march madness
We’ve all got the fever at my house, everyone is restless, even the animals. Yesterday was a gorgeous day, especially for March, sunny and almost 60 degrees. Every bone in my body wanted to go running, except for my right knee which has staged an all-out revolt and is no longer my ally.
And so, no running. I raked a little, as much as a girl who can’t bend much, or squat at all, could do. I sat in the sun and listened to the red-winged blackbirds chirp about how much they wished I would go back inside so they could eat in private. I took 323 pictures, and I smiled, on the inside, all day.
I found my happy place, apparently it has been hiding outside, in my garden. I felt my heart stretch after months of cringing, my body relaxed, my mind wandered, little pieces of my soul danced on the breeze. And I wasn’t even out there for very long.
It was just long enough to restore my faith in progress, the moving forward, the changing scene. Long enough to allow myself to stand still and breathe in the scent of earth, the call of bird, the blanket of sky. I wrapped myself in its warmth and carried it back inside.
I feel it still, cradling me, as I whisper these thoughts to the moon.
I will keep it close by my side for a while longer, as surely there will be more snow, more cold, more rain, more grey.
But it’s March and there are birds singing and buds on trees and tiny green shoots poking tiny green heads up through the ground.
Soon it will be time to shake out that blanket, fold it ever-so-gently, and pack it away.
For now, I’ll take these days as the gifts they are, and hold them carefully in hands dry and brittle from a too-long, too dark winter.
Grateful for the prettiness of promise, the reassurance of renewal,
fine wrappings for the platitudes of life.
March 18th, 2011 at 8:32 am
Oh yes – these teaser days in March are just enough to keep our eyes on the up and coming spring prize. Me too – I’m suffering from MAJOR spring fever!!!!
Sorry to hear about your knee…:-(
March 18th, 2011 at 8:38 am
Kelly…I’m in awe of this photo!
March 18th, 2011 at 9:19 am
You do have a way of coaxing a full measure from each moment and moon.
March 18th, 2011 at 10:16 am
This photo knocked my socks off, too! Awesome … and of course your words about spring arriving at some point, so much prettier and hope filled than mine were this morning when I saw more snow! Thanks for that! Take care of your knee.
March 18th, 2011 at 10:26 am
I always find it amazing how just sitting outside, being with the birds, taking in nature, even if for just 10 minutes is restorative and uplifting all at the same time.
March 18th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
This write of yours was a balm to my soul. Thank you for sharing something so wonderful and positive.
March 18th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
You captured the feeling and anticipation of Spring so perfectly. This is a beautiful post that has me trying to be patient to put the extra blankets away too.
Thank you,
xo jj
March 19th, 2011 at 3:13 am
I love this photo a lot
March 19th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
This line is especially gorgeous!
“For now, I’ll take these days as the gifts they are, and hold them carefully in hands dry and brittle from a too-long, too dark winter.”
March 20th, 2011 at 4:57 am
It’s happening. That Spring we’ve all been longing for is finally on its way 😀
March 24th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
I fell in love with the photo first.
And then your words.
* sigh *