Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

Last Christmas time I was out chasing a beautiful sunset and noticed an awesome full moon in the sky as well. I was in the back of North Hoosick at the time trying to photograph the Cambridge hills from atop the Hoosick hills. Following the full moon down Burgess Road I was met with this peaceful evening vista of the moon at the treetops with the road stretching out before me lighting one of the myriad family farms that dot our beautiful New York State terrain. Visible on the right side of the road, atop the tall blue silo, was a delightful bit of personal whimsey of the farm owner: one tiny lighted tree. It just tickled me as though the owner was inviting me to share his place in the world, greeting me with his Christmas good will. I couldn’t help feeling instant liking for this family, wishing I had the nerve to go to their front door to wish them a Merry Christmas and thank them for the little tree.

There were absolutely no sounds. None. Except for the cold breezes occasionally whispering at my ears. And no other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. No one came from the house or outbuildings. I was alone in the pre-Christmas peace, the fresh, cold air nipping at my face and hands as I paused to shoot several photos. It was a moment of soothing magic for me, as though I, myself, were a participant in an old photograph from decades ago, just suspended in time. It seemed I stood quietly outside of my car for a very long time just drinking in the agelessness of the image until the cold drove me back inside. I drove down before the buildings themselves only to behold more loveliness. In contrast to the previous natural loveliness of God’s road, sky and moon I now saw a complete cooperative work between God and the owner of the farm down that road.

In the advancing darkness, as the long-set sun left it’s ripe glow upon the whole horizon, the farmer’s outbuildings stood outlined against the sky in that sunset glow. Holding their own were the fairy lights the farmer had strung along the frame of his buildings, further outlining their shape against the cold winter sky and soft white snow. High above, alone atop that great silo, twinkled the little tree with it’s multi-colored lights brazenly glowing against the night. Yet, as I watched, The Lord gave me another gift that glorious evening: one lone star existed in that section of the sky and it shone steadily exactly above that little tree! What a moment of beauty, and a precious sense of communion with God. I was quieted, humbled, and very blessed. Oh, how I wished for my friend, Cheryl, to be there sharing this moment with me. But I wasn’t alone. Sometimes God just sits down beside me and enjoys His magnificent compositions right along with me. Artists are like that. Sometimes what you do doubly pleases you when you can share it with an admirer. It would have been absolutely perfect if the farmer was there with us, also.

Merry Christmas to everyone who enjoys our blog and the healthiest, happiest New Year ever. -June Mohan

Photos: (Copyright Mohan 2005 and 2006) To contact the artist, please send email to: junemohan@hotmail.com -June Mohan