Spring is here!

Have you ever noticed that sense of empowerment that comes with spring? It's like the sudden surge in temperature comes with a surge of super-human abilities. As I feel the sun and breathe in the fresh air, I am filled with ideas and ambition. As I shed my winter coat, I marvel at how much I take movement for granted since I am no longer weighed down by that burdening thing. I feel energized and ready to paint the rooms and plant the flowers and rake and stain and saw and wash and clean and, most importantly, OPEN THE WINDOWS!



Oh but please let's not forget one of the small pleasures in my life, the picture taking. I took advantage of the few spring-like days we had (before the rogue snow of course) and took 2 of the children to play at the park with camera in hand. What beautiful lighting there was from the setting sun (along with a slow onset of chill)! It was so nice to go outside for a significant length of time without feeling like my very bones would shatter from the cold. I took the opportunity, while the weather held out, to take a stroll around my yard. Thankfully the previous owners were kind enough to leave some plants in the ground for us. I have not yet identified them but I'm ready and waiting to be pleasantly surprised when they finally show their faces! I do hope for a nice weekend soon so I can get outside and rake up the winter debris.



Most of all, I am hoping that everyone can feel that same sense of renewal that I feel. Winter has been long and I am tired. I do not want to fight anymore with the people who want to keep hurting everyone around them. I don't want to constantly be on my toes waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't want to have to force family into BEING family. I don't want to force friends into being friends. I want this spring to be filled with laughter and love and celebration. I want to fire up our grill for the first time while we all sit around the porch on my kitchen chairs (because I have not gotten a patio set) and inhale the sounds and smells and springtime camaraderie. Is that so much to ask?