Today is Monday, July 20, 2026
Issue #321 ~ By Rachel Brandes
“My hobbies include having no time for bullshit.”
– Unknown
Today’s Fun Tip
Today’s Fun Tip is content Rachel enjoys from the Instagram account The Female Hustlers.
Moments by Mira
www.everafterphotograpypnw.com
Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, Ever After Photography PNW is owned and operated by Mira Nachtigall, a long-time friend of Rachel.
Mental Health Minute
Image shared from Instagram account myselflovesupply.
Feline Tomfoolery
By Brady Wilfork Snugglebum & Belichick McDaniels Runtzilla
Brady at Play
Like Mother, Like Sons… Mostly
Adventuring is in the Blood
Who doesn’t love a good adventure? If you know Rachel, you know that she is always looking for the next adventure. Whether it is close to home, up a mountain, down a stream or across the states, she is usually game. It turns out both of her sons share the love of adventuring and she couldn’t be happier.
There is a bit of a competition going with her boys as to who can visit the most countries. Blake is well in the lead due to his ability to travel easily. Being in the military has many benefits. As of this issue, Blake has traveled to 27 countries, Alec to 13 countries, and Rachel 7.
In the recent weeks, Blake and his friend Damon took another fun-filled adventure from London to Herceg Novi in Montenegro and Dubrovnik in Croatia. They got to visit Kings Landing (hey, hey, Game of Thrones fans).
Alec and Victoria are currently gearing up for a trip to Malaysia but first took a trip to Los Angeles, California to visit Alec’s high school best friend, Tati.
Rachel is getting herself set for a trip back to Tacoma, Washington to visit all of her wonderful friends. She has a lot of fun planned and can’t wait to spend time with each and every person that makes her happy. For now, she shares a solo adventure up Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was feeling a bit down recently due to several factors, the biggest being a change in her anxiety medication that didn’t pan out well. This caused her to take a drive into the mountains to visit Solitude Mountain Resort. She felt the name matched what she was in need of that day. It turned out being a nice, peaceful outing.
Enjoy the photos from each of their recent adventures.
Alec
Alec and his partner, Victoria, visited Sequoia National Park before heading to Los Angeles to spend time with Tati. Together the trio took a ferry to Channel Islands National Park. Rachel is beyond thrilled that Alec and Tati’s friendship has carried on through the distance and the years.
Pictured above left to right: Victoria, Alec and Tati.
Blake
Blake and his friend, Damon, have become the adventuring duo. So many countries, so much time. With Damon stationed in London and Blake just outside of Cambridge, it is too easy for them to travel. This weekend was spent visiting Montenegro and Croatia.
Rachel
Sometimes you just need a little solitude until two moose appear and you are thrilled to not be alone. Rachel was beyond excited to see these two hanging out in a parking lot when she pulled in to turn around. What a treat.
If you made it this far, thank you for taking the time. Remember that an adventure is and adventure no matter big or small. Get out and do something fun. Until next time, be well.
Feel free to stick around (below) and like, rate, share and comment (direct to Rachel). She is always looking for content ideas and would love input.