Firefall Magic: Our Unforgettable Yosemite Adventure

A few years ago, my wife and I embarked on an unforgettable journey around California, and one of the highlights was witnessing the awe-inspiring Firefall phenomenon at Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park. This blog post will share some fascinating facts about the Firefall and recount our incredible experience exploring Yosemite and its majestic sequoia trees.

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The Importance of Community and Friendship: Insights from Real People

At MI Puzzles by Phil Stagg Photography, we believe in the power of community and the importance of bringing people together. Whether it's through our Waterfalls of Michigan guidebooks, puzzles, calendars, or children's book, our mission is to create products that foster connection and build strong relationships. In this blog post, we explore the essence of friendship and community through the voices of real people who shared their thoughts on what makes someone a close friend and how physical distance affects their relationships.

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Only the Brave: Conquer the Flames with FISH BOIL FURY from the Insanity Series

Welcome to the latest addition to our Insanity Series from MI Puzzles by Phil Stagg Photography! We're thrilled to introduce the FISH BOIL FURY, a captivating and challenging 1000-piece puzzle that captures the essence of a beloved tradition from Door County, Wisconsin.

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Stressful Starfish: The Ultimate Challenge for Puzzle Enthusiasts

Welcome to MI Puzzles, where we offer a range of puzzles in 300, 500, and 1000 pieces that cater to all skill levels. However, we also take pride in creating challenges that push even the most seasoned puzzlers to the brink of insanity. I'm Wesley Stagg from Phil Stagg Photography, and today, I'm thrilled (and slightly amused) to introduce you to one of our latest creations in the "Insanity Series" – the "Stressful Starfish" puzzle.

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Smoky Mountain Memories: Capturing "The Old Cabin"

Our adventure began just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the cozy Twin Creek RV Resort. The vibrant fall colors of October 2021 set the perfect backdrop for our stay. We started our week with a few trips to Pigeon Forge, exploring its charming attractions. One of our favorite stops was Old Mill Street, where we discovered delightful shops like Stardust Candles, known for their prank candles. It was fun exploring the historic part of the city.

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America's Shrimping Heritage: A Morning in Mississippi

In the scenic harbor of Mississippi, one early morning at sunrise, I captured this stunning photo, showcasing seven shrimp boats, with three proudly bearing the names Sophie Anne, Brandi Ranae, and Boories Pride. Imagine standing there in the early morning chill, the air crisp and filled with the faint scent of saltwater. The sky begins to lighten, painted with hues of orange and yellow, before the sky transitions to the soft blue of the morning. As the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon, they cast a warm, golden light that reflects off the calm waters, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.

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Discover the Beauty of Lake Michigan and Its Majestic Sand Dunes

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, is a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors with its vast expanse and serene beauty. Spanning approximately 1,640 miles of shoreline, Lake Michigan offers a diverse range of landscapes, from bustling urban areas to tranquil beaches and towering sand dunes.

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Garden Goodies: A Puzzle of Nature's Bounty

Last summer, I found myself inspired by the vibrant colors and diverse shapes of the vegetables from a garden. I decided to capture this beauty in a unique way by creating a puzzle called "Garden Goodies." This puzzle features an array of fresh vegetables, each one a testament to the bounty of nature.

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A Memorable Trip to Door Peninsula: Discovering the Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light

My wife and I recently embarked on a delightful journey to the Door Peninsula while staying at our cabin in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Our adventure was filled with picturesque views, delicious food, and a visit to the iconic Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light, which inspired me to create a 1000-piece puzzle named "NORTH PIER RED LIGHT."

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Rediscovering the Gateway Arch: A Photographer's Journey

As a photographer, there's nothing quite like capturing the essence of iconic landmarks. On our way back from California in the spring of 2023, my wife and I made a memorable stop in St. Louis, Missouri. Our journey along Route 66 was filled with incredible sights, from classic cars and stunning rock formations to historic buildings that inspired the movie "Cars."

