Winter to Spring

"I'm going to try and pay attention to the spring. I'm going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen."

Anne Lamont

Winter has much to offer if I pause long enough to see. To linger in appreciation at the hidden treasures now visible through the absence of distractions. As winter comes to say goodbye, spring knocks at the door to be welcomed. 

Today there was time to play, to plant and dig in the dirt. New growth is anticipated and a hunger for the freshness that a new season brings and a chance to see things differently.

What's your Favorite Season...

 

My favorite season has always been fall. I love the vibrant colors and the leaves as they flutter down covering the ground. I have a slight obsession with leaves and collecting them is something I look forward to and it brings joy to my soul. Then fall leads into winter which over the years I have come to appreciate the silhouette of the trees against the beautiful sky as the trees lay dormant. I'm not fond of the cold weather and I use to dread the coming of the early darkness. But I know it's only temporary and then I have the spring to look forward too. I love something in each season, but fall will always hold a special place!

Rhythm...

 

 ...In the relentless busyness of modern life, we have lost the rhythm between work and rest.

All life requires a rhythm of rest. There is rhythm in our waking activity and the body's need for sleep. There is a rhythm in the way day dissolves into night, and night into morning. there is a rhythm as the active growth of spring and summer is quieted by the necessary dormancy of fall and winter. There is a tidal rhythm, a deep eternal conversation between the land and the great sea. In our bodies, the heart perceptibly rests after each life-giving beat; the lungs rest between the exhale and the inhale.

excerpt from the book: Sabbath - Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest 

By: Wayne Muller

Winter...

 

While I was out and about walking dogs, I decided to enjoy winter's beauty and I snapped a few pictures.

Dark...

It's that time of year again... when darkness arrives sooner then I had hoped. With each passing year I've come to embrace all the seasons. They each have there own uniqueness to appreciate, but it takes me longer in the winter to adjust to the early, dark evening sky. My body just wants to stop all activities and snuggle up somewhere comfy. I am still learning from the absence of light when winter introduces herself once again. 

Change in Seasons...

Winter is now Spring and with that comes, opening my windows. I love the cool breeze, the sounds of nature and the sun's warmth all flowing through my window. Each season brings change and as I've gotten older I've come to embrace and flow with what is offered. I can appreciate the difference and beauty and find something to be grateful for. Welcome Spring...

March 1 - Who Knew?!

snow lined tree branches

 snowmen, snowball, snowflakes fall

a snow angel made

     In North Carolina, who knew snow would come again, almost a month later from the last snowfall in February 2009, and a lot of it! Well a lot for around here (about 4-5 inches). It started about 7 pm and keep falling until late into the night. The kids love playing in the snow at night, it feels magical. I of course walked out for a few minutes just to experience the "present moment" but preferred to experience the rest from the warmth "on the inside" of my home. 

     Morning comes. The sun shines on a canvas of white. Snow begins to melt, puddles form, water drips, the air still chilly and cold. There are broken branches, fallen trees, and melting snowmen. All contained in a winters day.