"If I can lift you up when you're down, I would have done a very good job! Thank you for dropping by."



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hello, (gorgeous) Spring!


Somewhere in the world, it is summer or autumn and things might be looking temporarily gloomy in one place in the Pacific.  Where I am, the birds are cheerily chirping, the skies are bright and clear and the air is screaming, Spring is here!

In my part of the globe, Spring officially began on Sunday (March 20th).  Although the mornings remain chilly from the frigid gusty breeze, winter will soon leave the picture.  I still leave home in the mornings all bundled up, but come mid-day, there’s no denying that Spring can’t wait to take over.  

Although autumn is my favorite season of the year, I welcome the Spring for the following reasons:

*  Sunshine is good for the spirit.
   After months of gray and dreary weather, the promise of sunny days boosts the soul.  On top of the depressing winter weather conditions, we’ve had more than our share of bad news from around the world.  Spring’s arrival gives us a clean slate, a most needed opportunity to stay hopeful and wish for a fresh and exciting start.

*  Vibrant palette decorates the landscape.
There is only so much winter brown or blankets of white anyone can take.  Spring brings out the lush green and upbeat colors of nature.  The lovely visual of blooming flowers, well-manicured lawns and verdant greens can certainly uplift the winter-spent spirit and raise morale. 

*  The birds are singing because the season brings joy to the heart.
   Listening to the birds chirping outside the window brings gladness to the human heart.  Those creatures are ecstatic to come out of hibernation and say goodbye to frost and bitter cold.  Now they can fly happy, build nests and network with their circle of fellow feathered friends.

*  Hope smiles radiant in the horizon.
The roadways are now clear, a far cry from the not too long ago vision of block ice, heavy snow drifts and snow-covered side roads.  Spring signals the promise of smooth and carefree driving.  The outline of the mountains are now free of the winter white drape.  Pretty soon, mountain-climbers will be populating those cliffs, hang gliders will be flying the blue skies and campers will be thronging the camp sites.
 
*  The weather inspires outdoor bonding.
   Lack of light has been known to cause human depression.  Now there are more sunny days to indulge in outdoor sports and activities, or simply to bask in the glorious sun.  Spending time in the park or walking on trailways will be treasured moments spent with oneself, neighbors or loved ones.

*  Our wardrobe could be liberating.
Who doesn’t like to wear summer clothes, shorts and flip-flops after dreary months looking like a bundled-up Eskimo?  Bodies and toes can finally breathe after months of wearing layered outfits, long johns and snow boots!

*  Gardening brings out the maternal instinct.
   Toiling the earth and sowing seeds are part of the creative process.  The miracle of life is right there for the planting.  Working in the yard can inspire a sense of self-satisfaction from watching new growth of vegetation sprouting out of the earth.  Springtime is the season for giving life and glorious living!    

Thank the Good Lord that Spring is finally here!  Let’s all make the leap from the winter blues and savor this spring of inspiration while it lasts!