monster storm and goodbye to picture winter

hope is the thing with feathers, 

that perches in the soul,

and sings the tune--without the words,

and never stops at all

~emily dickinson

so, this post title might seem strange. but "monster" is the term the news is using for the storm that is stretching across the united states... from texas to ohio, right now.

we've been bracing for a bad hit, as "they" are saying we will have the worst winter storm we've had in the past ten years. it has already started, but we seem to be in a slight lull for now. i was supposed to drive in to the city {chicago} tomorrow for my first ultrasound. because of our insurance and because of my age, i have to see a high-risk ultrasound specialist, which means driving an hour. talk about bad timing! just in case the roads are not drivable, i have rescheduled the appointment for thursday instead. we'll see what happens!

this shot was one of my last picture winter submissions. {the workshop officially ended yesterday.} the prompt was to look for glimmers of hope in our surroundings. i looked out the door one day, and all i saw was snow! though beautiful, i could not help but hope for spring to get here sooner than later. and i caught a vision of what those shrubs look like when spring does arrive... full of green and life! like the birds who stay around through the coldest and toughest of winters, i want to be patient and wait for spring and summer... even through the storms. i want to have enduring hope. {i speak to literal seasons and storms, as well as figurative.}

although it was so much fun to do, i am glad to say picture winter is over. there were days that it was not very convenient to take time for something so inspiring, as there was much else to do. but i am so grateful for the MANY friends and connections i made through the workshop. and the inspiration found there was beyond measurable! there are so many talented people out there!!

thank you, tracey, for gifting me this workshop! as with irene's simple soulful membership gift, i am truly grateful for the opportunity, as i would not have otherwise had the money to participate! it means a lot that i was given this membership... and with it, afforded the chance to learn, experiment, and make new friends!!

{my final gallery for the month of picture winter is here.}