Mason Jar with Quince

Original oil painting. 10 X 8", oil, for sale, $350

In the Long Cold Month of January

Dear Imaginary Friends suffering from the cold,

Just when I think that I dwell in the blustery tundra of permanent winter, along comes a small sign of imminent spring.

I cut the small branch of flowering quince above from my back yard yesterday. My Japanese quince is mildly confused, as are my neighbor's forsythias, blooming ahead of schedule.

They are struggling optimists. And they are helping me see Spring, hiding behind corners of chilly streets.

I, too, am a struggling optimist.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie