In late February, just as my spirit is beginning to get bogged down with ice and snow, hope appears very low to the ground. So low, in fact, that I usually have to lie on my stomach to capture the moment. Winter aconite, snow crocus, and snowdrops are in flower. These blooms are the first to burst from the ground when the snow begins to melt. The snowdrops often appear even before all the snow is gone. They are a gift.

Gail spotted the first of the snow crocus this week and we were all so excited. I had to go see for myself. Indeed, these tiny beauties are so small that they can be difficult to see at first approach. Once I slow down and focus my attention, they begin to appear all around my feet. Their petals catch the light so delicately while their heads lift towards the sun.

My head turns now upwards to face the sun, too. I have to soak it in as much as I can. The warmer temperatures this week have me dreaming of spring. It may only have been in the 40s, but it felt like the winter fog had been lifted. We may yet still have snow and ice, but I will not despair. These winter bloomers have cheered me enough to give me hope until their taller cousins rise from the earth in the coming months. 

Happy late winter! Spring will arrive before we know it!