I’m breaking from my own tradition this year and simply calling 2023 a wrap. Typically, I share photos from each month of the year and write about my journeys.
Snowy American Robin checking me out
2023 has been tough for me personally, but I’ve survived it.
In May, I started a personal journey. I flew from Utah to Virginia because my mom was placed in hospice, and I went back home to help her transition. Thankfully, I had a support system in place, and I was mom’s support system. I deeply appreciate every person that helped my through the journey of saying goodbye to my mom.
I am also glad that I didn’t have to deal with drama from certain family members. I know 100% I could have handled it; I am grateful that I wasn’t forced to.
Singing male Indigo Bunting at Sequoyah NWR
Some of the highlights included spending time with my niece, Kristal, and her daughter Wren in Virginia. Seeing the familiar countryside of Virginia was a balm during my rough time.
I didn’t have my bird gear with me to take photos, but I enjoyed seeing Eastern birds again, smelling tidewater, and watching sunsets over the York River. Seeing so much of the color green was a visual treat.
Spending time with my oldest son, William, and his wife, Lisa, in Texas was also incredibly special to me.
Then, I spent time in Arkansas and Oklahoma with my dear friend and fellow photographer, Steve Creek, and his dog, Rosie. I rested and recovered while I was there. In addition to that, Steve loaned me his Canon R7, and I was able to photograph the amazing birds and wildlife of his part of the country. I had a marvelous time with Steve and Rosie.
I didn’t know that when I spoke to my mom from Steve’s deck the morning I left to head back to Utah, it would be the last time I would speak to her, and she would speak back to me. After that time, Mom just wasn’t Mom anymore. She passed away just a few days later.
Since I have been back in Utah, I have enjoyed being out in the field with the birds and wildlife here.
The effects of climate change here in northern Utah seem even more stark than they had been before my trip back east. I work harder to find fewer birds now. Birds that should be abundant, aren’t. The Great Salt Lake is still dying even after record-breaking snowfall amounts last winter. It’s sad, terribly sad.
I don’t know what 2024 will bring but I know 2023 was a mixed bag of joy, pain, and personal growth.
Life is good. So long 2023, that’s a wrap.
Mia
Click here to see more of my bird photos in their galleries.
What wonderful year-end pics. The colors, the compositions and, above all, the remarkable detail you captured is spellbinding. It always is. Best of all…you pushed through the pain of a hard year and still kept us in your world. Thanks Mia. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Thank you deeply Mia – for sharing not only your ongoing stellar bird photographs, observations, narrations, and exceptional educational points, but also of your personal high points and struggles. I think we all can relate – in so many ways! As for climate change, I – a photographer and observer of our amazing natural world like you – have seen how changes are quickening everywhere. As I mourn, I’m struck with a (hopeful??) thought … although we love and wish things would remain the same – perhaps we should rejoice that nature adapts dynamically to its surroundings. The incoming invasive – that we loathe – may perhaps be nature’s first defense … that which survives the change. Not the world we grew up to know and love – but through the amazing power of nature – perhaps the world that will adapt and thrive in its new surroundings – one that we must learn to adapt to, as well. Thoughts??
Thank you Mia, here’s wishing you better times ahead. Great photo of indigo. Never saw one in real life..what a blessing.
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for a great year of wonderful images and I will take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year.
I don’t think you need a recap. You’ve been sharing with us all year long the highlights of your photos. Those beauties speak for themselves. ❤️
Happy New Year! 🥳
Thanks for the updates and pictures. It is time to for all of us to look to a new year and hope for better times. Wish you a Happier 2024 and we never forget our loved ones and think of them daily.
Definitely a wrap. On so many levels.
Hugs. And thank you for all the beauty you bring to us – and for your steadfast heart and priorities.
May 2024 not suck nearly as much as parts of 2023 for you and for me, and for the world. I appreciate your efforts to provide a real but hopeful outlook every day. In December, when my husband had a stroke, I had to live in his hospital room and the best part of my day was to get your blog notifications so early in the morning when I was NOT sleeping. Thanks for all your effort. PS. He’s made a remarkable recovery.
Thank you so much for your honesty, openness, and beautiful photos. They are gifts.—Jeri S.