Sonny and I were traveling on top of the mountains, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one summer day. Sonny was driving, (thank goodness), when I turned my head to look back over the valley below. I saw the rock ledges in my painting, and the Lord put this "winter scene in moonlight" in my head! Plus, wolves! I came home and painted it! Once, in ancient times, the Shenandoah Valley had wolves, elk, bison, Native Americans, mountain lions, deer, and bear all living together just fine. Then the "white explorers" came. The Native Americans left before the explorers got here. Pretty smart on their part! Most of the  other animals were killed-off over time. The only ones we still have are deer, black bear, mountain lions, coyotes, and elk. Coyotes have found their way over the Mississippi River and come here in the last few years. Farmers hate them as they adapt easily and kill baby livestock and pets. The mountain lions, "don't really exist", according to wildlife officials and scientists. However, we, and our mountain neighbors have had them come in our yards! So, someone forgot to tell the mountain lions! The official hunting manual once a few years ago, had a line that said, "It is illegal to hunt the mountain lions. However, they don't exist in Virginia." Then the next year it wasn't in the manual. Hummm. What? Elk have been re-introduced into the remote southwestern mountains of Virginia, by the Rocky Mountain Elk Association. They are trying to get a herd established again. But, the game commission has said it is legal to hunt them! That is just crazy! How will they ever get established again if they can be shot before they have a chance? Nothing like "Government help"! Anyway, I titled this painting, "When There Were Wolves", because we don't have any anymore. Pretty sad. If you look at the eyes on the black wolf, and the grey wolf on the far right looking at you, their eyes will follow you wherever you go! There are two more wolves on the next ledge over. Plus, there is a, "man-in-the-moon", as there should be!

The Bible Scripture title on this scene is:

"I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made dilligent search."

- Psalm 77: 5, 6