Amaryllis and Snow

I have been waiting for the amaryllis to open, and today is the day. I took a number of pictures this morning, edited them and debated (with myself and with my son) about which one to post. What I was after was the flower opening against the snow, and the natural morning light coming through the window blinds. I always associate the amaryllis with my mother, who introduced me to this flower that looks so odd, even disconcerting, until it blooms. Then, in the middle of the February cold and snow, the amaryllis opens, reminding us that the earth is moving, the seasons are changing, and spring is inevitable.