In late February and early March my eager anticipation of winter coming to an end starts to really build. At that time of year, I find myself taking breaks from barn chores to lift my head, look out over the river and search for signs of life in the treetops across the valley. Those subtle pink, orange or yellow tinges to the tips of branches in the forest are hints that the trees will come back to life soon.  And while it may have been too soon for tiny tree blossoms to poke out, almost every day I would be struck by the brilliant colors reflected in the river. Every day, the sight would freshly take me by surprise! Looking at the painting now, I can't tell if that sideways rainbow was a smile, a frown, or a mocking smirk. It seemed like the brook was trying to tell me something, but I never quite figured it out. It was February when I painted this--the time of year when I am ready for spring to come to my New England landscape.  But winter always lingers just past its welcome.  At least there are scenes like this to add color to our days!