"SPRINTER"...

According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language,

 the definition of sprinter is 

a person running a short race at top speed.

According to My Mind's Dictionary of the Uneventful Imagination,

 the definition of sprinter is 

the time of year when the calender says it is officially winter,

 but it is trying very hard to pass for spring...

therefore, the combination of

 Spring + Winter = Sprinter!

One of the iconic signs of spring is sheep in the meadows,

 with their offspring cavorting around them.

"White sheep, white sheep

on a blue hill,/ 

when the wind stops/

 you all stand still."

Christina Rossetti

Lambs are used in all aspects of 

describing springtime

 and new beginnings...

...as a symbol of newborn sweetness

 on a nursery dish...

...in a fairy tale setting 

of stuffed animals, nursery rhymes,

 tea parties, and children's story books...

...on vintage post cards portraying Easter messages...

...and following Mary to school.

These lambs have been a part of my life

 since I made them 

over forty years ago.

As a young wife and mother,

 I wanted to have a little extra spending money of my own

 to buy the things that I enjoyed 

and used to fix up our home...

so we invested in a kiln 

and I went to work.

That was right at the peak of the French country decorating style

 that was prevalent in the late 1970's.

  All white animals

 from pigs to chickens to cows and beyond 

were the decorating trend. 

 It was a popular take-off 

on French faience pottery. 

 I sold a lot of these animals,

 among other pieces, 

and they were the reason I could realize my independence,

 buy the things I wanted 

and be able to stay home

 while the kids were growing up.

For some reason

 these lambs are the only things that have stayed on

 and have become regular members

 of our family.

They have spent

 many a year outdoors,

 mainly as front porch decorations...

...to celebrate spring...

...during Memorial Day celebrations and on through Independence Day...

...as the leaves were changing...

...and the coming of Christmas.

They have spent a very limited amount of time 

in the house

 but over the forty year span, 

they have mainly graced 

the porches and the gardens

 of two houses.

They have not always been 

treated kindly over the years. 

 They have sat out in their share of rain and snow storms

 and, needless to say,

 a few ears and tails have been knocked off

 and glued back on.

All that has changed,

 however, 

in this time of "Sprinter". 

 On a trip to the market

 where all sorts of beautiful spring blooms are abundant 

and a new pom-pom maker has fashioned

a wreath

 as soft as lamb's wool...

...the well deserving sheep

 have come back into the Cottage

 to a place of warmth

 and celebration...

...while the world outside
 is still trying
 to make up it's mind...

...is it spring 

or winter

around here?...

...or will it continue 

to remain 

"Forever Sprinter"?

...Judy...

Sharing today with:

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Roses of Inspiration at The Enchanting Rose

Share Your Style at 21 Rosemary Lane

Feathered Nest Fridays at French Country Cottage