Stories, photographs, travel notes, and safari reflections from Doug & Marcy

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It has been two weeks already since we returned from our February trip to Tanzania. I hope you have enjoyed just a little glimpse into a totally different world. It's a world that Doug and I have come to love very much, and believe it or not, we're already looking forward to going back again in June.

Every time I go, I come home with so many pictures, and as much as I love to share them with all of you, I am sure by now you have most likely seen enough for this trip. If you have seen anything that you love and would like to have in your home or office, we are happy to offer you to our special friends and family discount of 20% on all custom orders through the end of March.We are very busy with preparations for 2027 safari trips now and would be happy to send information to anyone who may be interested in traveling with us next year. In order for you to really understand the impact that an experience like this can make on your life, you just have to experience it for yourself. As we like to say, "Once you go, you know." We would love to make this dream come true for you! ... See MoreSee Less

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Believe me, you certainly can not trust them. They can be annoying when they are seen begging along the road. They won't win any prizes for beauty. You must always remember to lock sliding glass doors and zip up your tent.

BUT...A SAFARI JUST WOULDN'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT THE BABOONS!We usually see lots of baboons wandering along the road, and it's a sure thing that after a good baboon encounter, we'll be laughing and looking forward to the next one. These characters can be so funny just by being themselves! Today's images represent two different baboon sightings on our recent safari. The last one was when they had raided a "sausage tree" and were coming toward us with sausages in their mouths. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I asked Doug if monkeys or baboons were funnier. He wasn't sure. Well, my vote goes with baboons. Sometimes I wonder if they are so funny simply because they remind me so much of ourselves! ... See MoreSee Less

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There is something unforgettable about Tanzania during the Great Migration.

This is the season when the safari builds from the elephant country of Tarangire to the vast plains of the Serengeti and then north toward the Mara River, where the Great Migration becomes the emotional centerpiece of the journey.What we love most about this safari is its rhythm. Guests begin at a resort near Arusha, move into classic safari country among giant baobabs and elephant herds, pass through the beautiful highlands near Karatu and Ngorongoro, and then settle into tented camp life in the Serengeti as the adventure unfolds.It is not just a checklist of parks. It is a beautifully paced experience of wildlife, landscape, culture, hospitality, and education.We have now created a more detailed late-season safari page (click below) with photos for anyone who would like a closer look.If the Great Migration of the Serengeti has ever been on your bucket list, send us a message and we will be happy to share details. The dates for the Great Migration trip are August 19-30. (These are actual safari dates and do not include flight dates or pre-nights.) -- 11 nights, $7,785 plus flightsLooking forward to hearing from you!Doug & MarcyMarcy’s Photo Journey / Instinct Tours Tanzania Safaristhisphotojourney.com/index.php/great-migration-safari/#TanzaniaSafari #GreatMigration #Serengeti #Tarangire #Ngorongoro #AfricanSafari #WildlifePhotography #MarcysPhotoJourney #InstinctTours ... See MoreSee Less

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WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SINGLE LADY WHO HAS ALWAYS WANTED TO GO ON A SAFARI!

It is very unusual at his time of year, but an opening is available for one female traveler who would be interested in going with us to Tanzania this September. The actual safari dates are September 20-30, but these dates do not include flight days or pre-nights. If you are interested in sharing a room with another single lady, please contact us ASAP for more details.This is our Great Migration Safari and it is the most popular time to travel to The Serengeti. If you'd prefer, you could fly over with us, and we promise to take excellent care of you from beginning to end. BIG BONUS: This safari is our first time in doing a limited, exclusive trip, and we are only accepting a total of eight people. We will have two vehicles of four persons to ensure that there is plenty of extra room to move around and photograph the migration. We have also booked some new, high-end properties that we are excited about trying for the first time during this exclusive trip. Your cost is $7485 plus flights, which is $300 less than the 2027 rates.DO YOU FEEL THE SERENGETI CALLING YOU? ... See MoreSee Less

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AND THEN THERE ARE THE LIONS!

Lions will always be safari kings, and we are usually especially lucky to see many of them on each safari adventure. Because they are so communal, they add up quickly, and we ended this past experience with a grand total of 55 lion sightings! February has proven to be the very best time for lion viewing because that is the only time of year that we visit the Lake Ndutu area of the Serengeti. Since Lake Ndutu is the gathering place and calving area for huge herds of wildebeests and zebras, the predators (lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas) naturally follow, seeking out either the older, weaker herd members or the newborn babies.Our weather this time at Lake Ndutu was very wet and very muddy, resulting in many safari vehicles being stuck. Our expert drivers, Makinda and Jume, managed to navigate through some dicey spots during our three days there, and we always felt safe as we passed by dozens of others who were mired in the mud. More than once, we stopped to lend a hand to those who were less fortunate and needed assistance.The wildlife seemed rather unaffected by the weather, but I was glad to get some different images and feel that the puddles, mud, foggy mist, and rain actually added some interest to many of the photos. Hope you enjoy this first batch of lions! ... See MoreSee Less

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There's never a shortage of elephants!

We had some amazing elephant encounters in Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. There's nothing that makes you feel so small as being in close proximity to an elephant. Come to Tanzania with us in 2027 and see for yourself! We are now taking deposits for five safaris next year. ... See MoreSee Less

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ANOTHER BIG CAT THAT IS ALWAYS A THRILL TO SEE IS THE CHEETAH! On this last trip, we saw our first one just after we arrived in the Serengeti, and with some wonderful maneuvering by our drivers and guides, we were able to get some great images. Although this one was alone, they often hunt in pairs or threes, and many times these hunting teams are brothers.

BUILT FOR SPEED!The cheetah is the fastest land animal and Africa’s most endangered big cat. Built for speed, it can accelerate to more than 70 mph in just over three seconds, covering strides up to seven meters long. Its flexible spine, long legs, narrow frame, and balancing tail all contribute to its incredible sprinting ability. Specialized muscles give the limbs a wider swing, boosting acceleration.Cheetah foot pads are hard and less rounded than those of other cats, acting like tire treads for traction during sharp turns. Their short, semi-retractable claws resemble a dog’s more than a cat’s, working like track spikes to grip the ground and increase speed.FAST AND FLEXIBLE!The cheetah’s spine is uniquely flexible, acting like a spring that powers each stride. Its long, muscular tail works like a rudder, counterbalancing body weight and swinging side to side to stabilize sharp turns during high-speed chases.Unlike most cats, a cheetah’s shoulder blades are not fixed to the collarbone, which allows the shoulders to move freely. At the hips, the joints pivot widely so the rear legs can stretch far apart when the body is fully extended. Together, this hip and shoulder flexibility produces an exceptional stride length of about 21 feet, with four strides completed every second. During each stride, the cheetah is airborne twice: once when fully extended and once when the legs are tucked beneath the body. ... See MoreSee Less

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Every safari trip includes plenty of monkeys! I asked Doug a little while ago which is more entertaining, monkeys or baboons? He really couldn't call it because they are both so funny and provide good safari entertainment.

