Author: wildaboutthegap

Cherishing Time with the Next Generation

There’s something about a Feel Good Friday that just hits a little sweeter when it’s wrapped in family moments—especially the moments you get to spend with the next generation. This week gifted me one of those heart-filling, soul-warming experiences: time with my precious granddaughter.

It’s amazing how a tiny human can make the whole world slow down. The way she studies every move I make—every sound, every smile, every silly expression—as if she’s discovering life one gesture at a time. You can feel the magic in those moments, the kind of magic that only exists between a grandparent and their grandchild.

There’s a bond there that forms instantly. A bond built on love, wonder, and a whole lot of joy. Watching her mimic my sounds and copy my gestures makes me realize just how much influence we have on these little ones, and how important it is to pour love, patience, and positivity into them. They’re soaking it all in.

This Feel Good Friday, I’m celebrating that irreplaceable connection—the honor of being someone she looks to, listens to, and learns from. The next generation reminds us of who we were and inspires us to be even better for who they’re becoming.

Here’s to the grandbabies who light up our days… and to the beautiful blessing of watching them grow.

Mary

Every once in a while, nature surprises us with a burst of color so bold and breathtaking that it stops us right in our tracks. This week’s Wildlife Wednesday star? The ever-magnificent peacock.

There’s something almost otherworldly about seeing a peacock relaxing in the grass, its feathers shimmering like living jewels. Those deep sapphire blues, vibrant greens, and intricate patterns look like they were painted by an artist with the most perfect palette. No matter how many times you see one, their beauty never feels ordinary.

But beyond the feathers, peacocks have personalities that shine just as brightly. Confident, curious, and full of flair, they know exactly how to capture attention—whether they’re strutting proudly or simply resting in the shade. They bring a little magic to the moment without even trying. Occasionally, we’re lucky to witness wildlife that reminds us to slow down and soak in the beauty around us. This stunning peacock is just one more example of how nature never fails to amaze.

Happy Wildlife Wednesday, friends—may your day be as vibrant as a peacock’s tail

-Mary

Thanksgiving week is officially here — a time filled with family gatherings, delicious food, laughter, traditions… and yes, sometimes a little bit of chaos. We all have those family members we can’t wait to hug, and a few who test our patience before the turkey’s even out of the oven. There’s cooking, baking, decorating, cleaning — a whirlwind of “to-dos” that can make the week feel more stressful than joyful if we let it.

But today, let’s pause.

Let’s take a deep breath, step back, and remind ourselves what this week is really about.

It’s about gratitude.

It’s about seeing the good — even if the not-so-good feels louder right now.

It’s about choosing to slow down long enough to enjoy the moments that make the memories we cherish.

As you move through Thanksgiving week, look around your life and intentionally find the blessings. They’re there — in the people who love you, the traditions you hold dear, the warmth of your home, the food on your table, and the small joyful moments that often get overlooked.

And for those who are missing a special someone at the Thanksgiving table this year… take a moment to remember them. Smile at the memories. Feel their presence in the stories told and the love still felt. But don’t let grief steal the joy of the present. Honor them by embracing the people who are with you now.

So here’s your Thanksgiving motivation:

Be grateful. Be present. Be gentle with yourself.

Take time to enjoy the baking, the decorating, the family moments — both the sweet and the challenging. This week only comes once a year. Let’s make it meaningful.

Happy Motivational Monday, friends.

May your week be full of gratitude, peace, and moments worth remembering.

A Moment With an Elk I’ll Never Forget

One of my all-time favorite places to wander is a good zoo. I know there’s a divide when it comes to animals in captivity—and I understand it. In a perfect world, every creature would roam free across wild landscapes without fences or boundaries. But our world isn’t perfect, and sometimes a zoo is the only safe haven a species has left. Sometimes, it’s the only way we’re able to see animals that no longer exist in the wild. And sometimes… it’s where unforgettable connections happen.

That brings us to today’s Wildlife Wednesday.

Last weekend, during our travels, my husband and I met the most breathtaking elk. Massive, regal, and gentle-eyed, he carried himself like the quiet king of his space. We approached expecting curiosity—but what we didn’t expect was how deeply he looked back at us, as though he were studying us just as much as we were admiring him.

We spent more time with him than we meant to, just soaking in the moment—his soft snorts, the way his ears flicked toward every sound, the calm strength in his posture. And then, out of nowhere, he leaned in and licked my husband like a little puppy. We both burst out laughing, surprised and absolutely charmed. It’s not every day you get puppy kisses from an elk!

And the hardest part? Saying goodbye.

As we walked away, he watched us with that quiet, sad stare that tugs at your heart—the kind that makes you want to turn around and stay just a little longer. If I could’ve brought him home with me, I honestly would have. But since I couldn’t, these words—and the photos we captured—will have to hold onto that memory for us.

