The Earth Laughs In Flowers

9 by 12 inches. watercolor. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "The Earth Laughs in Flowers." However, when I ventured out my door today, I was buffetted by windy 30 degree weather, and biting rain. Mother Nature may indeed laugh in flowers, but right now she's crying in cold rain, and yelling in strong, angry wind gusts. 

I am determined to make the most of it. I stay inside today, and paint something cheerful and full-of-happy-spring-thinking. Flowers are such a joy to see at the beginning of spring, aren't they? Admit it: no matter how old you are, the first sight of green leaves poking out of the soil in early spring is a blissful moment. 

In spite of my cynical observation of today's weather, I thoroughly enjoy Emerson's quote. I'd like to think of earth sprinkling laughter here and there-- where it's needed. And how can you not smile, when you spy some new colorful flowers blooming in your garden, or receive a surprise gift from a loved one. 

Emerson also wrote this: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” What lies behind me was a winter of recordbreaking snowfall, what lies before me is an unseasonably cold, windy, and soaking wet day. Yet, within me right now is a bright-blue-sky, blindingly-sunny day, full of chatty birds and bright yellow flowers, just waiting behind the clouds.