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Pet Blogger Challenge 2017 — 23 Comments

  1. Good morning, Mary and Roxy! Oh, and say hello to Torrey too!

    This January marks 9 (or is it ten?) years since I first pushed that “publish” button. Much has changed, especially me. But one thing stays constant, and that is that we must express ourselves. Developing our tools of communication whether it’s writing or photography or both has been an exciting adventure, and learning at least ONE NEW THING every day has been the biggest eye-opening lesson for me, all thanks to blogging. It’s been YOU all, whose paths I have crossed who have taught me how invigorating it is to chase one’s passions.

    My favorite of your series is the horse series. Your intimate captures of their gentle, powerful and structured communities brings joy to my heart. Keep going Mary, you inspire!

  2. We have learned to chill too. While we do post M-F, we don’t stress over what to post as something always seems to pop up. Your photography has grown so much, it has been really fun to follow and the horses are magnificent! Thanks for posting this as we didn’t see this and had forgotten about the challenge. Now we can join in…something to post always pops up!

  3. I wouldn’t change a thing. I always enjoy your take on life around you and how you share it. Thanks for the link to Mike Jackson.

  4. Love that last pic of Roxy and the one of Torrey!! I enjoy all the aspects of your blog, I love not knowing what to expect next while knowing you’ll take me somewhere I’ve never been before. I wouldn’t change anything. Also, I so appreciate that your blog is really about your photography and discoveries rather than being loaded down with promotionals for freebie items received. I’ve stopped following a lot of blogs that have turned into marketing resources when they used to be about their pets, their lives, etc. I don’t mind the occasional promo post, but I get turned off when there are more promos than “real” posts. Your blog is one that I consider “pure” – and purely enjoyable! I’m so surprised that your horse week had less traffic, it was fabulous and one of my favorites. Keep on keeping on!! ;)

    • Thanks so much! I like to keep it real, and I totally agree on the excessive commercial stuff. I stopped following some blogs too, and I was falling into that trap I had to stop and regroup. And I will for sure, Keep on Keeping on!

  5. I’ll have to go back and look at the horse series! I grew up visiting the wild horses on Cumberland Island and have always loved seeing wild horses. Your advice is fantastic–that’s sort of always been my approach and sometimes I see everyone else not chilling and feel like I’m doing something wrong, so it’s great to hear someone else say that’s ok.

    • I hope you liked the wild horse series, it was a fun project. And yes, everyone needs to just chill I think. Makes for happier people.

  6. Thanks so much for participating in the Challenge again this year, Mary – it’s crazy how the time has flown by! You should be very proud of your wild horse series. You’re changing the way people see them, making people aware of the issues, and hopefully building support for these beautiful animals in a precarious position. You’re making people care … and that’s HUGE! I love that you’ve grown into a more “chill” blogger. Posting for yourself, when you have something you want to share, is the goal we should all be working toward. Here’s to a fantastic 2017!

  7. I love what you had to say about your favorite post being a labor of love, despite it not getting as much traffic as you hoped. I think those types of posts are what keeps us motivated.

    I can’t think of one thing I would change about your blog. Your images and stories are amazing and it gives those of us that wish we could travel and explore your area of the country a beautiful escape…and motivation to travel more, lol.

    Also, I so excited about checking out your Instant Pot recipe! I just got one for Christmas and have only made hard boiled eggs so far. Have a fantastic 2017!

    • I think you have to look at your blog as a labor of love, mostly anyway. I have to like what I’m doing or it’s not worth it. And how fun to get an InstantPot. I do like mine. Veggies cooked in it are out of this world. And cake, and cheesecake, and ribs, and lots of stuff.

  8. Niches can be nice for traffic, I suppose, but I love the variety on your blog. I never know if I’ll see beautiful nature, your adorable dogs, some of your and Al’s artwork…or learn something important like the plight of those wild horses.
    I do echo what Taryn and Jodi said…I would love some photography tips too.
    And thanks for reminding me about the Instant Pot! I had ordered one after your post but I never got it and then forgot about ordering another one.

    • Thanks so much, that is a fun way to look at the blog. It’s all a surprise for the readers. I like that! And I am going to be throwing some photo tips out there. I’ve actually thought about it before, but pushed it to the back of my mind.

  9. I agree with you so much – blog because you love it, and not to reach big traffic numbers or whatever.

    I love your photography more than you can imagine. I’d love if you shared how you created a few of your images (e.g., I am always wondering what lens you use for wildlife) and what you did in photoshop to enhance an image.

    I also love reading about your dogs. :)

  10. Thanks so much. Your photography is so beautiful, but it’s always fun to learn from other photographers. You may know a simple trick I would like, and vice versa. I’m going to be putting more photo tips out there, seems like people are interested in that.

  11. I love the advice to “chill.” That’s something I still have to remind myself about but not as often today. I got a pressure cooker for Christmas and have been having a BLAST making food for the dogs. They still eat mostly raw, but a warm meal is always welcome.

    It’s amazing that home cooking is getting so much traffic for you. YAAYYYYYY

  12. I just went back there and had a look at your Wild Horse series… WOW! Amazing! I hope I have the opportunity to photograph them myself some day. I’ve always been pretty chill about posting on my blog. My blog, my rules!

    Happy 2017. :)

  13. First of all, I love your blog just the way it is! I don’t always have time to leave a comment – and sometimes it takes me a week or more to read all the posts I want to – but yours is one of my favorites.

    I didn’t have the time and/or energy to write my own challenge post this year – hope Amy will forgive me – but I’ve enjoyed reading everyone else’s posts.

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