During October, in the South, the earth begins its yearly process of becoming cold and barren. By December, trees look like bony specters with empty, naked arms reaching out to the sky. Their crunchy, brown leaves lay scattered across the ground. People are bundled in coats, gloves, and hats which inhibit movement. The weight of these heavy fabrics press in on our bodies. We are looking for spring and the freedom of the flowing cotton garments of warmer months.
I love living in the South where, by mid-January or early February, signs of approaching spring are all around. I don’t think I could handle long, dark months with snow that stays on the ground for days. Southern winters are not harsh by that standard, but for me, the days are cold and dark enough.
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.
– Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909) English poet, playwright, novelist, and critic
Spring is a season of beginnings, renewal, and growth. The earth gets a fresh start after the winter months. I, too, feel like making a fresh start. All around, new life bursts forth as nature encourages us to join in this grand rebirth. Every day is a new experience as spring approaches.
Looking for spring as . . .
. . . bulbs release their winter captives.
Shoots of crocus, daffodils, and snowdrops appear from beneath the brown landscape of leaves. Colors of yellow, orange, white, purple, and lavender emerge bringing the hope of warmer days ahead.
. . . new growth is all around.
Trees are budding and sap is flowing. Tender ferns release their tendrils. Tiny buds unfurl their foliage. Day by day, all around you see changes in the plants and trees.
. . . birds, the heralds of spring, create a cacophony of excitement with their songs.
In the mornings you are greeted with the sound of birds singing. They whistle and chatter to one another in their high-pitched musical conversations. With their unique melodies, the patterns resemble the call and response of folk music.
Birds mate and prepare to raise a family. The female spends days gathering material for nests. She weaves together grass, twigs, or string to form a basket to cradle her precious eggs which will crack open with new life.
Flocks of migrating birds travel through and perch in the trees. They chirp loudly and peck the ground for food.
. . . spring rains kiss the earth.
Water provides moisture to recharge the soil which begins to slowly revive beneath the sunny spring skies. The soil becomes moist, warm, and sensual to touch. After working in the garden or yard all day, you smell like fresh dirt—a visceral, comforting scent that binds you to the earth. You become one with the cycles of the seasons and the seasons of human life.
Frogs emerge from hibernation as the weather starts to warm up. Their distinctive croaks are heard at night and after spring rains.
. . . days become longer.
Dawn arrives earlier allowing for more time to stand in the sun and feel the warmth caress your skin. Your lungs breath the air in deeply and fully. The soft, fresh scents of spring excite your senses.
. . . we are encouraged to release the past and make way for the new.
Spring cleaning – out with the old and musty to make room for new life, new energy, and rebirth. The season fills us with wonder and astonishment like the heartthrob of an adolescent’s first love.
Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’
– Robin Williams (1951-2014) American actor and comedian
What sights, smells, and sounds do you enjoy as spring approaches?
Looking for spring…?!
Nature’s way of saying “Not so fast….” on February 16, 2021.
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