The Best Kind of Fever- Spring Fever
Seasons
When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter, will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginnings of soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of spring. – Madeleine M. Kunin Swiss-born American diplomat, author and politician. She was Vermont’s first and, to date, only female governor as well as the first Jewish governor of Vermont. Kunin is currently a James Marsh Professor-at-Large at the University of Vermont at 88. She is the recipient of more than 20 honorary degrees.
Once again, spring has returned.
No matter what happens now, even the ice rain predicted for tonight, can’t derail spring. I received a weather warning on my phone, yet, as I look out my window the tops of bare trees are swaying in the wind and bathed in sunlight. The ice rain will probably happen but it won’t linger.
This is a natural time to start making plans, tentative perhaps, but there is joy in the possibilities. All of a sudden I want to go walking, biking, organizing, and making some other lifestyle modifications. Items that have lingered on my desk are getting out the door. Clothes I no longer wear are bound for an organization that will give them new life. I need less willpower now to get things done. I think of it as the growth mindset of spring. A bit like road cyclists can take advantage of riding in the “draft” of the person in the lead. Our mind/bodies start to flourish as we gravitate towards the light and warmth of the sun. A time for new adventures.
Everything seems possible.
Curiosity stirs and I have been on the search for interesting, kind, and thoughtful people and events, a little off the grid.
Today I discovered Pianist Ruth Slenczynska, who at 97 has released a new album on Decca. She had a horrific childhood, in fact “no childhood,” and she survived. “Take whatever is given your way, find what’s best in it,” she counsels. “Enjoy. Try to make somebody else’s day, they’ll give it back to you tenfold.” She also said this about her career. ” You don’t become a pianist until you’re past the age of 60,” she states with blunt certainty. “And then you should have something to say that’s worthwhile. If you don’t forget it.” (a sense of humour too)
Right now, I think we all can use more joy, celebrations, tolerance and kindness in our lives. At the same time we can step up and take more risks. Of course, when we do that (take more risks) we will have failures. The good news is that we become the people who know how to get back up. We cultivate resilience. We don’t just celebrate success. We celebrate starting again, just like spring, we hear the call to get out there and bloom away.
Notes
1:) Pianist Ruth Slenczynska – Article and link to her music on NPR
2:) TREES: For readers who like trees, both the beauty and the science, I have three items today, all with a common thread – the brilliant Dr. Suzanne Simard from UBC.
- The 3 minute official trailer for the documentary The Intelligence of Trees
- A 45-minute Patagonia film. Treeline: The Secret Life of Trees.
- An informative and delightful conversation with Dr. Simard and Matt Galloway at CBC.
3:) An amazing story about bees. “When we think of bee nests, we often think of a giant hive, buzzing with social activity, worker bees and honey. But scientists recently discovered a rare, solitary type of bee that makes tiny nests by plastering together flower petals.” NPR
NPR – Busy bees uses flowers for nests
A second preview of these beautiful nests from one of the great granddaughters of the Woolworth family.Click here.
4:) If you think I am trying to give us a break from the news you are right. Every now and then I find it helpful to explore something a little different, especially when we are going through difficult times. And I turn to poetry, music and nature. Nature is a constant and wonderful healer of body, mind and spirit. Thanks to Emma Rooney for being a continual source of inspiration.
5:) I wish you all a blooming springtime. It’s a chance to use your senses to take it all in and sink into the beauty. An opportunity everyday for awe and wonder. Thank you for being here and taking time to read these musings. Warmest and best wishes, Trudy
BEAUTIFUL post Trudy. Happy Spring to you and all your lovely readers. xo
Thank you dear Nancy. Not tonight, because it’s late, but I hope you get to take a look at the special bee nests. They are beautiful. I appreciate your kind words. Always, my best wishes,
Trudy
I’m a tree lover too . happy spring. 💙💛
What a beautiful note to receive! Thank you Kathryn. Happy spring to you too. 💛💙