When the sun comes out

Shadow of the Cross, Ranchos de Taos, 11 by 14 watercolor, 300# d'Arches

After days of cold, gray, wet and unsettled weather, we awake to a north wind but clearing skies. Yes the temperature drops, but spirits rise with dawn. The sun comes up, casting shadows not seen in days, and personal shadows disappear  with hot coffee and a warm fire in the fireplace.
On the plaza at Ranchos de Taos in northern New Mexico, remnants of snow slowly melt atop the adobe walls of Saint Francis church, and the rising sun in the chill mountain air casts a fleeting shadow of one of the bell tower crosses on  its earthen walls.