I am an optimist, my cup is half-full, my vibe is positive, and I am what most folks would call energetic (yes, some of you would infer that I may be a tad too energetic! Moi?!). For the past many decades, it is my deep affinity for Mother Earth and my pursuit of her many gifts that have allowed me to step away from despair, and to be centered in gratitude for the abundance of goodness in my life. There is something about the season of Spring that illuminates this awareness in me.
Winter is alright, but I do not appreciate it as I did in my younger years when we enjoyed snowboarding and snowshoeing in the Sierras, or just a quiet walk in the woods after a snowfall. Indiana’s winters are mild in terms of snowfall, leaving us with very cold temps made worse by the consistent winter wind. Waaaaa, I know. Recent blog posts from this 6-week trip were laden with observations (complaints?!) of the cold that followed us south, along with the ridiculous windy conditions in Florida. More waaaaa. But, the past several days have offered us a whisper of spring — such that I felt compelled to share my response.
We have seen just a bit of color in the trees as we are making our way north to home. You know what I mean — when there is a lovely hue of color, sometimes yellow-ish or orange-y, sometimes green, but as a mere suggestion of color, it is all I need to embrace the revitalization of spring. Yay, the trees are awakening!
As we were setting up camp in Arkansas, on what would be our last night in Vanda for this trip, I happily noticed the green spring grass and dandelions. We went out on a hike to a waterfall which was where the magic happened. Any walk along a stream is oh-so-pleasant, as the sound of cascading water brings a sense of peace. This was the first clear water we’d seen in a few weeks (Texas water is muddy), making this stream particularly delightful.
I was aware of a deep joy that filled my being with gratitude and hope. That was when I noticed a Buckeye pushing up from the earth, followed by my identifying new leaf growth from Bergamot, Vetch, Trout Lily, and Sedge — Spring is springing! Then, this moment…a brand new bloom of Spring Beauty! This flower is an early bloomer, and that I found this one flower in a vast forest touched my heart, bringing tears. [that may sound corny I suppose, but I have stated many times that my connection to Mother Nature is deep and precious]
The hike was only 2 miles long but the forest was glorious, so that every step was appreciated. Here is the waterfall to which the stream led us.
