You know what I love? Looking out a window into a snowy field, dark tree branches stretched across the sky - and then, you see it! A tiny little red bird hopping from snow covered branch to snow covered branch.
Cardinals are a symbol of strength during trying times. A symbol of life and hope during the cold winter months. I like a bird that reminds us that even the frailest of creatures can endure hardship.
I'm eagerly awaiting the snow. Fall has been amazingly lovely. Nature's refuse sweeps across the landscape in warm shades of bronze, copper and gold. I marvel at the the flame red bushes and Japanese maple. But I'm secretly waiting for the morning I wake up to a world transformed by ice and snow. Or better yet, look out my window to the magic of those fluffy white flakes. When those berry red leaves will look like sugar-coated confections.
The change is drastic from Texas. I've made fast friends with soft, warm socks after 10 years of running barefoot for most of the year. I've relished in finally being able to wear my sweet scarf collection - and not with sandals. I wait more for the sunlight than before, the days get darker quicker. It's taken a while to find the perfect spot to take photos of the beads. I enjoy each contrast from the sun-drenched and brown land we lived in before.
Michigan is all together amazing. I'm loving every minute as I feel the seasons change.
The cardinal and blue bird have been sitting on a page in my sketchbook, patiently waiting for me to find the time to bring them to life. They look like little paintings. I'm glad I finally had a chance whip them up!
My life has been filled with trials and joy. With challenges and blessings. Moving across the country has been exactly as it should be - life changing! I finally feel like I'm catching up from it all and getting a handle on the new daily rhythm. It's a new work schedule, more of a balanced life with lots of family time. Life isn't quite settled, but it will be soon. And through it all I've found strength I didn't know I had and a peace that guides me through each day.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:26
