With the overnight blanket of snow out the window this morning, and wind chills in the single digits, it is impossible to not think about warm days by the ocean . . .

Shadows often play a critical part in a still life, becoming part of the arrangement, particularly in the early morning. The shadow is what caught my eye here, and it is evocative of a crackling bonfire. It was taken on a very warm morning in the fall.

Today is a day for a crackling fire, hot tea, and homemade soup. If you are stuck indoors, as I am, do something special. Make a memory!