a scene from my walk with the dog today.  we had another six inches (15 cm) of snow this morning. only the tall and the determined are still standing.

rice creek regional trail, saint paul, minnesota

we spent a couple days in paris on our way home from languedoc in december 2012.  while wandering along the seine, there was a row of trees with these distinctive seed pods.  i took one, wrapped it in a scrap of bubble wrap, and slipped it in the side pocket of my baggage.  and then promptly forgot about it until this week.

tulip tree seed cluster

paris, france

Spring and fall are not the only colorful seasons.

winter twigs: willow and  dog wood

saint paul, minnesota

i have been thinking about pattern design lately.

red pine needles in brown and green

saint paul, minnesota

this blade-like bark caught my attention as i passed by.  i snapped off a twig to bring home, and only later realized my branch looked like a tree.

burning bush

saint paul, minnesota