It's funny how our perception is affected by our upbringing. Having lived in the New York tri-state region most of my life, I am used to seeing bizarre jetsam turn up just about anywhere, including outside my house. Of course, there is the iconic lone sneaker on the side of the highway, which leaves one wondering where the one-legged man has gone. But I have also seen grills, chairs, sofas and other various household items show up on the side of the road. That is my frame of reference. I am shocked by nothing. 

Moving to rural America has been a welcome change. The serenity of the open plain, its tall grasses reflecting the amber glow of daylight,  contrasted by a border of rugged mountains, with their dark shaded hues of brown and black, has left me in awe each day. It is with profound anticipation and joy that I wake up each morning to gaze out my office window at the pristine dawning of a new adventure.  I have never felt such a sense of being home. It is something I treasure deeply. And, it is something I wish to keep in its pristine state. 

I believe that to do so may create a need for me to reset my preconceived notions of what is typical on the roadside. This morning reinforced that belief.  I awoke, as usual, slipped on my robe and slippers, and went to my office to watch the sunrise. As a looked out the window, I was immediately assaulted by the cruelest reminder of my old haunts. There, across the street from my house, where the lush fields run unspoiled, was a massive black sofa, carelessly deposited right in the middle of my view! As rage replaced relaxation, I turned to go get my wife and scream about the invasion of our oasis. I was about three steps in when it occurred to me that I might have been too hasty in my assessment. I turned back to the window and took a better look. Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I realized the discarded sofa was actually a grazing cow. 

Instantly the scene outside transformed back into one of peaceful enjoyment again. In fact, it was so exceptional that I felt I needed to capture it and share it with the world. I call this image When the Cows Come Home for that is where they have chosen to graze, at my home. I am truly blessed by our Lord with the visions he allows me to witness. 

When the Cows Come Home