Once a week or so, I stop at a nearby pig farm and visit the pigs. Mostly, they ignore me, but once in awhile, a pig – like the once in the center – will stare at me and try to figure out what I am doing with my camera. Pigs are wicked smart, I am told, but mostly, they seem to lay around in the mud or huddle together for warmth.

I know what these pigs are destined for, so I don’t get too close to them or give them names. I do like to stare at them for awhile and they like to stare back. It is somehow peaceful and affirming. For much of my life, I never even saw a pig, let alone got to stare at one.