We're back from an extended trip to Florida and now, here in my beloved Des Moines, it's a mere 5 degrees outside. You read that right, 5. I can't complain, though. I've spent 32 winters in Iowa and they're consistently unpredictable, cold and a wee bit too long. Good thing I love winter coats. 

In FL there was lots of fishing, family time and freckles. I also spent a great deal of time in the sun with my sharpie in a sketchbook. 

While in the Sunshine State I drew approximately 48 palm trees.

Referred to as "palm trees" these trees, bushes and tropical foliage with trunks are all part of a family called Arecaceae. With over 2,600 species existing in temperate climates all over the world, these beauties produce bananas, coconuts, palm oil, wax and materials for those perfectly woven baskets. (knowledge drop)

My favorite bit from the Wikipedia article "For inhabitants of cooler climates today, palms symbolize the tropics and vacations." Preach on, Wiki. Preach on.