looking forward

I know we are told to live in the moment, to not look forward, nor backwards. However, I think it is helpful to be able to look forward-this is called hope, and it is what keeps me afloat during our long, gray, rainy winters. And, yes, tonight I am looking forward. I am looking forward to long warm summer nights in the garden. Hummingbirds dart and dive with a buzzing noise, and I am endlessly fascinated by them. They seem to come out in force at dusk, and we never tire of watching their antics. I look forward to cut flowers in the house again-big vases of creamy, sweet scented roses, which make my house look more beautiful even if it is in sore need of a good cleaning. I look forward to afternoon coffee in the garden with the farmer, talking over the day and the rest of the days work. For now, I huddle close to the wood stove, listening to rain lash at the windows, clutching to the hope that warmth and flowers and singing birds will be here soon!