We already have one of our five safaris now full for 2027. If you have any interest or know of anyone who would love this kind of adventure travel, let us know. Brand new itineraries are being developed, and we'd love nothing better than to send them to you.Questions have arisen about the physical stamina required to do a safari trip. These trips do not require a high level of physical fitness. You will be riding in a land cruiser safari vehicle for most of the day and are only required to walk short distances while in lodges and camps. There is no "roughing it," as we stay in top-notch properties with great amenities.Once you go, you know! These Tanzania trips are truly life changing and so much fun. We now have guests who will be traveling with us for the fourth time soon. Consider coming with us and see what all the fuss is about. ... See MoreSee Less

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More leopards!

Because we actually had two leopard sightings on this trip, I was able to grab a lot of images of one of the most beautiful animals out there. Such intensity in those eyes! The close up portraits were fun to capture, but being able to pull back and watch their behavior, both on the ground and in a tree, was thrilling.#marcysphotojourney #instincttours #tanzaniasafari #travelphotography #tanzania #WildlifePhotography #africansafari #africanwildlife #fineartphotography #knoxvillephotographer #Grit & Grace Market #paintedtreeboutiques #paintedtreeknoxville ... See MoreSee Less

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It's always a thrill to spot a favorite animal and be able to capture it through my lens, but the kinds of images that I love most are beautiful landscapes with wildlife in them. The Lake Ndutu area of the Serengeti provides wonderful opportunities for those types of shots. We only include Lake Ndutu in the itinerary of our February safaris because that is the time of year when the animals are migrating through the area.

This year, due to unprecedented rains there, landscapes were a little wetter in general, but still interesting. Here are a few of my favorites! ... See MoreSee Less

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UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IF YOU ACT QUICKLY! In case you haven't heard, we're doing an exclusive safari experience this coming September that is limited to eight travelers...2 vehicles with four per vehicle. We are checking out a couple of new upscale properties that will be under consideration for future trips. Right now we have six committed, including us, so there is still room for two more. We will be concentrating on catching the Mara River crossing at the end of the safari and have our fingers crossed that the wildebeests and zebras will cooperate with our schedule. However, even if their timing doesn't perfectly coincide with ours, we promise it'll be a great time together. Dates of actual safari are September 20-30. The Rhino Project, a special excursion to a restricted part of the Serengeti is also planned. Because time is rapidly running out, we would have to know you're in NO LATER THAN MARCH 15TH. All inclusive package except for air fare for $7485. ANY TAKERS? ... See MoreSee Less

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY I

WHAT A SAFARI!

Back home now and starting to go through thousands of pictures from our most recent Tanzania adventure. This particular safari had so many "firsts." I was happy to be able to get some close up leopard portraits that I wanted to share a few with you right away.Once again, we had a great group of travelers, and over the two weeks together, we became more like family than friends. These safari experiences can't be described accurately. There are simply not enough words! It is something you have to experience first hand to understand. If you've been considering joining us, 2027 could be your year. We now have five trips scheduled and you are invited to come along. Over the next couple of weeks, you'll be hearing testimonials from previous guests and seeing lots of pictures. Think about it! ... See MoreSee Less

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The Notable Nine leaving our first camp in the Serengeti. It has been an amazing adventure, and we begin the long journey home this evening. There hasn’t been much opportunity or time to post regularly, but plenty of wildlife images coming your way soon. This was our first time ever to see TWO LEOPARDS!!! We also kept an ongoing account of lion sightings and ended up with 55 total. ... See MoreSee Less

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Catching up…

Today was our third day of safari, and what an incredible adventure is underway! Leaving Tarangire National Park this morning, the “Notable Nine” journey to the Serengeti tomorrow for the next five nights. Our baggage is still not with us (after five days), but we’re managing and maintaining hope. From our most recent communication with the airlines, tomorrow looks promising as our possible delivery day. We have learned that we can make it with very little if we have to as long as we’re safe and have each other.I haven’t had time to go through pictures from my better cameras, but will share cell phone images from the past couple of days. Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to do better soon! ... See MoreSee Less

For those English majors out there, I’m recalling the line from an old poem (“To a Mouse,” 1785) by Robert Burns, “The best laid schemes of mice and men go oft astray.” Who knew what awaited us when we landed early yesterday morning in Amsterdam to this beautiful sunrise?

After a 2 1/2 hour layover, we enthusiastically boarded our final flight to Tanzania. But after sitting on the plane for another 2 1/2 hours, we were told our flight was officially canceled due to a leak, making the flight unsafe. After that, much chaos ensued while 250 passengers sought rebooking solutions. We finally received our new route about 4:15 in the afternoon. Fortunately, we were able to check in to a hotel in the airport where we await our evening flight to Paris, then an overnight flight to Rwanda, and finally on to Tanzania arriving tomorrow afternoon at 1:25. Thankful for travel insurance and feeling a little worse for the wear, but we will get there eventually, just 2 days later than planned. I can’t even remember the last time I slept a solid 12 hours as I did last night! All is good… ... See MoreSee Less

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Met up with Janna at the Knoxville airport, and we’re on our way! Even though this is our 8th trip to Tanzania, and our 11th to Africa, it never gets old. We’re excited…Tanzania, here we come! ... See MoreSee Less

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DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENTLY! It is the lioness, not the beautiful guy with the mane, that does all of the work.

