This is one of my earliest pictures, and the first year it was offered for sale a lovely woman came up to talk to me.  She said, "My daughter just died and this is the only thing that has made me feel better."  This was the first time I realized the power of a picture.  I could not have guessed that this picture would be the one, or that any other picture could be the one that would speak to someone in such an important way.  I have since had things like this happen with other pictures.  It's always very individual and completely unpredictable.  All I can say is that nature is there and beauty is there, and that it can give us something we need, when we need it the most, in ways that are beyond any words or plan or understanding.  And if that happens with one of my pictures, then it is an honor in my life.  I have tears in my eyes, even ten years later, just telling you about it. 

How did I ever get so lucky to be able to do what I do?