spring Archives %- – Rock The Wrinkle

It’s spring. Finally. Never thought it would get here, did you? And it’s early this year. Which could explain why it’s still (depending upon where you live), still cold. Rainy. Snowy. Dreary. Disappointing.

But wait. Even if all the above is true, chances are there are signs of spring everywhere. You just have to look harder to find them. Like purple crocus raising their heads. Or bountiful cherry trees quietly sharing their beauty. Or daffodils bending in the breeze. And of course, lots of allergens to fill your sinus cavities with seasonal splendor.

So if it’s spring, why does it sometimes feel like nothing’s changed…like the same old, same old is still here. You aren’t feeling younger. Or more attractive. Or like you could skip down the sidewalk with a new piece of chalk for hopskotch.

So what does Spring mean, anyway….when you get older?

We over 50 tend to hunker down during winter. It’s chilly and humid and makes our bones talk to us. We are wary of icy sidewalks and quite frankly, driving at night in a snowstorm isn’t our idea of a good time. Not that it ever was, but it used to seem easier. Or were we just more willing to take a chance?

Spring used to mean a break from school. Maybe pulling out the fun clothes and sandals and getting some sun. Planting seeds in the garden. Starting a new exercise regimen or giving up fast food (at least for a few weeks) so we might fit in the summer swimsuit.

Things change. I’ll admit to just being grateful to see the seasons change. To realize that spring represents new life, a shaking-off of winter doldrums and the promise of longer days and maybe lower utility bills.

Of course if you live where it snows through May, you’re still dreaming of that…and you’re tired of hearing how it’s 75 in Miami.

Here’s what a few famous folks had to say about spring:

“In the spring, I have counted 136 kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”

Mark Twain

“I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.”

Anne Lamott

“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

“Spring is nature’s way of saying: ‘Let’s party!'”

Robin Williams

Spring can be a challenge in many ways, filled with mud and rain and cobwebs and long lists of what needs to be done. But it can also be a beautiful time to renew the soul.

Get some sunshine.

Breathe some fresh air.

Consider new possibilities.

Wait for a butterfly to float by.

Every season that passes becomes more precious…a treasure we hold in our hearts. Let’s enjoy this one.

“Spring is when you feel like singing even with a shoe full of slush.”

Doug Larson

Okay, so it’s not Spring.

But it’s not that far off.

We’re still in the midst of cold air, icy sidewalks, and shorter days. But have you noticed? The air smells a bit fresher. The light is lingering longer. And every once in a while, we are blessed with wonderfully warm days and bright sunshine that make us giddy with anticipation.

Spring is coming.

When these golden mid-winter days come, I love to fully take advantage of them. Open the windows. Clean out the car. Dry rugs outside in the sunshine. Take a big giant breath and let it out slowly, relaxing in the promise of longer days ahead. It’s good for the soul.

In the spirit of what lies ahead (and to give those of us boomers and beyond who still face several winter and spring snowstorms), here’s some thoughts from Alfred Lord Tennyson that might give you cheer:

Early Spring

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Once more the Heavenly Power
Makes all things new,
And domes the red-plowed hills
With loving blue;
The blackbirds have their wills,
The throstles too.

Opens a door in Heaven;
From skies of glass
A Jacob’s ladder falls
On greening grass,
And o’er the mountain-walls
Young angels pass.

Before them fleets the shower,

And burst the buds,
And shine the level lands,
And flash the floods;
The stars are from their hands
Flung through the woods,

The woods with living airs
How softly fanned,
Light airs from where the deep,
All down the sand,
Is breathing in his sleep,
Heard by the land.

O, follow, leaping blood,
The season’s lure!
O heart, look down and up,
Serene, secure,
Warm as the crocus cup,
Like snow-drops, pure!

Past, Future glimpse and fade
Through some slight spell,
A gleam from yonder vale,
Some far blue fell;
And sympathies, how frail,
In sound and smell!

Till at thy chuckled note,
Thou twinkling bird,
The fairy fancies range,
And, lightly stirred,
Ring little bells of change
From word to word.

For now the Heavenly Power
Makes all things new,
And thaws the cold, and fills
The flower with dew;
The blackbirds have their wills,
The poets too.