In a few short days, we will be making our 11th trip to Africa. I have enjoyed taking tens of thousands of pictures of lions during those adventures. Most often, males are resting, sleeping, or strolling along playing the role of king. Don't get me wrong, they are incredibly attractive animals, and my heart still always beats just a little faster when we happen upon a great sighting of a male lion. But it didn't take me long to realize that it is the lioness who is the really important one in the lion kingdom. Primary hunter, cub raiser, and protector, she is the one most deserving of all of those naps.COME WITH US TO TANZANIA IN 2027 AND ENJOY THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME! We have four great options:• February 4-15, 2027• February 25 - March 8, 2027• June 5-16, 2027• August 19-30, 2027(arrival & departure dates, pre & post nights available)Response for next year's safaris has been great so far, and we don't want you to be left out. Contact us by private message or leave a comment below to receive more information.#marcysphotojourney #wildlifephotography #tanzania #tanzaniasafari #africanwildlife #africansafari #travelphotography #instincttours ... See MoreSee Less

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We spent the majority of today preparing our Cleveland gallery for the HUGE END OF THE SEASON SALE at Grit & Grace Market. Since returning from our January trip to Yellowstone, Doug and I have been very busy ordering new work, framing, and making some important decisions about the future of Marcy's Photo Journey.

In order to make room for several brand new pieces in the upcoming year, we decided to drastically reduce many, many canvases and metals that have been hanging around a while. Several have now been priced less than what we paid for them, and even though that's hard to do, we are hoping many of our customers will take advantage of this opportunity to get in on an excellent deal for your home or office. Because we wanted to discount as much as possible, we have removed many pieces from the frames and are planning to reuse the frames for new work. We simply couldn't afford to take a loss on the frames in addition to the canvases and metals.Plan to stop by during this seasonal sale that starts tomorrow and goes through Monday. We are sure you'll find plenty of bargains, and we'd also love to see what you think of our newly added pieces! (For best viewing, view full screen and read accompanying commentary. Two of our new additions are pictured below and were taken on our trip to Yellowstone.)#marcysphotojourney #knoxvillephotographer #fineartphotography #photographicart #naturephotography #travelphotography #wildlifephotography #smallbusinessbigdreams #walldecor #artisticphotography ... See MoreSee Less

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When the temperatures rise like they have over the past couple of days, I always start thinking ahead to our rapidly approaching spring here in east Tennessee. Although most of you know how much I love to travel, I want to be home when the dogwoods bloom and when the Smokies show off the most gorgeous shades of green you have ever seen! And then there's the annual excitement of seeing little cubbies, as the mama bears start venturing out of their dens.

Can't help but think that by the time we return from Tanzania, there will be plenty signs of renewal and regeneration of nature around here. Nature never disappoints, no matter what the season, but for me there is a special excitement in the air this time of year. Hoping today's images will cause you to also look forward to our upcoming new, fresh season.#marcysphotojourney #gritandgracemarket #paintedtreeknoxville #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #greatsmokymountains #greatsmokies #cadescove #spring #naturephotography #knoxvillephotographer ... See MoreSee Less

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One week from today, we will be leaving once again for Tanzania with our February group of nine travelers! One of the biggest highlights of the trip for us is our visit to Unity School.

Doug has been working diligently on a website for our mission project there that started just two years ago. With your financial help and prayers, so much good has been done already, and the future looks hopeful and bright. Please take a few moments to peruse the website at mpjprojects.org and read our story. Doug has done such a great job, and I believe you'll enjoy checking it out.It's not too late to donate, so that we can include your funds when we leave next week. There are several ways to donate listed on the website. THANK YOU!(SHARES GREATLY APPRECIATED!)#marcysphotojourney #tanzania #instincttours #tanzaniasafari #adventuretravel #heartfortanzania ... See MoreSee Less

One week from today,

Fond memories of Charleston...

#marcysphotojourney #gritandgracemarket #paintedtreeknoxville #travelphotography #knoxvillephotographer #fineartphotography #walldecor #Charleston #RainbowRow #landscapephotography #AngelOak #angeloaktree ... See MoreSee Less

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It's a great day to visit Marcy's Photo Journey's local galleries!

Just in case you're new to our page and are not aware, our photography can be seen and purchased at Painted Tree Boutiques - Knoxville, TN and Grit & Grace Market-Cleveland, TN. We have a great variety of images available in both locations, including framed canvases, metals, and unframed matted prints. While you're there, also check out our boxed greeting card and notecard collections, as well as individually packaged 5 X 7 greeting cards.We also operate and maintain an online Etsy shop easily accessed at marcysphotojourney.etsy.com. Our Etsy shop just exceeded 100 sales! ... See MoreSee Less

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Outside our kitchen window on one of the recent snow days!

#paintedtreeknoxville #marcysphotojourney #gritandgracemarket #naturephotography #knoxvillephotographer #birdlife #birdphotography ... See MoreSee Less

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It's only been three weeks since we returned from our winter trip to Yellowstone. While many prefer to escape to a warm location during the winter months, we love to travel to a spot where we can enjoy snowy landscapes and capture scenic, winter images through our lenses. I'm not a fan of freezing temperatures, but it's always worth it to brave the cold, wind, and ice for a few days to enjoy the incredible beauty of a snowy winter.

Some of our favorite winter escapes are to the states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Hope you enjoy today's photos that provide just a glimpse into why we love to head west during January each year.All of our work is available for purchase, and we would love to work with you to create a custom photographic art piece for your home or office. To help us spread the word about our small, family business, please feel free to share our daily posts and invite friends and family to follow our page. THANK YOU!#marcysphotojourney #yellowstone #grandtetonnationalpark #knoxvillephotographer #Grit & Grace Market #paintedtreeknoxville #winterphotography #snowymountains #scenicphotography #landscapephotography ... See MoreSee Less

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WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR NEW FOLLOWERS!

Doug and I are so happy that you have decided to come along on our photography and travel journey. Many of you may not know yet that we escort guests to Tanzania 3-4 times per year. For three years now, we have worked with Instinct Tours to provide THE VERY BEST of safari experiences.We are currently gearing up for 2027 and have had wonderful response so far from many who are interested in joining us. If this is something that you've had on your bucket list for a while and you'd like to receive information about our life-changing adventures in Africa, please contact us by private message or leave a comment below.(ALL SHARES GREATLY APPRECIATED.)#marcysphotojourney #instincttours #arnoldmakinda #africa #safariadventure #tanzania #tanzaniasafari #travelwithme #travelphotography #adventuretravel #tripofalifetime ... See MoreSee Less

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It was a foggy, misty, sloppy, muddy day in Cades cove yesterday, but there was still beauty to be found. We had it mostly to ourselves, except for the deer that were out and about in large numbers.

