps to the very top. Oh but was it worth it! If you ever have a chance to experience this, do it!

Here we are on top of Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea in Israel. This was a fortress where King Herod lived part of the time, with swimming pools/baths and every luxury he could have back in those days. The Dead Sea in the distance is at 1,400 feet below sea level and here we are on top at sea level. Some guys walked up this mountain, including my hubby and my son but the rest of us took the cable car up. Incredible view here too. Just extremely sad at what took place up on this mountain. When the Romans took over the world so many years ago, over 900 Jews committed suicide here - they did not want to be ruled by the Romans. It took the Romans a whole year to build a ramp to get up here with their huge machines to break into this fortress. They were not expecting to find a fortress full of slaughtered Jews. Certain Jews believe that they were heroes but now the Israel community is now leaning towards it being an act of cowardness. Only 1 mother and her 2 children remained alive.

Our 1st view of Jerusalem. We are standing on a spot near the Mount of Olives and directly below us is the Kidron Valley and we are overlooking the city of Jerusalem in Israel. Our Jewish guide had taught us a song - the song of ascent into Jerusalem. It doesn't matter which direction you take to come to Jerusalem, you ascend into the city because it is on a hill. It was quite emotional standing here, singing this Jewish song together as the rain fell on us and the sun shone through the clouds over Jerusalem. A very memorable moment.

This is the most likely spot of the tomb of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane - this is the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, Israel. It was so quiet and serene in this spot. Knowing that Jesus is no longer buried, that he had died for our sins, crucified, died, buried, but then he rose from the dead so that we could have life eternal. Wow! How could you not get emotional at a spot like this. There was singing and praying all around us, in different languages and some were speaking/praying in tongues....it was heavenly, absolutely heavenly. To walk into this tomb and see a sign that read "HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN" Yes, it spoke directly to your heart and you could not help but be deeply moved.

Here we are at the town of Capernaum, Israel - this was a synagogue that Jesus had preached in and also the town of the Apostle Peter - we saw where his house was as well. I loved the marble pillars/rocks at this sight. It was so amazing to be in here and try to imagine how it would've been in Jesus' time.

Ah, to express to you what my heart experienced when I saw this sunrise over the Sea of Galilee at Tiberias, Israel - this was the view from our hotel balcony...the peaceful holy moment of this morning is quite hard to fathom. We didn't experience any storms while we were here for 4 nights...just gorgeous peaceful mornings of incredible sunrises...and an incredible sunset while we were on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee....that was another incredibly moving moment - to be on the sea that Jesus was on, and walked on, and to stand on the shoreline where he may have roasted the fish for his disciples one morning. Amazing experience.

We walked the streets of a town in Israel and went into churches and walked through the markets. We passed this man sitting on the sidewalk holding out his hand for money on this street....it made me think of what Jesus would do if he had been there...he would have walked up to him and healed him. That would've been quite something to experience. I was so thankful to have this amazing time in the Holy Land.

This photo was taken on the top of Mount Carmel, Israel - imagine the prophet Elijah defeating the 800 prophets of Baal with the fire of God coming down from heaven and burning up the sacrifice, the wood, and even the water around it...amazing! I stood here trying to picture Elijah running down this mountain in front of King Ahab's chariot running down to the town of Jezreel. The Jez'reel Valley is pictured down in the distance and to the left of it, is the valley of Armegedan where the last battle on earth will take place. Now that was a bit wierd to picture that...the last battle...hard to fathom but we know it's gonna happen because the Bible says so.

The mighty Jordan River in Israel - imagine Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist in this river and God speaking from the heavens and a dove descending down. Wow! I've often pictured the river Jordan as "deep and wide, deep and wide...." like I often sang as a child. But, the river is not very wide but at places it is quite deep. Many places along the shoreline are very steep - if you were to step in, it would be quite deep right away - maybe even up to your waist. So, when the priests would have stepped into the water as they were carrying the ark, the water would have been quite deep right away. So wonderful to be able to picture these great Bible stories at all of these locations. Thank you God!

Standing at Caesarea, Israel where the Apostle Paul began his missionary journeys was amazing...seeing the theatre, the complex where horse races would have taken place and trying to picture the huge shipping wharfe that King Herod had built here...wow! It was beautiful here and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and coming onto the shore was such an incredible sound...music in itself...and the water was so warm. I could've sat here and listened to the waves all day long.

This young child was so adorable as he/she sat by his/her little box of rocks that he/she was trying to sell for "a dolla" each in the land of Jordan. When he/she realized that I had taken his/her photo, he/she wanted me to give him/her a dolla. So many small children were trying to sell their rocks or stones. That was how they helped to make a living for their family...sometimes it was sad to see though. But when they looked up at you with their adorable eyes, at times it was really hard to say no to them.

The Bedioun shepherds were plentiful in the land of Israel, trying to sell you their wares and also selling camel rides/photos of you with them. The Bedioun's are from the line of the Ishmaelites. I loved seeing all the camels and their tents/shacks/caves that they lived in. It's interesting seeing their tents with a satellite dish on top of it...or a shepherd riding a camel while talking on his cell phone. There was always so many interesting sites to see in this land. :-)

I hope you've enjoyed reading up the stories behind each of these photos. If you ever get a chance to visit the Holy Land, don't pass up the opportunity...it's an amazing experience. It will change your life. God bless you all!

