It was bitter cold many days this February, colder than it’s been in many years. With many layers of clothing and a relatively warm house, I didn’t suffer too much for which I’m grateful. But prolonged cold does something to the psyche (at least mine). The dreary weather, the gloomy news reports, and the challenges always present in families left me struggling to feel hope.
One afternoon, I returned home feeling tired and discouraged. I got out of the car, put the windshield wipers up so they wouldn’t freeze to the window, and walked toward the front door. Scanning the sidewalk, as is my habit, I looked and found nature had left a gift on the front porch. I took a quick breath and thanked God. It wasn’t a bird, or even a small animal. It wasn’t a pretty feather, a smooth nut, or a colorful rock. But it was no less a delight to me.
It was fragile, but in tact. I bent to pick it up hoping it would not break apart. It was a beautiful brown cup made from 12 tulip poplar seeds on a 3-inch stem. A perfect tulip shape. We don’t have a tulip poplar tree in our yard which made this little gift brought by the wind even more precious. It cheered me to think of more colorful tulips to come, but that day, a brown one served just fine.
Thank you to all who make this writing space
a place of safety, support, and beauty.
pelicansandprose 
This is so lovely and rings really true for me. It’s been a HARD winter, for so many reasons, and my soul has been a little bruised. But nature’s beauty and little surprises have truly been helping. Here’s to spring right around the corner !
“…prolonged cold does something to the psyche.”
It is true. What a pretty treasure. I love the purple felt backdrop too. Regal.
Oh Marilyn, this is my kind of moment. That quotidian walk to the house, shoulders drawn and dreary mood, I get that feeling. Then the little natural gift brought by the wind. My favorite part is how you see the later big glossy tulip poplar blossom in the shape of the dry husk. And how just that reminder is enough to lift your spirits.
I love finding natural treasures, and it sounds like you found one just when you needed it. The weather has me feeling a bit down, too. Yesterday, it was warm and sunny when I started a walk but windy and snowing when I ended not too long after. I was very grateful for the sunshine while it lasted. I am so excited to be writing with you this month.
A little gift from God to warm you up!
Your entire first paragraph describes my February to a T. Your post reminds me that better days are coming. I hope to look for my own signs of that.
Love that nature had this special gift for you when you were feeling dreary. I love that your description of it let us feel its delicateness but also a clear observation of how it looks.
We had a gorgeous day yesterday, but today it was back to cold weather again. Not uber cold, but not being outside comfortable either. I’m ready for spring weather to come and stay. But we’re in that here today, gone tomorrow phase. So I’ll cherish the warmth when we have it and be grateful for heat and warm clothing.
I love the beautiful brown cup that the wind deposited on your front porch and the delight you felt in it. There’s always joy to be found. Thanks for reminding us.
Well now, that’s some COLD weather to have to raise the wipers so they won’t freeze to the window. I would have been thrilled to discover this special gift from nature, too. Spring’s just around the corner!
Oh, I hope you brought that gift in and put it in a vase. Lovely.
Yes, I did.