#marcysphotojourney #paintedtreeknoxville #Grit & Grace Market #fineartphotography #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #greatsmokymountains #knoxvilletennessee #knoxvillephotographer #naturephotography #photographicart ... See MoreSee Less

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If you've followed our journey for even just a few years, you probably already know that I love nothing more than to be out in nature, photographing God's beautiful world. So many different kinds of landscapes and wildlife provide inspiration, and I never tire of seeing what I can capture through my lens.

What you may not know, however, is that I also LOVE to take pictures of amazing architecture! Especially as we began traveling in European countries, I discovered that I can spend hours in cathedrals capturing fascinating detail, both simplistic and ornate. Repeated Gothic arches grab me every time. In 2017 I had the chance to accompany my son Jared on a study trip to Troyes, France. He left each morning for the library, and I filled my days for two weeks enjoying wandering around this incredible medieval city with my camera. Today's images were taken in the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Troyes Cathedral) which was completed in 1208. Our apartment was just a couple of blocks from the cathedral, so every time I went anywhere, I walked right past it and was compelled to go in and take a few more shots. "Sacred Light" (vertical) is still a personal favorite of mine, perhaps because of the memories attached to it. With its neutral palette, textural components, and repeating patterns, this vertical image would be an asset to any room or office.(Please remember that all shares of this post are greatly appreciated.)#marcysphotojourney #Grit & Grace Market #paintedtreeknoxville #tennesseephotographer #TravelPhotography #fineartphotography #france #architecturalphotography #cathedralphotography #medievalhistory #wallart #homedecor #photographer ... See MoreSee Less

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WE ARE LOOKING FOR MORE FOLLOWERS!

In order to go to the next level and experience more success with our online efforts for Marcy's Photo Journey, it is important that we actively strive to increase our number of followers. You can really help us with this by inviting your friends and family to become part our Facebook page by just going to this page and clicking on "follow." My goal is to post at least five days per week, featuring images from near and far. Doug and I began getting serious about travel and photography ten years ago. We have now visited 47 states and 31 countries around the world...it's been quite a ride! It is our pleasure to share our travel photos and stories with you, and we're committing to do a better job of that as we move into this new year. Today's images are from our first visit to Italy. I remember being so taken with photographing windows and doors while we toured the medieval city of Siena. The day started out with torrential rain, and we were trying to carry umbrellas, while protecting our cameras from the rain and dodging puddles. After lunch the sun finally broke through, and we ended up feeling very fortunate that we were able to capture both rainy and sunny pictures at that great location. Hope you enjoy this look back to 2016 when we had a little more spring in our steps. Yes, we are older and somewhat slower now, but life is always a great adventure, and there are still many places we want to go and experience.WE WOULD LOVE FOR ONE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL IMAGES TO FIND ITS PERMANENT HOME WITH YOU! All of our work is available for purchase, and every picture has its own story that we'd be happy to include with your image. (Please remember that shares of our posts are always greatly appreciated.)#marcysphotojourney #knoxvilletennessee #knoxvillephotographer #fineartphotography #travel #travelphotography #travelwithme #photographicart #homedecor #WallArt #walldecor ... See MoreSee Less

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Cades Cove horses

#marcysphotojourney #cadescove #greatsmokymountains #greatsmokies #tennessee #knoxville #knoxvilletennessee #townsendtn #horses #fineartphotography #photographicart ... See MoreSee Less

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Just three short weeks from today, Doug and I will be landing in Kilimanjaro International Airport to enjoy our 8th trip to Tanzania! We are excited and looking forward once again to escorting our group of nine adventurers on a life-changing journey like no other.

Once again, we are asking for donations for Unity School, a place that has become very near and dear to our hearts. MPJ Tanzania Projects, our 501(C)(3) tax-free corporation, now has a brand new website for you to check out! (mpjprojects.org) We can no longer accept donations through personal Venmo, PayPal, or checks. EVERY DONATION MUST NOW COME THROUGH MPJ TANZANIA PROJECTS. If you'd like to donate to this very worthy effort, you may send a check to MPJ Tanzania Projects, 405 Rodeo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934 or contribute electronically through Zelle or PayPal to mpj.tanzania.projects@gmail.com.With the help of our growing number of donors, we have built bathrooms with flushing toilets and sinks, installed lighting in classrooms and dining room, put new roof on teachers work room, renovated several classrooms, installed a water filtration system, bought new student desks and chairs, painted entire exterior and improved grounds, upgraded kitchen facilities with new stoves and equipment, replaced broken windows, provided books and school supplies, and are donating monthly to cover nutritious lunches for students and teachers. Your donations are truly making a big difference in the lives of our precious students, but there is a lot more we plan to do. CAN YOU HELP US?(SHARES GREATLY APPRECIATED!) ... See MoreSee Less

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LOVELY LAST DAY...

Our second snow coach day was a standout favorite! As we went into the park, a thick hoarfrost covered everything, making the scenery extra magical. There were swans and ducks on the Madison River, and the hardy bison trudged along in the snow, as we made our way further into the park with the destination of Yellowstone River Canyon. Three different views of the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls were certainly worth the chilly walks outside the coach, and we stopped to enjoy our boxed deli lunches near Chittenden Bridge, overlooking the beautiful Yellowstone River.Perhaps it was even more special to us because we knew that it would be our last time to soak in the crisp, bright, beautiful winter views that we had enjoyed throughout our journey. We found ourselves already discussing the possibilities of returning here or perhaps taking in Glacier or Yosemite in future winters. Time will tell, but we left the next morning feeling that we had made a good decision to once again enjoy Yellowstone during January!If you would like to have any of our Yellowstone in winter images for your home, we can make that happen. Custom orders placed by the end of January, will receive a 20% discount off of our normal gallery pricing. Choose your size, format, and frame. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work and would love to work with you on a special photographic art piece for your home. Contact us for details. ... See MoreSee Less

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Yellowstone National Park's west entrance cannot be accessed by car during the winter season. Visitors may walk in, take a snowmobile tour, or a snow coach tour to the interior of the park. There are two snow coach routes, one to Old Faithful and the other to Yellowstone Canyon. It's a long day because you're on the coach from dawn until dusk, but well worth the investment of both time and money. Today's pictures are from our first snow coach day, starting the morning along the Madison River where we saw the park wake up and enjoyed a lot of frosty trees and snow scenes. In addition to Old Faithful, we saw Gibbons Falls and Firehole Falls. ... See MoreSee Less

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SPONTANEITY PAYS!

