Quote of the Week
“Hobbies are not just for passing the time, it is a way for your soul to recharge.”
– Unknown
Moments by Mira
Ever After Photography PNW, located in Gig Harbor, Washington. Click the link below to see the creative catalog of work on Mira’s website.
Feline Tomfoolery
with Brady & Belichick
To our loving human,
Why are you working instead of putting more food on our plates? We are never satisfied and always want more. We will sit here and watch you work until you give in. Can you feel our eyes on you?
Your boys, B & B
Brady & Belichick are Rachel’s adorable felines. These two cute boys turned two on May 4, 2025.
The Phobia Experiment
As part of mental health awareness, for the first 26-weeks of 2026, Rachel will explore her phobias A-Z. This experiment is to bring awareness to why the fears exist and attempt to reduce the impact they have on her daily life.
Phobia List Website — Check it out
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia? This is the fear of long words. Rachel doesn’t suffer from any H phobia, but this one… Wow. Crazy. Who even came up with this word? Dare you to try to say it aloud.
Weekly Workout Tracker
Going into week five of the OTF Transformation Challenge, Rachel continues to feel motivated. She is making progress with both her physical abilities and mental health. There is something to be said for consistency and healthy habits.
Snowfall in Utah
When the snow began to fall on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, Rachel couldn’t believe it was true. Finally, snowfall. She was able to enjoy it from her building’s top floor balcony as it fell, then, the following day, she took a drive to enjoy the sights of winter, shared below.
Did Somebody Say Bald Eagles?
The above image is a screenshot from a video shot by Rachel as she stood about 15-feet below this bald eagle taking flight on the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk in 2023.
Rachel has been missing the wildlife opportunities she had become accustomed to in Washington State. She was used to seeing bald eagles on a daily basis. One of her many favorite places to visit in Washington was the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia, Washington. For those of you in the Tacoma/Olympia area, click here to learn more. This place is a must visit at any age.
A couple of weeks ago, Rachel was chatting with a life-long Utah resident who told her that if she is missing Washington’s wildlife, she should visit Farmington Bay, Utah. He told her, they even have bald eagles. What? Bald Eagles? Yes, please. After a bit of research, she found the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center and Great Salk Lake Wetlands. The best part, it’s only a 14-mile drive from Salt Lake City.
Click here to learn more: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
The below photo was taken of the Wildlife Education Center from a trail Rachel wandered down during a scouting trip to the area. She didn’t stay long and didn’t wander far, but she sure did see a lot of beauty. Her next visit will be planned out to allow for plenty of exploring.
During her scouting visit, Rachel was definitely watching for eagles. She has learned that in Utah, February is said to be the best month for eagle viewing. She didn’t get to see an eagle on this visit but did get to watch a hawk as it landed in tall brush, sit for a moment and then take off with something in its talons. She isn’t sure the type of hawk but it sure was majestic.
While she didn’t explore on this visit, she took plenty of photos. Enjoy the views.
The final image shared was taken as Rachel was leaving the area. These three beauties caught her eye, which led to a quick U-turn and photo through the windshield from the side of the road. She couldn’t pass up the horses. Until next time, be well.
