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Spring is in full swing. The days are getting longer, temperatures warmer, skies bluer and sunnier. Even as lockdown restrictions are easing, the weather is luring us out of doors to walk or tend to our yards and gardens. What's your favorite part of Spring?

Windows are opened to let in fresh air and birdsong. Dogwood blossoms are spent, and now Irises, Peonies, and Azaleas have taken center stage in my yard. Glorious Spring! There are so many things to love about this season.

Countless birds are chirping, encouraging you to stop and watch and explore. Our feathered friends are pairing up and nesting. I've discovered a Blue Jay nest outside my bedroom window, and the babies hatched just two days ago! My backyard birdhouses have been fought over by Eurasian Tree Sparrows, Chickadees and Wrens, creating quite a stir! By now the disputes have been resolved, each species settling in the proper abode. The House Wrens are nesting just outside my studio window, same as last year. Carolina Chickadees have taken up residence in the bird house just off the back deck, which I'm pretty excited about since it's the first time I've seen Chickadees nesting in my yard. (Just yesterday I saw that at least one of the babies has fledged!) The Eurasian Tree Sparrows are in their usual quarters outside our kitchen window (with a little help from my husband deterring the House Sparrows). I've put out my nectar feeders, and the Hummingbirds have arrived right on schedule.

I encourage you to wander outside in search of birds' nests! I never would have discovered the Blue Jay nest if I hadn't been actively inspecting all my trees and shrubs. I'm always on the lookout. On my usual neighborhood walking route I recently discovered an American Robin sitting on her nest directly above the sidewalk, yet so well camouflaged, you'd never notice if you weren't looking for it.

Here's a tidbit from an article at mentalfloss.com: "... seeing more of our feathered friends can make you happy." It's true for me! Ditto for baby animals. C'mon, everyone knows those adorable baby bunnies will grow up to eat our garden plants, but still, the sight of them makes you smile. Admit it.

These telltale signs of Spring fuel our hope and improve our moods. As if we need proof, studies show that "spending time outside in the sunny spring weather isn't just a mood booster, it actually can change the way people think. The researchers found that being outdoors broadened participants' minds, leaving them more open to new information and creative thoughts." Hmmm, going outside makes us more creative!

There is plenty of inspiration just outside your window...I've been hearing Northern Cardinals singing their hearts out at all hours of the day. It only takes a moment for me to locate the bright red spot at the highest branches of a tree. My watercolor painting, Windswept, at the top of this newsletter is from one such photo captured this Spring.

It's no wonder Mother's Day occurs during this season of promise and new life! I wish you all a Happy Mother's Day as, together, our nation celebrates motherhood, the ultimate hope for the future.

Glorious Spring.

Explore. Paint. Love. Repeat.