After relocating to West Yellowstone, we decided at the last minute to get up and out early and spend the day on a journey to the Grand Tetons. It ended up being our favorite day! These images capture our adventure from before dawn to dark. It was a day we'll always remember...made better, I think, because it wasn't planned. ... See MoreSee Less

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We're actually headed home later today, so the remaining pictures from this winter Yellowstone adventure will be coming from Knoxville over the next couple of days. It's been a very good experience, and we've enjoyed both the rest days and the active days. Now we turn our thoughts and plans back to Tanzania since it's only a month until we leave with our February guests. ... See MoreSee Less

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MOVING DAY!

We spent the first half of our time located just outside the north entrance of Yellowstone (in Emigrant) where we could access Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. It was the perfect spot for us to enjoy that portion of the park and take advantage of some high quality rest when in the cabin. Half way through our trip (January 11th) was moving day when we relocated to the west entrance, staying in the small town of West Yellowstone. Today's images range from our last look at the great Yellowstone River view from the cabin to the trip through Livingston, Bozeman, Big Sky and on to West Yellowstone. It was a gorgeous day, and I love to take pictures from the car, so almost all of these were shot while we were on the move. The terrain, especially the snow pack, changed quite a bit over the 3 hour drive. We went from the beautiful mountain views of the Absaroka range through the city of Bozeman and then through the Gallatin River Gorge, where the forested hills on both sides of the road were covered with snow...stunningly beautiful. ... See MoreSee Less

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PhotosAlmost to the northeast entrance at the end of Lamar Valley, a great view awaits before exiting the park and driving on to Cooke City. (And perhaps a cup of coffee and fresh cinnamon roll!) ... See MoreSee Less

A few more images from our last morning at our Emigrant cabin, north of Yellowstone, and our last day in Lamar Valley. ... See MoreSee Less

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Yellowstone is known for a lot of things, but possibly the most familiar image from this incredible place is the American bison. If you have spent much time in the park, you have likely been stopped in a bison jam as these huge, majestic creatures saunter down the road, either coming toward you or walking the same direction you're going. Opportunities may arise to put down your window and come eye to eye with a bison. If I have a chance, I love to try to get these shots! These were from our last day in Lamar Valley, accessed from the north entrance. ... See MoreSee Less

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This is Doug reporting 😊

We’ve finished the 2027 Tanzania safari flyer for Instinct Tours — and the first spots are already filling (two guests confirmed, several more interested!).These are small-group, thoughtfully paced safaris led by Arnold Makinda and his amazing team — with time for wildlife, photography, and real immersion.We’d love to have you join us on one of the four 2027 departures. All shares truly appreciated — thank you for your support! ... See MoreSee Less

This is Doug reporti

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No, the Tetons were not in our plans for this trip, but we had an open day and decided at the last minute to make the six hour round trip to hang out for about five hours in one of our favorite places. No regrets, just a great adventure! ... See MoreSee Less

No, the Tetons were

Checking in from our new location in West Yellowstone where we have MUCH MORE SNOW! ... See MoreSee Less

Checking in from our

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A leisurely drive along Old Yellowstone Trail searching for eagles and elk only yielded a few landscapes, but it was enjoyable anyway. ... See MoreSee Less

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Although we've been to Yellowstone in the winter before, we had never visited Mammoth Hot Springs during this season until yesterday. I was shocked how enjoyable it was for me to photograph this location! The colors and steamy mist rising from the hot springs was such a beautiful sight in the light we had.

These pictures are probably not that appealing to many, but I love them! The compositions were endless. What amazing abstract beauty can be seen in our natural world. ... See MoreSee Less

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Yesterday we were in the company of a couple hundred bison for 45 minutes or so. It started out with us being the third car back, following them on the road. They were taking their time, occupying the whole road, and sauntering along, so cars ahead were trying to find a chance to get around them. Meanwhile we were taking pictures and video out of the car windows and windshield trying to capture the moment.

Finally the cars ahead of us moved on, and it was our turn. Our plan was to try to go down the road to a pull off where we could station ourselves in the event that they continued on the route by the road. We found our spot, got out of the car, and positioned ourselves just in time. At this point, they seemed to split three ways...through the woods, up a hill, and down the middle of the road. I could hardly believe our luck as we took so many pictures of them running fast, loping along, and slow walking past where we were.We didn't even need our long lenses because they were so close. Admittedly, there were a couple of tense moments when we jumped in the car in a hurry as a few of the really big ones gave us a stare, but we were never really in danger with the car being right there and our doors standing open.It was one of the most amazing wildlife encounters we have ever had because there were so many, and they just kept coming and coming. ... See MoreSee Less

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WEATHER AND WILDLIFE!

We spent about six hours in the park yesterday, and weather was much more prevalent than wildlife. Although park access is very limited during this time of year, we saw great swings in both temperature and precipitation as we made our way through Lamar Valley to Cook City and back. Wildlife sightings were infrequent, but we have high hopes for today.Hope you enjoy this first look at Yellowstone in winter, 2026! ... See MoreSee Less

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We are all settled in our cabin just outside of Yellowstone National Park (Gardiner entrance) and are looking forward to getting out and exploring today. Disappointed to see very little snow where we are, but winds are howling! We were so tired that we slept 10 straight hours last night, a very unusual occurrence for us. 🙂

Before we begin posting Yellowstone images, though, I'd like to remind everyone that we are now signing up guests for our four 2027 trips to Tanzania. We are so excited to already have 8 guests for the May/June safari, so if you want to get in on that adventure, it's time to be seriously thinking about it and letting us know. We are limiting trips to 15 passengers in order to preserve the small group quality of each adventure. Dates are as follows:February 5 - 15 and February 26 - March 8...These two safaris take place during the GREEN SEASON when landscapes are lush and green, and we see many wildlife babies with their mamas.May 28 - June 7…Our COOL SEASON safari, with mild, pleasant temperatures and beautiful weather. August 20 - 30...MIGRATION HIGHLIGHTS safari when we see huge herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River in Kenya, concluding the latter stages of the Great Migration. A $2000 per person deposit will hold your spot, with balance due 90 days before departure. Tanzania was listed as one of the top ten world-wide destinations going into 2026, and we certainly understand why!If you've been hoping for the perfect time to go with us, 2027 may just be your year. Arnold Makinda and Instinct Tours are waiting to welcome you to their country, and Doug and I will help you get there, assisting with every aspect of preparation. Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or comments. You will join many others who continue to tell us that this trip was the best adventure of their lives!(Enjoy images below of a dik-dik, the smallest antelope in the world, who mates for life and often crosses our path on safari. Also, the lilac breasted roller continues to be the most beautiful bird I have ever seen, and a pair of barbets spotted in the Lake Ndutu area of the Serengeti, where we visit exclusively during the February safaris.)instincttours.com #safariadventure #SafariPhotography #tanzania #tanzaniasafari #africansafari #marcysphotojourney #TanzaniaAdventure marcysphotography.com ... See MoreSee Less

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Yellowstone bound! (We’re more excited than we look.) ... See MoreSee Less

Yellowstone bound!

