Our friends Ernie and Dodie Gann had lived on this San Juan Island property for 25 years when we met. Ernie was a WWII distinguished pilot; a hero, author of twenty two books, several Hollywood screen plays and an artist at heart. He had contacted my husband to discuss how he might become better known as a painter. And that’s what brought us here. While the men talked, Dodie and I explored. This view is from a dining room window overlooking their 750 acre farm. Quiet, warm and loving, were my impressions. Fun to paint. Everything so natural. The lowest branch on the tree to the right formed an open heart along its length. Fitting for these lovely people, I thought, and so became the title of this work.