The series Birds, bones and other once-living things began while contemplating the natural world around our cabin nestled in the woods of the Ozark mountains. Surrounded by a dense world of overgrown trees, wild and domestic creatures, and rich, rocky earth, the reality of nature's life cycle was ever present. Old bones and animals carcasses are brought like trophies to my front doorstep by our dogs. Crazy poison ivy that stands up on its own like trees overtakes the understory of the forest. Plants from last season’s garden decompose under the protection of the trees and remain as shells of the previous season’s harvest. Birds crash into my living room windows and fall to the porch. A few escape rattled, but unharmed after gathering their composure in my daughter’s gentle hands. Most, however, take their last breath in those hands. All become simple and quiet discussions about life, death, regeneration, and our connection to those cycles. These images are an attempt to capture those moments, to memorialize, understand, and observe this beautifully fragile life lived out in our woods.