There is something about walking in the neighbourhood right now that I begin to sense a change. Can it be that spring has sprung?? Not to say the big snow flakes that befell yesterday did not exist because they DID! Grrr. But, aaah, I did feel something as I ducked in and out quickly in my sock feet without a coat and hat to put out recycling in the bins next to the house. It was a hint of warmth with less bite. Coupled with the symphony of more birds a chirping an’ a tweeting, albeit too early in the morn mind you for some (not me).
And if I stop to think for a moment, I have noticed there is a new aroma wafting in the breeze lately. It is sort of that fresh new dirt smell you get when farmers turn over the fields…musty, mucky, mire mix to make a raw garden fresh soil scent. I do realize that the fields have not been tilled as yet. So probably the smell is coming from the left over mildewed winter of old dead leaves, decayed something or other, and winter tired grass and earth but regardless, I noticed. Funnily enough, the smell is not pungent to my nasal passages as it brings back fond memories of the old cold cellar below my grandparents farmhouse. Something about going down those cobbled stone stairs, opening a creaky worn down wooden door, and entering the abyss of a dirt clad walled room, dank cold and dark. Well, I loved it. Not the spooky part for I would not want to be trapped in there but the smell. Not sure why because it was strong and kind of funky. Nah, earthy. Yes, I like that word earthy, a collective to all of my senses and knowing ones roots of working the land and its abundance of sustenance to one’s life.
But a big awareness has been with my feet on terra firma, nature or manmade, as I have taken walk recently. It is the curbs!!! They exist! I CAN SEE THEM!!! Praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (Yes, I know. It is still Lent but sometimes you just have to stray – sorry Lord). Anyway, I feel like that line in the song by Johnny Nash ” I can see clearly now” the curbs in the burbs are here!! Finally!! I can see the sidewalk straight ahead as I push the stroller with Maggie May it tow and cross up onto the curb without pushing through slush or climbing a mini mountain. Or God forbid tripping and falling because you do not know what you are going to step up or down. So yes, spring has sprung because the curbs in the burbs have come out.
Not sure what floats other peoples boats but one of mine comes springing to life at the entry of the firsts of seasonal transformations. So for now, spring is awaiting. It is the first time you can go walking without the winter mukluks or earmuffs afoot; when you put on a t-shirt without the shiver and goose bumps; the moment you see a green tuft working its way up through the barren soil; a glance above you, seeing little buds smattering the arm limbs of those oak trees arching across your lane; the honk honking of Canadian geese flying in typical V-formation overhead as chirpy tweeting reverberates in song, conducted in orchestra fashion; and finally to the gentle southern breeze wafting its warmth into the breath of fresh air taken in the morn.
Oh yes the remnants of winter linger on still but on closer inspection, put the senses into gear. The nose knows what the nose knows. For the chorus of birds singing do not tell a fib. I think it is the bluejays that kind of tell it like it is for some reason in the back of my memory. Maybe it was my grandfather or some wise person who told me one time if you watch the bluejays, they do not come out and stay until they know for sure food is a plenty for them. Sounds like some foodies I know. LOL. Anyway, I did notice a local farmer has tapped its red maple trees which must mean sap is a flowing.
Of course don’t forget the newly made potholes, falling icicle sticks overhead (watch out), cluttered debris, last time you have to pick up kicked over mailbox, no more replacement of kiddie mittens, the ‘honey do list’ is now active, mukluks to macky wear, antihistamine time, elevator song piped in to “Im singing in the rain”, weather cannot make up its mind from one day to the next, Peppy Le Pew is on a rollaroma, muckity squishy walks, and best of all driving with window down – wheeeeee! So roll down the window, see the curbs, breathe in and out fully, and enjoy the hope of spring in the air. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers this day. Amen.
PS. I found some spring humour. Chuckle or two. Hahaha
My winter fat is gone. Now I have spring rolls.
I hate spring cleaning. Darn things bounce all over the place.
Why is spring a good time to get into good habits? It’s the perfect time to turn a new leaf.
What month always asks questions and permission? May!
I was never into gardening but this spring I started planting seeds and it grew on me.
They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Ewe might say it leaves sheepishly.
How excited was the gardener about spring? So excited he wet his plants.
Karenpondering 