It has been nine years, and I’ve created 3,288 consecutive daily posts. Who knows how many words or images I have shared in that time? I honestly have no idea!
Adult Barred Owl portrait in spring
That is a lot of images and probably three or four large boatloads of words, though. I do know that much. In 3,288 days, I have filled my site with birds, wildlife, flowers, and scenery, along with my own unique thoughts and the real stories behind them.
Quite a few things have changed since last year when I wrote that I was celebrating eight years of consecutive posts. Soon after May 2, 2023, I embarked on a journey. I went back to Virginia to help my mom transition from living independently in her apartment to a hospice facility, and eventually, her transition from life to death.
I saw my mom every day while I was in Virginia, and I had many conversations with her before she passed. My gratitude for those last conversations is immense. Mom was my biggest supporter; she always had been. I’ve missed her everyday since our last and final hug, but she is with me even now.
Last month I embarked on a new journey.
I left Utah behind in my rear view mirror.
In the wee hours of the morning, with my Jeep packed and fully loaded with what is most important to me, I hit the road for another adventure.
I drove through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and eventually stopped to visit my dear friend, Steve Creek, in Arkansas. We have been photographing from his deck and at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. I’ve enjoyed playing with, and spoiling his dog, Rosie, much like I did last year when I visited them after leaving Virginia.
Very soon I will be writing from south-central Oklahoma.
I’m excited that before long I will be exploring two nearby National Wildlife Refuges, local WMAs, State Parks, Lake Texoma which will be within walking distance, and the back roads I’ll travel. I’ll see at least 70+ birds I didn’t get to see or only saw once in a blue moon in Utah. Photos to come soon!
Plus I will be within just a couple hours drive of Steve and Rosie. I suspect we’ll have more adventures together in the future.
And I will be short drive away from my oldest son in Texas, and his family too.
I’m looking forward to all kinds of joy!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos.
Thank you — you bring us great joy!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful images with us daily and I wish you well in your journey and new surroundings, travel safely.
Thank you all for your wonderful and heartfelt comments, I sincerely appreciate each and every one!
Mia, wishing you all that you hope for in your new adventure. My family loves your photos and stories of the birds and wildlife. We look forward to your posts every day. We will look forward to all the new shares you will bring to us. Thank you immensely !
Congratulations and warm wishes for your next life journey. I love your posts and think of you and your mother often.
Congratulations on your new journey (to warmer weather ?) Did the Utah winters get to you ?? Or is it just a case of wanderlust ?
Gary, kind of both?
Wishing you all the best in your new adventures, and looking forward to many more wonderful posts. This portrait is gorgeous. Thank you for letting me see things I would never be able to see otherwise. May your generous spirit nourish you and bring you happiness.
Blessings, gratitude, and congratulations on these 9 years of so openly sharing your life journeys and documenting your unique observations of this beautiful Earth’s beings! Long may you run! Happy Trails!
May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings
I grieve for this loss, but I will find joy in your joy.
I will share what you have taught me, and I will pass on the love of the earth that you ignited in my heart.
May the peace and joy of nature be the first sight you see every morning and the faces of those you love be the last before you sleep each night.
The gifts you gave me can never be repaid.
I stumbled on your site while trying to understand why there was a lone Sandhill Crane in my neighborhood. Your post was the first to show up and you shared it just hours before my search. The timing was perfect. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your milestone.
Thank you Mia for each and every delightful post! IAs a photographer (and mom) I truly appreciate the knowledge, perspective and lovely images you share. Congratulations on your amazing 9 year achievement – and all best wishes on your latest adventures! 😊
Thank you for sharing your exciting news. I am very sorry to hear of your loss of your mother. Wishing you well on your new adventures.
Happy Trails,
Marie
Enjoy your new journey with lots of bird/animal/scenery posts (sometimes two in one day!!). I wish you fantastic moments out in the field.
An exciting new journey – which I hope brings you nothing but joy. And oodles of birds and wildlife.