Some wildlife encounters stay with you long after the moment ends.

This one certainly will.

Here’s to the magic of meeting animals, wherever that happens—wild or sheltered—and to appreciating the beauty they bring into our lives.

-Mary

This Feel Good Friday, my heart is especially full. Earlier this week we celebrated Veteran’s Day, and I can’t help but pause and reflect on the incredible men and women who have worn the uniform—and the families who stood behind them with unwavering strength.

I’m blessed to be related to, and personally know, so many brave souls who stepped forward to serve our great country. Their courage, dedication, and love of freedom have shaped the world we live in today. They answered the call, stood the watch, and carried burdens most of us will never fully understand. For that, I will be forever grateful.

But today, I also honor the families—the ones who spent holidays with an empty chair at the table, who celebrated milestones through phone calls and letters, who stayed strong so their loved one could stay focused and safe. Their sacrifice is woven into every moment of service.

So on this quiet November Friday, let’s wrap ourselves in gratitude. Let’s lift up our veterans and their families not just on Veteran’s Day, but every day. Their sacrifices, seen and unseen, protect the freedoms that allow us to live, dream, create, and chase the joys we share here in our little corner of the world.

To all who served—and all who supported them—thank you. Your courage is our comfort. Your sacrifice is our freedom. Your strength is our inspiration.

Happy Feel Good Friday. 🇺🇸

-Mary

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, the birds begin their quiet work of preparation. They fluff their feathers for warmth, gather food for leaner times, and seek safe shelter from the coming chill. Watching them, I’m reminded that nature always knows how to take care of itself — but do we?

Are you prepared for your own life’s changing seasons? Do you take the time to ensure your spirit, heart, and mind are nourished? Or do you find yourself so focused on everyone else that you forget to care for you?

Just like the bright cardinal perched proudly on a fence, take a moment to pause and reflect. Strength doesn’t just come from pushing through; it comes from preparation — from filling your own cup before the cold winds blow.

So this week, take a little time for yourself. Rest. Reflect. Refuel. Make sure you have what you need to thrive, not just survive. Because when you take care of you, your light shines warmer for everyone around you.

There’s something about a chilly November evening that wraps around you like a soft, familiar blanket. The air is crisp, the sky begins to fade into twilight, and the crackle of a warm fire feels like pure comfort. Tonight, as the flames dance in the fire pit, the gentle rustle of leaves gives way to the quiet footsteps of deer grazing just beyond the fence.

It’s one of those peaceful moments where everything slows down — where nature, warmth, and stillness come together perfectly. The glow of the fire, the soft flicker of string lights in the trees, and the quiet presence of wildlife create a simple kind of magic that reminds us how good it feels to just be.

Sometimes, the best way to end the week isn’t with plans or noise, but with a peaceful heart and a view like this. Here’s to finding your own cozy corner of calm this weekend — wherever that may be.

-Mary

It’s almost time for one of our favorite traditions — the Hunter’s Appreciation Dinner, happening the 1st Saturday in November!

Every year, our small town comes together to celebrate the hunters who not only enjoy the great outdoors but also give so much back to our community. From supporting local businesses to lending a helping hand in community projects, their contributions reach far beyond the woods.

Although I am a wildlife photographer, I understand the importance of hunting — the balance it brings to nature, the respect it fosters for wildlife, and the way it connects people to the land. Hunters play a vital role in conservation, and their appreciation for the outdoors mirrors my own.

The excitement is in the air as preparations are underway — tables set, delicious food planned, and plenty of laughter and stories to share. Events like this remind us why we love small-town life: neighbors coming together, traditions kept alive, and gratitude shared all around. ❤️

Here’s to a weekend full of fellowship, great food, and appreciation for those who help make our town thrive.

-Mary

One of my favorite places in Granbury, Texas, is Stumpy’s. It’s not the food that draws me in—it’s the peaceful atmosphere. Built right on beautiful Lake Granbury, Stumpy’s offers more than a meal; it offers a moment of serenity.

From the patio, you can sit by the marina and watch as graceful geese and ducks glide effortlessly across the shimmering water, dipping their heads in search of the tasty treats shared by patrons. There’s a quiet rhythm to it—a simple harmony between nature and the people who pause to admire it.

Capturing that elegance in a photo can be a challenge, but when I look at this image, it instantly takes me back. I can almost hear the soft ripples of the lake, the gentle chatter of families, and the laughter shared with loved ones. It reminds me that moments like these—blending family, nature, and calm—are what truly make life rich.

Sometimes, beauty isn’t in the grand or extraordinary—it’s in the quiet glide of a goose across the water, framed by a memory that warms the heart.

-Mary