Rose shows off her sheepherding skills for the crowd at Pig Barn Art Gallery opening weekend.

It was an affirmation. Of her, surely.

But more importantly, of Maria and her work as an artist and her restoration of the Pig Barn as an art gallery.

Of the idea of opening up the farm. We had, after all, nothing to fear from the wonderful people who steamed in from all over the country to honor their love of animals, the farm, Simon, my dogs and Maria’s work as an artist, as well as my books and photos. It was an art gallery opening, but it was also a festival of affirmation, affection and community.

We were so grateful to the Barrett family who came en masse to help out, guide people around, take photos and share in our lives. We love them. They are wonderful people and they embody the whole notion of family values at its least exploitive and most loving best.

My dogs were amazing. Rose herded the sheep with her usual ferocious determination, Lenore loved every single person to the maximum extent possible, Izzy chased frisbees for scores of people, and I took Frieda into the art gallery today to hear the artists talk. She could not have been better or friendlier.

And Simon. Hundreds of people met him, gave him carrots or cookies, hugged and petted him, encouraged him with their affection and concern. He is tired, but a happy and lucky donkey. And we are lucky to have him. He is a natural. And like the dogs, he already gets the idea of a “photo shoot.”

Best of all, it was a triump for Maria and the other artists, who sold much of their work, helped christen a sacred creative space and reconnected so many people to the idea of art and its importance in our lives. It was a wonderful weekend. I’m taking Maria out to buy her dinner and celebrate. More later.