Outside the studio window...

The view from the studio window is so enticing this afternoon...

The garden is growing and blooming with abandon.

The rusty old wheelbarrow by the studio door is chock full of pansies...

And the lettuce beds have me singing with pleasure (I know, I know, but really, it's so exciting to grow your own supper!)

It's been so chilly and damp it's hard to believe summer's just around the corner.

But the first berries to ripen (the little alpine varieties) are beginning to show pink, and it's got me in such a fit of joy I am planning all kinds of sorbets and shortcakes.
I have not one ounce of sophistication in my entire body.
Certain things are worthy of grand celebrations.

Fresh strawberries for one.

Faithful friends for another.

In every corner of the garden there is some fresh miracle.

Leaves like cupped hands holding raindrop jewels.

And the upward twining of the vine-type peas and beans.

All of which make it seem a bit silly to be sitting in the studio, sipping cocoa while "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem plays in the background and I am surrounded by sketches of angels and shepherds, snowmen and Santas.

On days like this it is probably wiser to keep from peering out the window, and instead pretend it's snowy outdoors!