I promised myself a year ago that I would take a portrait of each of Maria’s faces and every time I do, I see a different face in a different environment. Maria’s face is full of emotion; she laughs and cries so quickly. I see another face every time I take a portrait because something new and different is rushing through her mind and showing up on her face.

Her emotions rise to the surface. She is incapable of dishonesty, guile, or cruelty. There is nothing deceitful or hidden about her. I hope my photos capture that. This was taken from inside the barn as Maria poured water into the animal’s heated tub. I don’t know what she was thinking, but I suspect she was looking for me.

I doubt I will ever catch every one of her faces, but it is a gift and a pleasure to try. Every time I speak with Maria, something new, different, sad, creative, or beautiful is going through her mind and showing up in her magical face. Her wheels are always turning. I doubt that I will live to see all of them.