What a lovely photo. Snowy field and socked-in winter sky join forces to make a gentle, dove gray, pillowy backdrop for the sharp black lines of the tree.

Graceful arching branches seem to be performing a tai chi move. Or casting a spell, perhaps?

Baltimore photographer Marty Katz tells us he made this photo on the fly while driving along Falls Road last winter just north of the city, shooting it with his cell phone without even looking.

“A spray and pray Hail Mary” is what Marty calls it.

A wish for our readers, supporters and all of us as The Brew takes a break for the winter holidays: May we all have such moments of effortless success and beauty and peace.

Plus maybe a little snow?

Anyway, we’ll see you on the other side of the ho ho ho’s and New Year’s cheers.