Dear Friends,

I have a short poem to share with you that I found this week. I feel it encapsulates the joy all of us have with the arrival of Spring.

Today by Billy Collins

If ever there were a spring day so perfect,

so uplifted by a warm intermittent breeze

that it made you want to throw

open all the windows in the house

and unlatch the door to the canary's cage,

indeed, rip the little door from its jamb,

a day when the cool brick paths

and the garden bursting with peonies

seemed so etched in sunlight

that you felt like taking

a hammer to the glass paperweight

on the living room end table,

releasing the inhabitants

from their snow-covered cottage

so they could walk out,

holding hands and squinting

into this larger dome of blue and white,

well, today is just that kind of day.

In just one week, Saturday April 2nd, I return to Winchester, Virginia for a 1 day gallery open house and new print release with King James Galleries Winchester. I am always delighted to see my artwork framed, and King James has done a wonderful job with my new print, Blossoms of the Valley. Take a look.

 Here are two of the framing options that King James Galleries put with my new print, Blossoms of the Valley. Isn’t it fascinating how the mats pull different colors and change the complexion of the print? The official release date is April 2nd, however the gallery is taking orders now for this print framed or unframed. Please call 540-869-9025. See you soon!

My industrious staff at the Portfolio has begun production on this year’s trivet. You may recognize the chickadee from my print, Winter Bliss. This trivet will be joining my 3 bird-themed previously released trivets and will be available for purchase in a mix and match format. All come with a cork backing. I can’t wait to get mine.

 Clockwise starting at upper left; Promise of Spring, Where the Wild Rose Grows, Winter Bliss - NEW, and Quiet Marsh. The size is 4-1/4” and the price is $12 each, or 4 for $40.

Until next week,

Love,