Coming full circle

It seems that my inspiration tank is running low. I'm suspecting that someone is siphoning from my supply while I'm sleeping. Either that, or it's February, which is usually a bit of a flimsy, banal month for me.

I've been searching all week for something happy to photograph but simply could not find the beauty in crusty, dirt-peppered snow or endless gray skies. Thank goodness for the full moon, making her appearance among the trees behind my house the other night. The Snow Moon is the name for February's full moon, and she was a beauty. Could you see her from where you were too?

~

March is waiting in the wings. She's nervously tugging on her rain boots, amassing a variety of winds (I hope her entourage includes a few warm breezes) and finalizing her agenda — hmmm, a little snow, some gusts, a sunny day, then a drizzle or two, some balmy wind, a warm spell, a sneaky overnight snowfall, followed by one delightfully warmer day (suited for putting car windows down).

I've become suddenly aware of the seasons of this blog and as I enter into March I will be coming into a full year of blogging. What a great year it's been! More on that later.

For now, wishing you good things.

In my neck of the woods

. . . I am thankful for red berries to brighten our drab landscapes


 . . . it's still cold, but there are more and more songbirds flitting around, singing and gathering on branches and power lines.


. . . I am thoroughly engrossed in The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood.


. . . it seems that Emma inadvertently touched the flu beads. Phooey. Poor thing is in bed as I type this.


. . . I've been on a classical music binge the last several days.


. . . we had a refreshing cucumber salad for dinner last night:

~ slice cucumbers
~ mix in a bowl with white wine vinegar, lots of dill, a few dashes of salt and a shake or two of sugar.

The whole family loved it. It felt summery.

. . . everyone is dreaming of Spring.

Dear Spring,
The groundhog said you were arriving early this year. Are you on your way? What's your estimated arrival date?

We are all so looking forward to seeing you!

xo

Love always

Spread love everywhere you go.
Let no one ever come to you
without leaving happier.
 
- Mother Teresa




Of all the stories I've read about love this week, this one is probably my favorite: My Touchstone and a Heart of Gold by Caroline Leavitt.

Happy Valentine's Day.