Another year has gone by, and today, I am celebrating a milestone at On The Wing Photography.

Mia McPherson doing her loony dance - Photo by April OlsonMia McPherson doing her loony dance – Photo by April Olson

Eight years of posts without missing a day.

That is 2,922 days in a row of posts. The last day I missed posting was May 2, 2015. That happened because I was way out in the wilderness of Montana and couldn’t get a cell signal strong enough to connect to the web. Prior to that, I had posted nearly everyday for an additional three years.

During this past year, I have shared 365 days of bird, animal, scenery, wildflower, tree, and insect photos. Today, I am sharing an image of myself taken last month by our own April Olson. We were both taking photos of the Common Loons that were in the valley last month. April caught me doing a loon dance behind my tripod and lens.

I don’t usually like having my photo taken, but this image shows me just as I am. I’m the woman in the field with the messy hair tucked under a hat, a bird-searching gaze, and a smile on her face, simply happy to be with the birds and connecting with nature. Thanks for the photo, April. It shows the real me.

Over the past year, I have spent a bit less time in the field. However, the days I have been in the field have been more peaceful, relaxed, and immensely enjoyable. I have learned a lot in the past 365 days. Mother Nature is the best teacher, and this past year, she has given me valuable lessons about my subjects and about my own inner nature.

Every day in the field is a gift that I am open to receiving. Whether I take a single photo or 2,000, the gift is right in front of me.

Life is good. Live, love, laugh, sing, dance, be, do.

Mia