There was a man 

Who dwelt in the East

Centuries ago

And now I cannot

Look at a sheep

Or a sparrow

Or a wheat field

Or a bird or a sunset

A vineyard

Or a mountain

Without thinking

Of Him.

G. K. Chesterton

Abundance

We walk across the yard to the crunch of acorns, and when the wind blows, a machine gun volley of acorns hits the roof.  This is the largest crop we recall seeing.  Barley samples one now and then.

Grandfather

My father's mother, "Thomas Henry Klepper, was born in Rogersville, Missouri, to Robert Mallory Klepper and Sarah Elizabeth (Smith) Klepper, on September 3, 1886.

My grandfather has been on my mind more than usual lately, as I've come into possession of some photographs of him.  Two in particular arrested my attention.  They were personalized post cards, sent home to his sisters during World War I.  In the first mint condition postcard, he is a proud new recruit.  In the second post card, a grainy, tattered one, he stands with a buddy as a war weary veteran, longing for home.

Tom Klepper died when my mother was in high school, so I only know him through stories and pictures, but the love he gave to his family spilled over into mine, and I am grateful to be his granddaughter.

Light and Shadow

In the chill morning air, Barley and I head for the hollow.  Along the trail, most of the trees, still in the shadows, dangle their drab leaves like discarded remnants.  Near the creek bed, now devoid of water, Winterberry trees already display their Christmas finery. Their lavish crop, ready for harvest, attracts small birds, who wait in the limbs overhead for us to pass.  Barley's attention is riveted by some new smell on the trail, and he gives it his full attention while I click a few shots with my Nikon.  

On our return, a brilliant wild Red Maple tree west of the trail, 

now backlit by the rising sun, catches my eye.  

The same tree, not long before, had gone unnoticed.  

What a difference the light makes.

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.

-Helen Keller

I have come as Light into the world, 

so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

-Jesus