I have lived my entire life in the northern United States, where Spring tells us to emerge from our homes and renew our relationship with the outside world. This issue of MUSED reflects that change from winter to spring, as well as the larger cycle of life.

The photography of Terri Johansen entitled Trees in Winter and Tree in Snow reminds us of how nature was cold and dormant only a few weeks ago. These snow covered trees are now giving way to the bright colored flowers and brilliant sunshine of Spring, as we see so clearly in Butterfly Beauty by Danay C. Downing and the photography of Danay C. Downing entitled Stunning and Violeta Elegante.

The cycle of life and love is a second theme throughout this issue. In Love Story by Richard Schnap we see the beginning of love, as a woman finds someone "whose soul spoke a special language" to her. We understand the meaning of enduring love reflected in time-worn but familiar everyday items in Growing Old, Along with Her by M.Z. Fairlough. Another form of love - beloved memories - is the subject of Contem-play-tion by Chris Abbate, as one sister left behind remembers the one who has passed. Finally, we recognize love in My Mother in Spring as Terry Michelsen speaks of childhood memories and a mother’s love and care shown through common tasks repeated every Spring.

Diane Cipollo
MUSED Art Director