As we begin preparing for our Tanzania 2027 adventures, an unusual opportunity has presented itself for this coming June. Two of our guests who were planning to join us have had to postpone their trip until 2027, so TWO SPOTS HAVE OPENED UP.

June is a very pleasant season to enjoy all that Tanzania has to offer, due to extremely pleasant temperatures and perfect skies. Animals are abundant, and migration is already well underway often providing some unique sightings, like the pictures posted below which were taken last June.If you have any interest in being a part of this great journey (June 11-25), please let us know ASAP. There's still plenty of time to get plans in place, obtain your visa, and schedule flights. Another bonus is that our group is relatively small, resulting in a very personal experience, more like a private safari.With a $2000 deposit, your place is reserved, and we can postpone full payment until 30 days before departure. Has Africa been calling you? THINK ABOUT IT! ... See MoreSee Less

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As we bid farewell to 2025, Doug and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the friends and customers of Marcy's Photo Journey. We started this little family business in the fall of 2018 as a response to a few followers on my personal Facebook page who were interested in purchasing prints for their homes. We never could have imagined at that time that it would grow into two brick and mortar galleries, an Etsy shop (just had our 100th sale on Etsy yesterday), and a steady stream of sales through our website. Tanzania was a far away place we had only heard about, although safari travel had always been a dream of this animal lover.

Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves doing many things we love as we continue our photography pursuits, travel, and escort others to Tanzania, where we have found dear ones who we now think of as family. We have found our "mission," here in the latter years of our lives, as we dedicate ourselves to the task of improving the lives of students at Unity School. We truly marvel as we see God doing big things there and providing the right people at just the right time to assist us in this endeavor.We want to thank each one of you who have honored us by buying our wall art, cards, or calendars. I can hardly believe that there are now several hundred people who have our pictures hanging in their homes! Thank you for your prayers, kind comments, and encouraging smiles over these past six years. We love seeing familiar faces at art shows, festivals, and in our galleries, and we want you to know that we don't take you for granted.To all of you who have traveled with us once, twice, or even three times now to Tanzania, you have become close friends that we cherish and will never forget. Thank you for trusting us and Instinct Tours and sharing some very precious moments with us half way around the world. We hold you dear in our hearts and have so many fond remembrances of our times together.Where will 2026 take us? We hope to continue to be healthy and able to do all of the things we enjoy doing. It is our hope that there are even bigger and better things ahead of us, but only God knows what our future holds. Next Tuesday, we begin next year's travel adventures with a trip to Yellowstone, and we'll be leaving for our eighth trip to Tanzania with a group of nine in mid-February. We wish for you, our customers, friends, and family, a fantastic 2026 . Thank you for becoming part of us! MAY GOD'S PROTECTION, DIRECTION, AND BLESSINGS BE PRESENT EACH DAY IN YOUR HOMES AND FAMILIES. ... See MoreSee Less

As we bid farewell t

Merry Christmas! We are so thankful for Jesus, the greatest gift. Blessings to all of you from our family on this wonderful day. ... See MoreSee Less

Merry Christmas!  We

Our gallery at Painted Tree Boutiques is refreshed and restocked! Hoping you’ll include Marcy’s Photo Journey in your Christmas shopping plans. Consider the gift of beautiful art for someone on your list this year. It’s a choice that keeps on giving long after the holiday season is over. ... See MoreSee Less

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IT'S CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY AT Grit & Grace Market!!! Visit over 100 shoppes inside and enjoy outside vendors as well on this very special day that only happens once a year.

DEEP DISCOUNTS are available at our gallery inside the store. Take 20% off all greeting cards, boxed card collections, 2026 calendars, matted prints, and wall art (includes framed metals and canvases. ENJOY 30% OFF EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS AND FALL. Our sale prices will be honored through Monday, but you'll want to come while selection is best, so the sooner, the better. See just a small sampling of art work currently in inventory below: ... See MoreSee Less

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We could not be more pleased! Giving Tuesday donations for Unity School totaled $8700!! This does include some ongoing monthly support designated specifically for food (school lunches) that arrived along with some new pledges and donations.

THANK YOU PHOTO JOURNEY FAMILY FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIVING. Great things are already being done at the school, and the future is bright. If you intended to donate but did not get it in yesterday, it is not too late! Doug and I will be going back to Tanzania in February to see all that has been accomplished recently. We can hardly wait! ... See MoreSee Less

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Enjoy 25% OFF ALL WALL ART today at marcysphotography.com! Our website now has almost 6000 images to choose from, and I'm confident you'll find something that is perfect for your home or office. ... See MoreSee Less

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THE BIG CATS ARE CALLING YOU TO TANZANIA!

As most of you probably know by now, Doug and I have been working with Arnold Makinda of Instinct Tours to bring our guests the VERY BEST TANZANIA SAFARI EXPERIENCE. We look forward to our fourth year of escorting eager adventurers to Tanzania as we officially announce the dates for 2027.Get out those calendars, and start now to plan for a life-changing experience with Marcy's Photo Journey and Instinct Tours. For the first time, we are offering FOUR GREAT OPTIONS for 2027:February 5 - 15 and February 26 - March 8...These two safaris take place during the GREEN SEASON when landscapes are lush and green, and we see many wildlife babies with their mamas.May 28 - June 7…Our COOL SEASON safari, with mild, pleasant temperatures and beautiful weather. August 20 - 30...MIGRATION HIGHLIGHTS safari when we see huge herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River in Kenya, concluding the latter stages of the Great Migration. Each safari is limited to 15 travelers, so you may want to reserve your spot early. A $2000 deposit will be necessary to guarantee your place. If you're interested in joining us, it's time to let us know, and we'll go from there. Please don't hesitate to contact us and ask questions or express concerns. ... See MoreSee Less

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Put our gallery at Grit & Grace Market on your shopping list for Black Friday or Small Business Saturday. ANY PURCHASE FROM OUR SHOPPE WILL AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A 25% DISCOUNT THIS COMING WEEK-END. (Sale goes through Sunday.)

