Spring Traditions, New and Old

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. -Margaret Atwood


The first day of spring makes me truly giddy. So much anticipation focused on tiny little buds, a hardly containable yearning for when the green will return and the warm sun will be felt again. I can appreciate winter, it has its own barren beauty and I am always fascinated by the quiet and peace that comes with a blanket of snow, but it is the magic of renewal, rebirth and an abundance of light that awakens my soul and commences a flurry of foraging nature walks, gardening book perusal and dreams of coaxing things from the earth. This year I wanted to do something for the equinox that really translated all these thoughts into something tangible for the girls, and if these grow like I hope they will, then this will be a yearly tradition...





It really feels like waiting for something to hatch, fun! And yes, I have had eggs for breakfast every day this week.

Of course we have other traditions too, like getting out the egg tree and decorating it with the spring Barbie ornaments sent a couple of years ago by Nana Dee. These ladies in their fancy frocks are always fun:



It was quite chilly today, but a brisk tromp through the yard revealed a great deal of quiet activity. Most impressive is the archway into the back yard, the Lady Banks rose needs a serious haircut, but I just can't bring myself to do it until after it blooms (even though you can hardly walk through the gate), it is COVERED in these:




We have been in this house a year, and with the changing of each season and for all the holidays we have decorated the big picture window. It is quickly becoming another ritual marking of time. We spend a lot of time at this window, relaxing (it has one of the most comfortable seats in the house), reading, bird and squirrel watching, nature watching. It feels right to dress it accordingly as we watch the scene continuously changing through its glass.



Throughout the last growing season I watched patiently to see what was already here in the yard from the previous owners, and there are some great things, but this season I am very much itching to get my hands dirty. Welcome Spring, I've looked forward to your return.