April Showers…May Flowers

Spring is my third favorite season following Summer and Fall. Placing it third when there are only four seasons may make it seem as though I don’t like Spring very much, but this could not be further from the truth.  Although I place it third I always look forward to this season of new life. I yearn for it, just as I yearn for Summer and Fall.

You may realize that I have not yet mentioned winter, and that is because I abhor it.  Generally, I think bears have the right idea—that you should sleep through it. Of course, I do see the gift of having to stay in doors in front of the fire and sleeping a great deal more, and so I grasp these two hopeful thoughts in order to endure. But the hope of Spring is always on my mind.

This year Spring seems to be particularly glorious, despite the constant rain—which makes those of us living in Ohio feel as though we have moved to Seattle minus the perk of fresh fish. Typically, it seems that Spring is the most fleeting season as winter tries to hold on to its reign by dumping one last foot of snow  followed by Summer storms snatching tender blossoms from their branches before we’ve had time to really enjoy them. But for a change, this Spring has lingered. The crocuses and daffodils dazzled us over Easter and then just as they faded, tulips and flowering trees sprang to life.

Last week, I went for a walk at a park near my house and found myself in the midst of a beauty I had not expected. Everywhere I looked life was gently unfolding. Is there any better shade of green than that of new Spring leaves? I felt compelled to grab my camera from the car and capture some Spring to share with everyone.