Hello Spring

One half of the neighborhood is dressed up like a bridesmaid at a fussy wedding – all poof and froth. Trees are dripping in pastels, pink petals litter the streets. Lilacs are weighted in mauve. The other half is decked out for a Mexican fiesta. Rhododendrons exploding in techno color; vibrant reds, rich purples. Dandelions and buttercups are poised to party.

This is a glorious time of year – Mother Nature is putting on the dog. It’s like she woke up from her long winter’s nap and couldn’t decide what to wear. She has pulled all the stops – she is hosting an anything goes garden party and everyone is invited.

I love spring time, it’s one of my favorite times of the year – it’s fresh, new and promising. This year spring looks especially dazzling; the grass is greener, the sky bluer; it almost makes me squint. I feel like I’m walking out of a black and white movie and into the Land of Oz every time I step outside. I’ve been hungry for color and didn’t even know it.

The dogs and I take a familiar walk every day, we’ve been quietly watching the season unfold. At first I didn’t want to acknowledge that the world outside continued to turn after the one in my house stopped, but then the season got on a roll and wouldn’t be ignored anymore. It’s hard to walk by a garden party and not notice the decor – pansies in particular won’t put up with a party pooper, their cheerful faces defy indifference.

I would be foolish to let this season go to waste, to not appreciate what is so blatantly trying to brighten my day. Life in fact did carry on, even as part me died. Flowers bloomed, trees blossomed and weeds went to seed while bouquets wilted on my dining room table. I may not be ready to actually join the party but I’d be crazy if I didn’t stop by to say hello.