Forest Guardian

We own a special place in Northern Arizona, atop the Mogollon Rim. Surrounded by tall Ponderosa pines and juniper the elk and deer are plentiful. I am always watchful in the early hours or late afternoon as they emerge from the forest exploring nearby. Such strength, resilience, and grace before me as this winter’s guardian sees me unconcerned. Our eyes lock on to each other and hold for a few moments, I am mesmerized seeing this majestic animal so close. Time seems to stop if only for a moment. What a gift, I have a sense of the forest being enchanted, what else might I see? My heartbeat slows and shoulders fall as peace descends filling my heart. The more time I spend in God’s creation the more centered and closer to Him I become.

Upon returning home, I took a little time to research our elk and learned that after dwindling populations, in1913, 83 Rocky Mountain elk from Yellowstone were transplanted near Chevelon Lake in the Arizona White Mountains region, today the elk population has grown to over 35,000. Interesting!

Original il, custom framed, 20×16, $2300

Canvas Giclee Gallery Wrapped 30×24, $535

Canvas Giclee- Standard, 30×24, $495

Canvas Giclee Gallery Wrapped 20×16, $290

Canvas Giclee- Standard, 20×16, $260