Maria Varela Studio

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Works I Cherish

Brontë had only been with us for a few days, and her devotion was already so big, so immediate, that she wouldn’t leave my side—not even for a second. I used to joke that I didn’t really know what she looked like, because she was always so close to me.

This was the first time I truly saw her. Sitting just a little farther away, her soft curls, her expressive eyes, and her spectacular ears came into view all at once. I felt like I was discovering her for the very first time: so delicate, so affectionate, so utterly perfect.

It was one of those afternoons where everything felt just right: the sunlight was warm, the breeze gentle, and the Coca-Cola perfectly chilled. We were on the balcony, simply enjoying the day, when my husband took a photo of her. And there she was: peaceful and completely in her element.

Her gaze does all the work here. That sweet, soulful expression is pure Miga—a quiet charm that fills every moment with understated magic. I only tried to do her justice on paper.

A beautifully ordinary moment with Miga. Resting on our bed, her eyes held a quiet curiosity, as if wondering, What’s happening now? Her familiar spots and gentle expressions brought us so much comfort, grounding us in a time when the world felt unsteady.

This isn’t a crafted moment or a pose for the camera—it’s Brontë as she truly is. Alert, attentive, and ready to move at a moment’s notice. She’s waiting for the next cue: Will you leave the room? Head to the kitchen? She follows every time, her alert gaze never wavering. But as soon as she sees I’ve settled, she melts into calm. She’ll climb into my lap or curl up nearby, finally letting herself drift into peaceful sleep.

There’s something about this duckling’s tiny, determined stance that feels surprisingly familiar. Its wobbly balance, the curious tilt of its head—it all reminds me of my niece when she was learning to walk. Brave, adventurous, and completely unafraid of taking on the world, one small step at a time.

To me, this duckling isn’t just a fleeting image; it’s a symbol of courage wrapped in the gentlest form. It’s a reminder that even the smallest steps can carry the boldest spirit.

With their tiny feathers still damp in the sunlight, the shine of their little beaks, and the cool grass beneath their small bodies, this scene captures the carefree joy of a summer day.

It’s a simple yet vibrant moment, where the textures and details—the soft down, the glistening reflections, the blades of grass—take us back to those fleeting memories that make vacations unforgettable.

The red squirrels are like sparks of living fire among the branches. A fleeting sigh, an almost imperceptible movement, and suddenly they are there: swift, discreet, and endlessly charming. Their playful gestures and quick movements remind us that the most delightful moments often come from simply paying attention to the world around us.

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