Looking for some 'thing' big. Some 'thing' momentous. Some great 'thing' that might speak to the promise of coming spring.

The ponds...the rivers...the streams - remain frozen. The ground is blanketed in white snow. This season of winter that I love so well - I've begun to think might last forever.

I looked high. I looked low. I saw no great 'thing' that might indicate spring. And then - out of nowhere. No 'thing' big. No 'thing' great. No 'thing' momentous - at all.

Two sweet red-winged 'things' sipping on one small patch of winter's thaw. Two quintessential early birds...singing.

Another reminder - that all 'things' big - start oh so very small. And that - these two small 'things' bring with them big hopes and the great promises of the coming of sweet spring.