Here on the north coast it takes a bit of time for us to start to see the turn from winter to spring. Being on Lake Erie, those cold northern breezes continue to blow well after the calendar says that it is spring. I always like to watch as the ice slowly melts giving way to the beautiful vast waters of the lake.
The lake has been melted and the trees and flowers are beginning to bloom into an array of brilliant colors. The first are the crocus, followed quickly by the daffodils, hyacinths and then the tulips. The daises are not far behind. Among my favorites is the beautiful magnolia with it’s variegated pink petals. They only last a short time, till their beautiful flowers are scattered on the ground at the foot of the tree. When the magnolia’s flowers time is up, there are so many more to take their place. We will move into azaleas and so many more. Once spring begins to spring into action, then it is quite fast. Before you know it, the leaves are on the trees. It is a miraculous sight that I look forward to every year.
It’s not only the sights of the plants awaking, but the sound of the birds coming home to nest. I have some bird houses in the yard and I am hoping to have some feathered families moving in quite shortly. I have some friends that have seen their first hummingbird of the season. Not me though. I hope to soon. The frogs in the evening are so relaxing. I look forward to hearing crickets and katydid’s in the upcoming months. I love having the windows open in the evening and hearing all the sounds of turning the corner into the warmer seasons.
As spring is a renewing of the trees and flowers, I think that we can use this time as a renewing of our minds and spirits. Taking some time to step back and slow down a little. Take a look at what is important in life. For instance it may be time with friends and family. A chance to get together over meals or have a barbeque. Share in a bonfire or two. Build relationships with others and enjoy this life that we share. For some it may be a more personal time to reflect on matters of the heart. Taking some time for personal matters and some self-care or reflection. So, as we travel through this transition season, I hope everyone takes some time to have some well deserved renewal. Like the old cliche states, stop and smell the roses; snatch a chance to get out there and enjoy some of what life has to offer.
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