[pullquote align=”left” background=”on”]Snow on one side of the canvas, silence on the other. I’d call that a perfect painting. ― Jarod Kintz[/pullquote]

I’ve three cardinals that visit me every morning, and donning only the loveliest shades of red.

Their colors popping against this morning’s snow covered trees – a winter frame for Nature’s masterpiece.

And, through these finely ‘sugar frosted’ windows – I could see the children squealing with delight, and bracing for the cold as their sleds flew down the highest hill. It seems a good winter white can stave off any troubles.

I used to be such a gracious host, setting out only the very best ‘tins’ – but, sometimes our winters bring a much harsher cold…causing us to slow just a bit in our tracks.

But the winters never last, my dears, and soon the spring garden will bloom. And once again I shall be out and about, hugging each and every tree and boot brushing all the trails.

You know, I’ve often wondered why the cardinals still bother to grace me with their visits. After all, the treats have long since gone – so, really there’s no reason left to stay.

And yet, here they sit so proudly perched atop an ice covered branch – each day, and simply to wish me good morning.

Leaving me to wonder, if Hope is perhaps the gift the winter cardinals bring?