Snowdrops--an overlooked gift

For most winters in recent Connecticut memory,  Nutmeggers have waited patiently--or not--for spring to arrive.  In years past, as I watched our rhodedendrons' leaves curl in plummeting temperatures,  I have stoically borne the burden of bare brown ground.   However, my bell curve of patience is definitely skewed to the left, especially when it comes to winter.  I can't wait for spring, my most loved season of the year--the season of renewal and rebirth. 


Having made that confession, I must admit I rue all those cold, barren, snowless weeks in years past that I took mom's snowdrops, or Galanthus, for granted.  Tucked under a grove of laurel bushes at the top of our driveway, these steadfast little bulbs year after year thrust their slender stems and leaves through the frozen earth to burst into bloom at the hint of warmth.  I have always rejoiced at the sight of them, but this year they will be a sight for sore eyes!

"Snowdrops" by Joan Cole, oil on linen, 6" x 8"

I have been thinking with gratitude of those intrepid little blossoms much of late, since they are buried under two feet of snow and ice right now.  With more snow expected sometime this evening as well as later in the week, I am so glad I took the time last year to paint their portrait.  Right now, this painting is hanging at Maple & Main Gallery of Fine Art in Chester, Connecticut, awaiting Friday's opening from 5 to 8.  (I hope you can stop by.)


Yesterday was Essex, Connecticut's, annual Groundhog Day Parade and Unveiling when townsfolk turn out to march down Main Street banging pots and pans to wake up Essex Ed.  Led by a group of drummers and followed by the fire truck,  the area children and adults do their very best to alert Ed to the approach of his big day--February 2--when he must determine whether we'll have six more weeks of winter.  Punxatawny Phil has nothing on Ed.  Unlike last year when he dressed as Elvis to celebrate "The King's" 75th birthday, this year, Essex Ed appeared as a representative of the Ivoryton Playhouse.


Now there is a bit of competition, I suspect, among the towns of Chester, Deep River, and Essex.  But I don't think it's just that I'm a resident of Deep River and part-owner of an art gallery in Chester.  And I certainly don't pretend to imagine that my little oil painting could in any way compete with Essex Ed.  However, you'll never know if you don't see it for yourself. 

Small is beautiful.  Think of David and Goliath. Think "Snowdrops" and Essex Ed. 


I leave it to you, my faithful readers and collectors to vote.  Which is a better reminder to you that spring is on its way?


Joan's oil painting "Snowdrops"      ______     :-)

or

Essex Ed     _____


Seriously, please come Friday evening, February 4th, to our third opening at Maple & Main, One Maple Street, Chester.  I know you'll agree that "Snowdrops" is hanging among VERY GOOD company.