This is the very first print of my photograph, “The Blue Heron.” I wanted it to share it with you, they’ll go out in a day or so.

I went to see George Forss today and also got the first 16 prints of “The Blue Heron,” a photograph I have put on sale. By tonight, 37 people had purchased the photo for $110 plus shipping and George showed me the first print, on archival paper. I am a bit shocked – but very humbled – by the interest in this photo, we are printing 50 in a signed limited edition.

I love this photo, but I am never sure why anyone else might.

George did a great job, he somehow added a touch of definition and color to the Heron, he is a magician. I’ll sign each of these photos of course, and they will be numbered. I am also going to sell some of the new Achromat photos in smaller prints at the Open House. We haven’t figured out a price yet. One is of three dogs walking in the woods, another is the three dogs walking in the woods.

The print has also triggered a new term – “Heron People” – that many people are responding to. I never heard the term until this week, but it turns out that I am a heron person. You just never know.

According to “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews, a much read book in this household, the great blue heron is considered the king of the marsh. It is the tallest of the herons, and when it flies, it’s head is folded back in a flat S-shaped loop. This reflects the innate wisdom of being able to maneuver through life and control its circumstances. It reflects a need for those who are heron people to follow their own innate wisdom and path of self-determination.

Heron people know what is best for themselves and follow their instincts, they are not guided by the prompting of others.

The heron people do not live in a structured way, their lives do not have stability and security built into it. There is security in the heron idea, though, it gives people the ability to do a variety of tasks. If one way doesn’t work, the other will. According to Andrews, the heron people seem to intuitively know.

So the heron is an idea, not just a photograph. Perhaps that is why I was drawn to it, and why the heron stood still in the pond long enough for me to fumble with my new lens and photograph it. He or she knew me also.

I am proud to have this royal bird in my pond, and happy also to describe this rich spiritual and symbolic meaning. I am a heron person, for sure and this photo was meant to happen. There are 13 prints left for sale, you can buy one if you wish by e-mailing maria at [email protected]. If there are any left, they will be on sale at the Open House in October.

Life is rich and mysterious, I try to make my own news, and not be a slave to theirs. I went out to see the Great Blue Heron in our pond this afternoon to thank her for helping us pay for our vacation in New Mexico and also for posing so beautifully. I think it’s a she. She let me get close to the gate, and then took off in a very graceful and beautiful arc. She flies away when we come down there with the dogs or the sheep, but she always comes back. She loves our pond. I’m wondering if she doesn’t have a nest nearby.