That is what I heard from a passing truck as I was kneeling beside the road across from the house to take this photo.
Technically, the speaker was correct; I was not born and raised in the area or even in WV. Maybe the locals don't take photos of dew-laden grass...I don't know. Sometimes I forget that my connection to the area only goes back 35 years and that my six weeks a year visits for the last 20 years are just a drop in the bucket compared to the history many families in the area can claim. Still, it is my home away from home and soon will be my permanent home. It saddens me to think I will always be an outsider.
This is exquisite, and, should the local be handed a paper copy of this image, he's surely see that he'd missed the beauty of this moment as he sped by. Here in Nova Scotia, where we live for half the year (for the last 17 years) we'll forever be known as CFA's (Come From Aways)... I wear it with some pride, for while they live a wonderful life here, I know things they'll never know...
I love the shot and your wonderful focus. Can relate to your story, too - been in Arkansas 60 years but know that some still consider me the "Yankee" (from New York)
Delicate and such crisp detail. Sometimes its take new eyes to see what has been around one 'for ever'. A new perspective shared with the old can be a good thing.
Hopefully, we will still be here when you are here; it would be wonderful to see you!