In search of Spring

The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides. -Artur Schnabel

One of winter’s contradictions is how long the days feel despite the little amount of daylight. Weeks ago I was pulled to stay in bed curled up with a good book. I now yearn to get back outside. More than that, I want to find the pinks, reds and oranges of Spring. I search the yard looking to see if something might be emerging from its winter slumber.

The next day, we pile into the car and head to the city. We are in search of evidence that the plants and animals are waking from their long winter sleep. I feel a spark of energy myself, ready to reacquaint myself with what’s ahead in Spring. Since there is very little in bloom in our yard, we head to the flower market. We see dusty rose stock, bold orange ranunculus, and pale blue hydrangeas. I wrap up the hydrangeas and head out before I am further tempted to scoop up every flower in sight.

Ornamental kale from the market

The next stop is a little local museum with native rehabilitated animals. We discover a snake that is still in its winter slumber but mostly we find the critters going about their daily activities. Turtles are swimming, birds chirping at one another, and a possum taking its daytime nap. We look out the window and there are sheets of rain coming down from the gray sky. 

I read an article about an Italian lakefront town called Verbania. You can find flowers blooming there throughout the year with names like Paradise Petite and Pink Lassie.  It’s well known for its hundreds of Camellia species- people come from far and wide to see these magnificently brilliant and vibrant flowers. Without a substitute mom for my kids and endless resources at my disposal, I will have to plan for a trip to Italy another time.  

For now, I’m going to arrange my hydrangeas in vases around my home to delight in their beauty. I am going to recommit to the winter season. I will warm up my house with homemade loaves of bread, cups of chicken noodle soup, and hot mugs of coffee. I will continue to daydream about the year ahead not yet committing. I can take my queues from nature and stay cozy at home for a bit longer.