Is it Spring!?
As I began to pull together the many disparate pieces that came my way this Owl issue, warnings of, yet another, wintry dump on the east coast caused me to pause and wonder if spring, and summer, was ever going to arrive. While we were waiting for a food truck order during a brewery visit on St. Patrick’s Day, a woman – out with her family for a bit of a wine / beer trail crusade – reminded me of that oft true refrain, “You’re from Upstate, NY, right? Then you know that we don’t see spring until June.”
It does seem this time of year that winter will go on forever – especially when one lives, as we do, nestled quietly within a towering Norway spruce tree grove, hugged by hills to the east and west. Light for us comes late, with the first rays flowing in through skylights strategic placed by sensible former homeowners.
Yet all around us there are signs of awakening. In the woodlands and wetland there is a rejoicing of rebirth with bird sounds that signal a return from warmer climes. Some of these winged delights flit about with pieces of future nests flowing from beaks. Overhead, geese fly in reverse formation and woodpeckers circle trees ferreting out awakening insect feasts. Squirrels and chipmunks and our canine friends frolic about. It is a different sound – recognizable at once as the sound of spring.
Plants too are awakening from a slumber deep and divine. Skunk cabbages are already melting away winter’s snow, forming concentric circles of soil surrounded by snow, and crocuses, tulips and daffodils periscope upwards. Maple buds are tentatively opening and pussy willows are visible roadside.
Yes, the signs are all around us and the new snows and lingering cold are not enough to slow the progression. Sometimes when material floods my Owl Light News, “in” box and mailbox it is easily evident how the pieces fit together. Despite the apparent differences, unifying environmental, social, cultural or political themes quickly emerge. In pulling together the random pieces for this issue, free association still left me pondering a pathway forward.
Then, as we drove toward home, arriving shortly after seven p.m., in daylight with bird sounds still in the air, it hit me.
There is no stopping the forward movement of time. Progress, change and signs of spring were there in everything that came across my desk since our previous issue. Flying by at rapid intervals, I could see it all: spring flowers to delight the senses; pancake breakfast with maple syrup; Easter bunnies; welcoming services; music in the air; baseball, outdoor recreation; ice cream (you scream; we all scream for ice cream); spring markets emerging; talk of time off from school; and talk of sun, theatre, concerts, festivals and other summer time fun.
Like flowers unfolding, opening and turning toward the sun, there is a sense of renewal for us all along with a frenzied pace and scattered focus that challenges us to seek equilibrium, to change. It is a chance to become involved in new ways, to reevaluate and grow. There is activity everywhere as we clean up and clear out. Whether we are running a marathon, taking a quiet walk in the woods, working to plan positive changes in our towns, villages…or hamlets, gathering with friends and family, visiting new places for music or fancy fare, it is all there.
D.E. Bentley, Editor, Owl Light News