As I began cracking up about 15 years ago, I met Anne, a bookkeeper and gardener. She was working to restore the very old garden at the first Bedlam Farm, but Anne is shy and never spoke with me. She didn’t miss much, either.

She saw me panicking and floundering and e-mailed me to offer to help.

She was the first friend I made in the country (just before I met Maria), and she remains a precious friend. She has helped me out more times than I could ever count, and she is one of the most interesting and kind-hearted people I’ve met here. She is also, as it turns out, a great cat lover.

She has the biggest heart, although she has one of the best grim looks around. She can chill tea with a glance and freeze one of the big men in trucks with a stare. I used to be afraid of her. I guess I still am.

When I was in a deep sleep lying in a chair, working to recover from open heart surgery,  the door opened, and Anne came in. She never said a word to me about the surgery, but she did lean over and kiss me softly on my forehead. I will never forget that kiss.

Despite the glower, she is one of the nicest and kindest people I have known, up here or down there. She’s perfect for my Portrait program.

Alfreda is one of my favorite portraits; her face is full of beauty and character. She started helping with the farm and has become a wonderful friend. She has the most beautiful laugh and is full of love and concern. She says I’m a demanding boss, but she means I’m a pussycat. Alfreda is a person I love; she brightens our lives every time we see her. Of course, she and Maria are good pals.

I realize now that I not only take portraits of people that I like but I am drawn to portraits of strong women, the smartest and toughest people on the planet. You can see their strength in their faces.