& SHE IS A WINTER BLOSSOM —- radiant still, despite all seemingly insurmountable odds, surviving in a show of strength through harsh climates that brought solace to none that sought it. she is the hearth of a fire —- she exuded warmth as blessed by the sun, & her presence bestowed upon others a sense of comfort in the tranquility of her subtle fire. she is a swan, a lion, a tiger ! her aura emanated grace & poise, fierceness & compassion, humbled brilliance & courage, & most of all, the ability & will to endure. through adversity she has survived, rising up above the surface of ice slated snow, blooming brilliantly in vivid colors as strongly as a flower born of warm, idyllic days. time & time again, she blossoms in a quiet show, taking all those who stop to look in admiration by surprise.