We currently have a large variety of wall art, boxed notecards, greeting card collections, 2026 wall calendars, and matted prints in inventory. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this price reduction very often...don't miss out!! ... See MoreSee Less

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Is there a bear lover on your Christmas list? You may want to take a look at our brand new bear collages! Available in small (20 X 20), medium (26 X 26), and large (36 X 36) sizes by custom order.

If interested, place your order by December 5th and have your collage by Christmas! Barnwood framing is available in a variety of finishes. ... See MoreSee Less

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Today's website special holiday savings is on home decor items!

Save 25% on throw pillows, duvet covers, shower curtains, bath towels, tote bags, coffee mugs, puzzles, ornaments, and more. Your order will be on its way to you in just 2 - 3 business days and will arrive with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Start shopping at marcysphotography.com. ... See MoreSee Less

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Need an unusual gift for someone on your list who is considered difficult to buy for? Take any photo and put it on a hoodie, t-shirt, or tank top. Holiday sale (today only) offers 50% OFF ALL APPAREL purchased through our website at marcysphotography.com! ... See MoreSee Less

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FYI

Today is the first day of daily seasonal sales on our website through Fine Art America and Pixels. Savings today is 25% OFF ALL GREETING CARDS, when ordered online.There are over 5700 images (in 51 collections) on my website to choose from...photos that I have taken here in east Tennessee, many other states in the US, and over 35 countries around the world. Pick a couple of favorites and have some excellent quality cards custom made and sent to your home. Cards can be ordered individually or in packs of 10 and 25.Easy access to the website by clicking on the link below:marcysphotography.com ... See MoreSee Less

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COMING SOON!

Dates for Tanzania Adventures 2027 will be announced next week! For the first time, four trips will be offered, and we'd love for you to come along with us for a life-changing experience unlike any other.Arnold Makinda of Instinct Tours is constantly working to make each new adventure better than the last, so we know our guests will not be disappointed. Marcy's Photo Journey is happy to assist and guide you during the planning and preparation for this wonderful, amazing experience. Nothing for you to stress over or worry about, we've got you covered! ... See MoreSee Less

COMING SOON!

Dates

2026 calendars were mailed out yesterday to all who had requested them! If you have not yet paid for your calendar, you may send a check to Marcy's Photo Journey, 405 Rodeo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934 or send funds electronically through Venmo or Zelle.

Total amount due is $32 plus $10 shipping. (We were shocked when we did the mailing to see how much shipping has increased since last year.) Thank you to everyone who purchased a calendar. Doug commented again yesterday that he thinks this year's "Cottages and Countryside" version is our best yet. Regretfully, we will not have desk calendars available this year.If you didn't get your order in or you would like to gift someone with one of our calendars, they are available through our Etsy shop at marcysphotojourney.etsy.com. ... See MoreSee Less

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Time has a way of speeding up this time of year, and here we are just a little over seven weeks until we'll be ringing in 2027! That means that there's not much time left to jump on board with us and be a part of the Great Migration Adventure for September 2026.

We are frequently asked about the level of physical exertion for our trips. THIS IS A GREAT TRIP FOR EVERYONE WHO IS ABLE TO WALK FROM YOUR ROOM TO THE SAFARI VEHICLE. Very few steps are required daily, and it is not fast paced. Step stools are used to climb in and out of vehicles, and assistance is provided as necessary. CPAP machines are not an issue, and most special needs can be easily accommodated. If you have any concern about specific health issues, please ask us!WE NOW HAVE A FOUR DAY EXTENSION TO THE TROPICAL ISLAND OF ZANZIBAR AVAILABLE AS AN ADD-ON AFTER SAFARI!! Our guests will spend four days and nights in a first class resort on the Indian Ocean and will have the option to rest and relax or take advantage of cultural tours during their stay.Doug and I partner with Arnold Makinda of Instinct Tours to make sure your Tanzania experience is unforgettable and life-changing. Enjoy the very best from beginning until end and come home with lasting memories and incredible pictures.Prices for 2026 tours did not increase and remain at $7485 for all ground services, including expert guiding, transportation, accommodations, meals, and special tours. Our guests are responsible for their own flight arrangements, but we are here to help you find the best possible flight options, if you need us.YOU WILL NEVER REGRET YOUR DECISION TO COME WITH US! It just takes a $2000 deposit to reserve your spot, with final payment due 90 days before departure. Dates are September 4-17, 2026. We're waiting to hear from you! ... See MoreSee Less

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It had been a very long time since I had been able to sneak away to the mountains with my camera, but last Saturday allowed a few hours to catch some final glimpses of the season. There was still some nice color, but leaves were coming down fast. Enjoy! ... See MoreSee Less

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Good morning!

Yes, we are still here. Doug and I have been very busy for the last month with a major kitchen redo, so check-ins here on the Photo Journey page have been few and far between. We are surviving, but it will still be a while before all is complete.Meanwhile, we are in the middle of ongoing holiday preparation for both photo galleries and are working on some custom orders. Thought you might enjoy seeing one of the safari collages that I just completed. (To fully appreciate, view full screen!) I really enjoyed coming up something a little different. Collages (of any type) are now available through our custom order process. I will be doing prototypes of other options over the next few days and sharing those here, just in case there is interest. I'm excited about a Smokies one, in addition to collections of images from locations where we have traveled. Stay tuned...Calendars will be mailed out by the middle of November, so if you haven't yet contacted us about getting on the calendar list, we need to hear from you NOW! If you are thinking about gifts through Marcy's Photo Journey for someone on your list this season, we would love to work with you to create a perfect surprise for your loved one. You may also be interested in shopping on my website at marcysphotography.com to see lots of gift options including mugs, ornaments, towels, throw pillows, blankets, phone cases, tote bags, etc.This week-end Painted Tree Boutiques - Knoxville, TN is having their Christmas Open House, and we would love for you to stop by our gallery there. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be adding additional winter images, more card collections, and calendars. ... See MoreSee Less

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Don't miss this weekend's Christmas Open House at Marcy's Photo Journey, located in The Shoppes at Grit & Grace Market, Cleveland. Starting tomorrow and going through Sunday afternoon, you'll receive a 25% savings on all of our wall art, including framed canvases, metals, and matted prints.

