The Promise of Spring

 

Pussywillows, cat-tails, soft winds and roses
Rainpools in the woodland, water to my knees
Shivering, quivering, the warm breath of spring
Pussywillows, cat-tails, soft winds and roses

Gordon Lightfoot

 

Dear Spring,

I wonder if you’re aware that you’re late in arriving this year…at least in my little corner of the world here on the west coast of Canada.  You were greening up nicely when I left the island almost two weeks ago but then suddenly you just disappeared and I fear that perhaps you’ve lost your way? 

Just when I thought I’d waved goodbye and closed the door on winter, she came rushing back in, quite wildly really, like she’d forgotten her hat and mittens and then decided she might stay for just one more cup of tea and visit just a little longer…without even asking if she was actually welcome! 

Now I know that winter and I have made peace with each other…and thankfully so, after years of blustery foot stamping and many a cold shoulder, but really Spring, have you forgotten that this is a moderate and temperate climate?  This is the banana belt of Canada! BANANA!  For heavens sake, we grow palm trees on this island, albeit mostly scrubby little ones.  

We’ve normally shed our winter coats and scarves by now and can be found outside counting  blossoms in our gardens so we can… perhaps not so very subtely…send a press release out to the rest of country that lotus land has 85 gazillion more blooms this year than last.  And to make matters worse, the rest of Canada, which is usually still buried in umpteen meters of snow, is swanning around in tank tops and picnicking…yes, picnicking in March! 

Please come quickly dear Spring, I am so looking forward to seeing you, because although winter and I have "appreciated" each other this year, I have to confess that she’s really overstayed her welcome somewhat.  Well, a lot really.  This last snowstorm just did it. 

I’m so looking forward to greeting you on my doorstep soon.  It’s high time for us to stroll arm in arm together through the daffodil fields again, just like we do every year...every spring...you do remember?.

Missing you terribly,

Your very dearest friend

Kate

 

 

And so in my search for spring green this month, I’ve been making do with my father’s indoor potted geraniums that sit patiently by the diffused window light.  They’re pretty in their own way, and I’m reminded by Anais Nin that I must find my own light within.  And I am.

Hoping this finds you all today in just the perfect place and thank you so much for taking the time to stop by,

 

 

Gordon Lightfoot's song "Pussy Willows, Cattails"  transports me to another place, another time, another spring...sigh).

Comments

[Dawna]

Kate, Your posts just get lovelier and lovelier. They are such wonderful reminders of all that is important in life. Thank you for sharing them with us. I especially loved your letter to Spring, because of course, I totally agree with it.

[lauren]

Looking and reading your lovely posts makes me want to get out my crayons ! Happy spring and I hope the weather cooperates soon for you. And this isn't related to anything, but here's an article that will make you smile ... I made the connection b/c of the pussy willow (someone who used to live in Buffalo sent me the link recently) http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/buffalo/article773102.ece

[olivia]

I was wondering about spring myself, kate, and then this weekend happened. Here in Puget Sound it is sunny and warm. Tomorrow this will reverse, but for today I am enjoying it. I too am eager for spring! xoO

[Chris]

Oh Kate, the pussywillow photo is absolutely beautiful! The lighting, the simplicity of just the branch itself is all part of its beauty. I'm catching up on some of my favorite blogs (Inspired being one of them!). I'm sure Spring has received many a letter and email about her arrival late or otherwise! I know here since the beginning of March things have been popping out all over and then this past weekend a small cardboard tray of cute violas, starting to bloom, froze stiff on my deck!!!!! Even though they looked like I'd killed them (I didn't even have a chance to plant them!) I brought them in, realized they were dry and gave them a drink, put them on an old cookie sheet and then parked them the window of my den. Within a half hour they've revived themselves and I'm happy to report will be planted by this weekend. They're still in the window.

[Jon Virgr]

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