When a tree talks to you, and you are a photographer, talk back. Pull over, get your camera out of the car, and get to work. This tree talks to me quite a bit. I love talking back to it. Maybe I’ve been in the country too long. This morning, I am getting the Christmas spirit. Starting a new short story, “The Dog Who Kept Men Away,” the tentative title of my short story collection focusing on women and dogs.

I think I’m head over to the Argyle United Presbyterian Church and hear my friend Steve McLean preach. Christmas always brings out something special in this wonderful man.