breath of spring.

A balmy wind appears out of nowhere, warming the still-chilly late winter air and gently prodding sleepy buds from their hiding places. With the breeze comes the scent of something lovely--wildflower perfume, roads warming after a rain, and home baked bread all in one.

I step outside and stand on the front porch, basking in the sunlight, inhaling deeply; taking a breath of spring.

I sit in the sun and gaze at the world around me. At the moment, there is nowhere I would rather be: this is my seraglio, my nature palace spotted with sunlight. The yellow daffodils beside the porch are beginning to lift their heads after a long winter nap. I've watched them bloom every spring for so many years, in that same spot, beside the bottom porch step.

Funny how time flies, how seasons pass in a blink.

I pull off my socks and leap into the mossy grass beneath me. It is cold and wet, reminding me that winter is still here--today the sun shines, tomorrow the rain pours. Nevertheless, I  curl my toes between the green blades and forget the chill still within the ground.

Winter can live out its course; I've had a breath of spring.  

black and white love // photo challenge finalists.

Apologies for the lateness of this post. It took me longer than expected to sort through all sixty-four entries. Wow, we've got some talent here, folks. No mistake.

Thank you all for joining me for February's photo challenge, and for taking the time to share your creativity + photo skills with the world. I hope you'll join us for March's challenge.

That being said, here are our twelve February finalists, plus a few favorites that I couldn't resist showcasing. The challenge for this month was to show love through black-and-white, or to capture something you personally love. Everyone did a fantastic job!

By Mary Katherine. 

I love this tender shot. His arm about her, she leaning upon him...beautiful.

By Beth.

Um, how could you not love this little person? What an adorable face. 

By Kelsey.

What a perfect silhouette, full of joyous love. 

By Madeline.

This picture is just so...uniquely beautiful. So full of love yet to come for a still-innocent little girl. 

By Emily.

Gorgeousness, and what a beautiful, loveable little girl! 

By Amelia.

I adore this! A paper heart, a little girl, black and white...yes. 

By Mary Noelle.

This is simply the sweetest. Two brothers, havin' fun and loving each other. Great shot, Mary! 

By Hadley & Abigail.

I absolutely love this unique shot. What a wonderful idea. 

By Hannah E.

Aw! This is such a sweet, gorgeous photo. Lovely work, Hannah!

By Neigh Girl.

"Puppy love--" one of the sweetest loves on earth. I adore this capture. 

By Jenoelle. 

Oh, goodness. This is just too cute. 

By Marie. 

Um, this = amazing. What a shot, Marie! "Love never grows old." 

And here are a few of my personal favorites from the entries this month...

Now it's up to you. Find your absolute favorite photo from the twelve above, then vote for it on the sidebar poll. Winners 1st through 5th places will be announced later this week.

Keep capturing, photogs. You are all wonderful. 

-lucia

resplendent morning.

The day dawns crisp and cold. A slim blanket of snow covers the ground, and the sun shines gently through a wrap of misty fog.

 I blink awake at the sudden brightness, then snuggle deeper in my blanket and stare out at a glimmering winter world. Little spring buds drip beneath their cold dusting. 

Roo reclines on my bed, washing her silken fur. She looks up at me in alarm, startled by my camera's shutter. Perfect timing, cat. 

A waft of deliciousness arises from the kitchen below; crepes frying on a pan. 

The snow slowly melts as the clock ticks, and soon the first of March is no longer sheathed in white. 

Resplendent morning. How I love you.