I grew up in a very cold climate where winter seemed go on for 6 months and ice, snow and barren trees is what you saw on a daily basis. Plus the bone chilling cold and cloudy skies all made for a long dreary winter.

I can remember as a child sitting by the living room window looking out at the snow, trying to remember what the grass looked like. I would sit there longing for spring and summer.

Spring to me was a promise of warm sunny days to come and I always felt my spirits lift as the snow melted and trees would start to bud. It was also the time when the lilacs bloomed and the fragrance was heavenly.

This was the time we would plant our flower gardens and the annuals would start to bloom. My mother had a thing for petunias and tiger lilies so we planted them every year. For me they were a source of fascination. I loved the colors and shapes and I would closely scrutinize them. Even as a child if I felt a bit down, I would go outside and look at the flowers and insects until I felt better. It worked every time.

One day as I was looking at the flowers I decided that when I grew up I was going to be a florist. Time went on and I forgot about it. I married and raised a family. After the kids grew up and moved away I was looking for a change of direction in my life and suddenly remembered wanting to be a florist and that is what I did.

I still find beauty in all kinds of flowers. I also developed an appreciation for trees and shrubs. I have based my floral designs on how things naturally grow. A huge old magnificent tree can be an inspiration for a floral design.

The next time you are feeling down or just need to be relieved from daily stress, try taking a walk and really look at nature. You may be surprised at the calming affect it may have on you.

Enjoy!

Willie Jones is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist, for Art Inspires, Inc. Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing at http://www.artinspires.com