Elizabeth Whitley Photography

She knew she wanted to end up in the water. We woke up for her early morning session to freezing temperatures, black skies, and zero sunlight. At 6:30 in the morning we decided to push to the afternoon. Not only was the light gorgeous, but it was so much warmer. I'm not sure how much of a difference that made for the water, but she didn't care. Anything for the session, right?

She waded in as the clouds started rolling back in, creating a dramatic and moody sky. A passerby commented that the water looked cold, and I replied "No it's not! It's super warm, and that's what we're going with." We all laughed as she shivered a bit.

We maneuvered around the slippery rocks, with her taking the most risk. Spring brings beautiful flowers and lovely weather, but it also brings snakes and other fun critters. As this thought entered our minds, we joked about what we may find. At one point she paused in the water and looked around. I asked if she was ok and she replied "I'm just thinking about what might be lurking around." I laughed and said "You didn't think about that when you wanted a creek session?" She said "I did. But it's way different being in here."

I joked to her mama that it wasn't my fault if she got bit by a snake.

But hey, art requires a little risk. Right?

I don't normally jump on the trends, but I had to this time...

Tulips have become one of my favorite spring blooms, thanks to the gorgeous fields at Burnside Farms. I planted bulbs for the first time last fall in anticipation for April, and I have been so pleased. Walking outside and seeing the array of colors does so much good for my soul. A sweet feeling that only nature can offer.

I had big plans for planting last fall, but chronic health concerns pulled me away from the garden and many of my bulbs never made it into the ground. I forgot about them until I found them in the garage in March. I braced myself for rot and disappointment, but instead, I found green tips reaching for light. They were already sprouting, silently waiting. My husband helped me get them into planters and open spaces in our little garden bed. If they didn't make it, at least we tried! But they did more than just survive, they thrived.

Each bloom is a little reminder that even though we go through dark seasons of isolation, life is still stirring.