My beloved had to work this weekend, so we desired to take the day together Thursday and, well, just enjoy life.

It was so sunny and beautiful that we ended up outside for several hours, sledding, walking the dog, and then just sitting on our hill and taking in the beauty and the sounds of the birds.

The sun is warmer, brighter; the birds are making more noise. It’s the subtle shift I so enjoy, as the world beneath the snow and frost has its first thoughts of stirring, waking from its long slumber, winter submitting to spring. I found myself wanting to sketch the sweet birds. Remembering a book my Papa gave me when I moved out into the woods on birds of North America, I was able to stretch my glorious day in nature by pulling out my pastels and sketchbook and playing. Sometimes you just have to be exactly where you are!