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Discovering the Magic of Old Man's Cave: A Fall Adventure

In the fall of 2023, my wife and I embarked on a memorable journey to Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, a detour on our way to Florida. We spent a week exploring the park's various attractions, but one spot that truly captivated us was Old Man's Cave.

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A Glimpse Down the Street: Capturing Savannah's Plant Riverside

Savannah, Georgia, is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with modern vibrancy. On my first visit, I found myself looking down a picturesque street towards the lively Plant Riverside District. This moment, with its mix of historic architecture and contemporary energy, was too perfect not to capture. The resulting photo has since become a favorite, embodying the unique spirit of Savannah.

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Capturing the Magic: Miners Castle and the Northern Lights

A couple of years ago, I embarked on a photographic adventure that led me to one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever witnessed. As a photographer and the founder of Phil Stagg Photography, I have always been drawn to the natural beauty of Michigan. This particular journey took me to Miners Castle, a stunning rock formation along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with the Northern Lights dancing in the background over Lake Superior. The result was a mesmerizing photo that I later transformed into a 500-piece puzzle for my brand, MI Puzzles.

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Discovering Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Iconic Blue Bridge

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic arts scene. Nestled along the Grand River, this bustling metropolis offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Among its many landmarks, the Blue Bridge stands out as a symbol of the city's architectural beauty and historical significance.

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The Fascinating World of Morels: An Adventure with Phil Stagg

Hello, fellow nature enthusiasts! I’m Phil Stagg, the creator of MI Puzzles, and I’m excited to introduce you to my latest creation: The Morel.” This piece features a stunning photograph I captured years ago, showcasing a beautiful morel mushroom nestled among a vibrant, lush forest floor. As we transition from our previous morels puzzle, I wanted to share not only the beauty of this image but also some fascinating facts about these unique fungi.

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Capturing the Charm of Round Island Lighthouse: A Summer Day with Phil Stagg

There’s a unique beauty to lighthouses, standing as timeless guardians along our coastlines. A couple years back, I had the pleasure of photographing Round Island Lighthouse on a perfect summer day. With a brilliant blue sky adorned with fluffy pink clouds, this picturesque scene has now been transformed into a cherished 500-piece puzzle.

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Capturing Sturgeon Point Lighthouse: A Day in the Life of a Photographer

There’s something magical about lighthouses, standing tall against the elements and guiding sailors safely to shore. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, a stunning structure that perfectly embodies the charm of these coastal sentinels. With its white exterior and vibrant red window shutters and doors, this lighthouse is a sight to behold, especially against a backdrop of a cloudy blue sky.

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Capturing Paradise: A Sunset on the Beach with Phil Stagg

As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a sunset on the beach. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing one such moment in Florida, where the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors. This stunning scene, featuring swaying palm trees silhouetted against a breathtaking sunset, has now become a cherished 500-piece puzzle.

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Discovering the Historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse: A Journey with Phil Stagg

Join me on an adventure to one of Florida’s most iconic landmarks, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. As a photographer, capturing the essence of such a historic and picturesque site is both a challenge and a joy. This lighthouse, with its rich history and stunning views, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity.

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Discovering the Iconic Roosevelt Bridge: A Journey with Wesley Stagg

Picture this: a sunny day in Stuart, Florida, and I’m on a mission to find the perfect cup of coffee. My parents, Phil and Cindy Stagg, and I were shopping downtown when we decided to take a break, get some coffee, and explore some other parts of Stuart. Little did I know, our caffeine quest would lead us to the majestic Roosevelt Bridge. Yes, folks, we were just a few hundred feet away from a photo-worthy spot, but our radar was set to Gilbert’s Coffee Bar. As I sipped my latte, and walked along the pier, I had no idea that a short stroll farther would reveal one of the most stunning views in Florida. Sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you’re just trying to get your caffeine fix!

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