Contrary to what most people think about the south and it's red clay mud, kudzu laden hills, and piney woods I often find the most beautiful treasures right in my parent's backyard. Even in the dead of winter (with an impending snow front on the way) I was able to capture a few glimpses of nature's finest. As I walked around the yard with my camera I didn't see much to photograph.....at first, but about my third lap around the house I started noticing a small bud here, dried flowers there, and so on. I spent an hour in awe of the subtle beauty before me. Rustic, tattered and honest. It was as if these plants knew how vulnerable they were even to the slightest gust of wind, yet they hung proudly saying to us petty onlookers "winter has not stripped us of our beauty..." 

Being here with my dad as he goes through his chemotherapy has been such a blessing. He handled the treatment beautifully and even as a hairless wonder he is handsome as ever, strong, and his positive attitude is an inspiration to us all.

 Aren't these the littlest pine cones you've ever seen? I plucked about fifty of them to take back to Seattle so I hope they make it back in one piece :)  Thank you to everyone who is praying for dad! He is doing great and just as we hope for spring, we continue to hope for healing!