Simon is not the only creature calling us to life in the morning. Winston seems to have plenty to crow about. Maria says he reminds her of George Washington – all plume and strut, but I think of Winston Churchill, who also did a share of crowing in his day. I am increasingly fond of this self-important and imperious creature who inspires me to crow each morning about the good things in life: Maria, the farm, the dogs, my writing, the photography, my children’s books, my new book “Going Home,” Rose’s recovery.

At one time, the role of the artist and writer was to cut through the lies of bureaucrats, religious organizations and politicians and shine light on the darkness and pain in the world. Now, we pay to have bad news beamed into our heads day and night. So the role of the writer and the artist is to uplift people and remind them of the light and color and shapes of the world. I have enlisted Winston in this campaign, adding his strut and his crow – he is very purposeful – to the call for life that I hope emanates from this strange and wonderful place.

Each day, there is something to crow about. Winston is on the case.