Catkins -Guest Heart Thursday

Though it is still snowing in parts of our country, here in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley, Spring has burst upon us.  Overnight the trees have sallied forth in colorful blooms and bright flowers spring from the ground.  The sun is shining today--right through my office window as I type.  Ah, it is SO beautiful and warm.

My niece and I have always enjoyed pussy willows, pretending the small catkins are tiny kittens.  They are one of the first signs of Spring.  It was her birthday recently, so I painted this picture of  her with all those darling little kitten catkins.  Springtime is coming--and there is always hope in the Spring. 

Of course, there is a heart in this picture--though I didn't hide it this time!

Have a lovely day and Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Lioness

This lovely Lioness has taken charge of two small kittens. She seems to love them as her own. I am sure there is a story in here somewhere--perhaps she lost her own and rescued these little ones to raise as her own. To see her best, click for the larger view.

Above is the lioness as I first saw her. More detail can be seen in the larger view.