Hello, God. It's me, Mara

You know, Lord, this month — on the 22nd — the full moon is called the Beaver Moon and, according to folklore, that’s when the beavers become active while preparing for winter. A friend also mentioned that November’s full moon might also be called the Frosty Moon, and some years that is for sure, but we’ll wait and see for this year!

In the still of the evening, the blue of the sky is as no artist can capture. The moon peeks through naked trees and seems to wink and grin as a long, slim cloud wipes across its face.

Long ago, when we were kids back on the ranch, with chores done,...