Popping Up
Purple Crocus blooming
Finally!! - Spring has arrived! Well, then again here in New England with over a week to go in March, you can never tell if ‘spring’ is really here to stay. However, there are plenty of signs popping up all over that signal to me that spring is definitely on its way. First off, the Earth has officially passed the astronomical equinox point in its orbit around the sun, and the length of the daylight hours are increasing. Second, we’ve experienced several days of temps in the 50s and even the low 60s. Third, there is definitely a smell in the air that only occurs in the spring, you know the one that I mean. Fourth, I’ve spotted song birds returning from their winter homes at the feeder, and hearing their early morning racket starting up at dawn.
Thyme sprouting
In the garden, I’ve spied the tips of daffodils emerging, shoots of thyme and mint coming up from under their protective layer of straw mulch, and the rhubarb plant that I bought but never managed to plant has survived and sending up shoots. I’ve got seeds sprouting in the house, and I’m hoping they will manage to make it into the garden. I made a trip to Agway to purchase composted manure and fencing to keep the critters from eating the early shoots of the peas and radishes that will be directly sown into the raised beds.
The yard clean up chores are underway as well. Heavy wind storms have left branches and pinecones everywhere. In an effort to be more sustainable, I’ve invested in a small, electric chipper which arrived this week. Yesterday, like a kid with a new toy, I was out there happily feeding twigs and cones into the hopper, then spreading my new mulch around.
Daffodils sprouting
Opportunities have also been popping up all around me. I took the risk of entering a juried exhibit, and had two pieces accepted. When I went to drop off my artwork, I found brochures of other galleries in the area looking for artists to display their work. I currently now have my artwork on view in three different locations.
Community building opportunities have also popped up. The library used book sale last week was a great chance to pick up reading materials at a deep discount and support the programs that my payment will offer to the entire town. The annual roadside clean up week is coming up in honor of Earth Day. The senior center is looking for helpers to prepare meals, and the food pantry is looking for donations. I have loads of choice when it comes to helping to build my local community.
The red arrows are pointing to the rhubarb shoots
What’s popping up in your life? How are you experiencing the arrival of spring? What opportunities are making their presence known in your life? Are you ready to take advantage of those opportunities?
Take some time this week to look for the signs of change, whether it be in nature, in your community, or within yourself.
Enjoy your week ahead!
Maryanne
