Reason #782 Why I Am Anxious For Summer: 'Cause it Ain't Winter

It's cold, folks.  Miserably so.  In case you hadn't noticed.  Ever the optimist, however, I have combed my recent projects in search of the perfect images to help conjure the essence of growth, warmth and sunlight of summer.  Because believe it or not, summer is right around the corner.  Sort of.

I photographed the below sunflower field on a perfect, sunny, 80-degree day in August last year.  Located in Franklin, Indiana, the J.P. Parker farm is known for its annual crop of more than 300,000 sunflowers.  Established in 1986, J.P. Parker Flowers has retail florist shops in both Franklin and downtown Indianapolis.

As you peruse the images below, go ahead and take a minute to pretend you are standing in the sunflower field, your upturned face feeling the warmth and light of the summer sun.   Remember that barbecue, shorts and flip flops weather will be here before you know it.  Until then, just keep repeating this mantra...

Old Man Winter, don't go away mad.  Just go away.