Many people came to mind after the Open House closed on Sunday, one that kept coming back to me was Ruth, the first person to arrive Sunday, she was born and raised on a farm and drove several hours to come. She walks slowly and somewhat painfully on a walker, she moved it over the lawn and to the pasture to meet the donkeys, then she and her husband found a place to sit. Flo our sociable barn cat quickly found her planted herself in Ruth’s lap.

For nearly an hour, these two communed, and then Ruth determinedly got over to the pasture to get close to the donkeys. She walked to the other side of the farm to see Red herd the sheep. I was so touched that she came far, and worked so hard to see my farm and my life, to meet Maria and come into the studio. There is a sweetness and calm about Ruth that made a deep impression on me. When she left, she took my hand and said very quietly, “thank you so much for sharing your life. I read your blog every day and I am so happy to come here and see it for myself.”

I thank you, Ruth, you make being a writer something especially worthwhile.