2010 Black & White Saskatchewan Prairie Scenes Calendar

2009-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Black & White SK Calendar is now available for viewing and preordering.
I am excited about this unique calendar that will bring back memories of days gone by. I had a lot of fun putting it together although it was difficult to choose the photos for this one because there's so many great memories out there. I am thankful to God for giving me the gift of putting this together for you. I hope you enjoy this one.

I'm also excited to announce that I am going with a new printer for this batch of 2010 calendars....Saskatoon Fastprint. They are really looking forward to printing these calendars for me and have enjoyed putting them together with me. Because of this switch in printers, I am pleased to announce that I am able to maintain the price of $2.00/for black imprint and $2.50/color imprint of these calendars. With everything else going up in price in today's world, I am very glad that I can maintain these calendar prices for you. If there are larger orders, there will now be room for adjusting the prices somewhat.

With a minimum order of 100 calendars, and a $30.00 design fee, the cost of the calendars is $2.00 or $2.50 per calendar. Some of you prefer to have your business logo and information in color so that would then be the $2.50/calendar price. With black imprint, the price is $2.00/calendar. Check with me for individual pricing for orders over 300 calendars. You can email me at lisaspics@sasktel.net

Below is a sample of the photos as well as a brief description of where the photo was captured:

the above cover photo - near Hague, SK
I met this couple out near Hague that have this fabulous place with this old setting...my kids had a blast here exploring all the cool old stuff. I had taken wedding photos here a couple of years ago and it sure made for many unique and different settings.

January photo - Shell Lake, SK
when I was a child, I remember old wheelbarrows like this one that were used to help around the yard and the garden....or for giving rides in. :-) Oh how I loved having rides in those wheelbarrows.

February photo - south of Prince Albert, SK
This is an old railbed near Prince Albert that still had an old bridge overtop of it. The railbed ran east and west. Makes a good hiking trail now.

March photo - south of Neuanlage, SK
This barn was built by my grandfather and this was the yard that my father had grown up on. I had never met my grandfather as he had passed away before I was born. It was really neat to go and check out this barn and have a bit of a glimpse into the past.

April photo - Warman, SK
Ahhhh, a treasure many men would love to find in the bush to fix up and drive. :-)

May photo - Memorial Lake, SK
A couple of years ago, I had taken wedding photos down by Memorial Lake and the father took his daughter for a ride through the pasture from their home quarter to bring her to the wedding site, to give her away to a young man who was anxiously waiting for her to become his wife. :-)
Reminds me of how this would have been done this way for every wedding before cars were invented.

June photo - South SK River train bridge at Saskatoon, SK
This is a beautiful hiking trail along the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon that runs alongside the South SK River....the train bridge is a popular crossing for hikers and bikers.

July photo - south of Dalmeny, SK
I loved these two dogs hanging out together on a warm day...the little one in the truck was hoping he'd get to go for a ride....and maybe he did after I left. :-)

August photo - South SK River east of Rheinland, SK
This land where I am standing on taking this photo, is the land that my mother grew up on along the South SK River. She told me a story of how they would go and visit their friends who lived across the river by rowing over in a small boat. When they would come back at night, at times it would be so dark that they just hoped and prayed that they were rowing across the river to get back home and not down river.

September photo - west of Blaine Lake, SK
Whenever we come back from the lake, we often pass the farmers working on the fields during planting time and harvest time. I loved this picture of the grain truck coming up the lane to collect the wheat from the combine.

October photo - Neuanlage, SK
Another memory of days gone by...an old wagon with a sprout of wheat growing along the side. This one's still in really good shape and was standing out in the yard of a home in Neuanlage.

November photo - east of Hague, SK
A couple of years ago, I had taken wedding photos at this site as well....I had the groom pick up his bride pretending to carry her over the threshhold. I loved this old log cabin with this huge tree beside it...I can just picture the small girls in their petticoats running around this yard.

December photo - Osler, SK
One year, a huge blizzard stormed through this area and I had gone out the next day capturing photos of all the snow and the cars in the ditches and the yards with lots of snow piled high to the doors. This place is one of my favorites in Osler....as I said in the caption earlier, I love log cabins. :-)

I hope you've enjoyed the journey going through this calendar. I look forward to collecting your orders for this one and the other calendars as well. I know you'll enjoy this calendar hanging on your wall for 2010.
God bless!
Lisa Braun

2010 Saskatchewan Classics Car Calendar

2009-01-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to make a car calendar....there's lots of car lovers out there and lots of gas stations and mechanic shops that prefer to buy these car calendars year after year to give out to their 'car' customers. I'd like to get in on the game here and thought that it would be really unique to have a car calendar with cars that are locally owned in Saskatchewan. So, here's the first ever, SK car calendar that showcases locally owned cars. I'd like to especially thank Bill and the guys from a local car club called the Valley Kruzers and a couple of others who gave me the opportunity to photograph some of their 'babies' for this calendar project. I thank God for giving me the resources, the opportunities and connections with some great people to be able to put this calendar together for you. Hope you enjoy it! God bless you all!

the above cover photo was taken at Saskatoon, SK
1966 Chevelle Malibu

January photo was taken at Shell Lake, SK
1968 Chrysler 300 Newport

February photo was taken at Neuanlage, SK
1957 Chevrolet Belair