We'll also have boxed Christmas cards, notecard collections, and our brand new 2026 wall calendars. ... See MoreSee Less

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There are only two months left to make your decision to come to Tanzania with us September 4-17, 2026. This trip is our very special "Great Migration Safari" experience, and we can now add an additional four days in Zanzibar for all who are interested in this possibility.

Doug and I just returned about six weeks ago from the 2025 September trip, and it was totally amazing! Contact us for pricing and itinerary details. STOP AND LISTEN...Africa is calling you to experience this life-changing adventure.The end of the year is the final deadline for 2026 deposits! ... See MoreSee Less

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IT'S TIME!

If you are considering a special Christmas gift for someone you love, we can help you with that! Just in case you have joined our page as a new follower and don't already know, we are excited to offer custom orders once again for the upcoming holiday season. We have been blessed to visit over thirty countries and many of our US national parks over the past ten years, resulting in a portfolio of tens of thousands of images. If you have a gift in mind and would like to see fine art photography from a specific destination, we need to hear from you! You choose the image, format, size, and framing and we create that special gift to your specifications. Look through the posted images for ideas. In order to be sure of delivery by Christmas, act now. ... See MoreSee Less

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Whew! When your calendars are delivered (and you hold one in your hands hurriedly going through it to be sure it looks as good as you had hoped), it's always a great relief when you realize they just might be even better in person than online! Doug and I both love how our "Cottages and Countryside 2026" calendars turned out. We believe it is one of our best ever.

Due to lagging sales for our business in general this year, we ordered about one fourth of our usual amount and are not planning on a reorder. Thanks to all who have already reserved their calendars! We will be mailing those out and making arrangements for pick-up the first part of November, just as soon as we live through this major kitchen renovation that is currently consuming us. Calendars that are left will be taken to both galleries (Painted Tree Boutiques - Knoxville, TN and The Shoppes at Grit & Grace Market-Cleveland, TN) by the end of next week for upcoming Christmas Open House events. They are very high quality, 12 X 18 spiral wall calendars, and feature thirteen frameable fine art photographs, all taken in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Priced at $32 each, the calendars make great gifts! ... See MoreSee Less

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We're rapidly running out of time to accept travelers for February and June, 2026. If you are thinking about joining us, you only have until Sunday to jump in! You've seen plenty of pictures of Tanzania landscapes and wildlife, but I've never focused on the adventurers who have chosen to come with us for this life-changing experience. Please read our most recent Trip Advisor review from a fellow traveler who lives right here in Knoxville. Then look at the photos of the ones who have dared to come with us to Africa since February 2024. Check out all of the happy faces, many of whom have gone with us more than once. All we need to hold your spot for February or June next year is a $2000 deposit.

Trip Advisor Review:AN AMAZING SAFARI EXPERIENCE WITH INSTINCT TOURSSeptember 2025 "We’ve traveled a lot since I retired and my trip to Namibia in 2019 with my brother and niece was my favorite until now. I really wanted my husband to have the safari experience and I thought I knew what to expect – but this trip was way beyond my expectations (and he had a good time too)! So many great things but above all I think Makinda and his team made the difference. They are knowledgeable about the land, the people and most especially the wildlife. They went out of their way to make sure we had an excellent experience. We saw an abundance of wildlife – the big five for starters but a wide variety of birds, reptiles and zebras, giraffe and wildebeest. We visited a Massai village, a family owned coffee plantation and a local school with each visit giving us the opportunity to interact with the tribe, the family and the teachers and students. We felt very welcomed at each of our stops and our accommodations were spacious, clean and comfortable. And if you are a photographer, you will appreciate the time and care they take in positioning (and repositioning) the vehicle so you can get the best shots of the wildlife and terrain." ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you for all of the kind condolence messages during the past ten days. Doug and I are so grateful for the 100 happy and healthy years that his mother had here on earth, and we are confident now that she is in heaven with family and friends who have gone on before her.

We have had a lot going on over the past few months and therefore are later than usual in ordering calendars for next year. Our 2026 photo calendars will feature images from one of our most popular notecard collections, "Cottages and Countryside." All of the photographs were taken in England, Scotland, and Ireland over the last few years, and we think you'll love the look of this calendar!We are returning to the company that we used up until last year, Mpix. The wall calendars are a spiral format and are 12 X 18 inches in size with a frameable picture for each month. We will have them in stock soon in both of our local galleries, but will also be happy to ship to your home at shipping cost, which will vary with location. Cost is $32.00 per calendar, plus sales tax for Tennessee residents.Because we are getting off to a late start on selling them this year, a very limited number is being ordered, and once they're gone, they're gone. If you would like one, please let us know NOW, and we will set yours aside before stocking the shoppes. You may leave or comment below or send a private message.Some of the monthly pages are posted below to give you a good idea of what the calendar looks like. We have ordered the top quality paper and printing inks in order to produce an excellent product. In order to fully appreciate the images, please click on each one and view full screen! ... See MoreSee Less

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You may remember that today was departure day for our long-awaited Croatia and Slovenia adventure, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we made the decision late Saturday afternoon to cancel the trip. We still want to explore those two destinations and will likely go ahead and rebook for this same time next year, since we really hope to do it during the Fall season. ... See MoreSee Less

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It's time to close this chapter. Tanzania September was truly fabulous, and I'm finding it difficult to move in a different direction for a while. We will be leaving for Croatia and Slovenia one week from today, so it's necessary to cease the safari pictures for now and look ahead to new experiences.

THERE IS STILL TIME, THOUGH, IF YOU WANT TO JOIN US IN TANZANIA FOR FEBRUARY OR JUNE OF 2026! Your last day to sign up and pay the $2000 deposit is October 10th. Posting final pictures from September today...enjoy one last look! ... See MoreSee Less

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All set up and ready to go! We’d love to see you today at the Townsend Heritage and Bluegrass Festival. Location is right next to the Townsend Visitors Center, and we’re here until 6:00 this afternoon. Plenty of great food and music, and lots of craft vendors. A BIG BONUS is that it’s so convenient to take a ride through Cades Cove either before or after the festival. The Great Smokies never disappoint! ... See MoreSee Less

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