I
had a full day of work planned today, but only till I looked outside and
witnessed the arrival of Spring with sunshine far and wide. Early blossoms
were reaching to the sun to catch each warming ray.The yard was filled
with robins, cheerily welcoming the new day. I had such good intentions,
but the lure of the outdoors beckoned me as I decided the work would wait
until another day, there were more important places to be.
Spring fever is a malady which pleasantly
afflicts most of us each year. Definitely it is something which
I look forward to with a great deal of anticipation. In fact, I devoutly
hope that I never ever get so old that I forget how wonderful
it can be. Given my track record I very much doubt that there is any danger
of that happening however. The body may be beginning to show the wear and
tear of the years but my mind is still stuck back somewhere around
the age of twenty two. And frankly, I like it that way and have absolutely
no intention of changing.
No time of year quite matches Springtime.
Everything about this season awakens our senses as we witness the
rebirth of nature's wonder and the promise of what is to come. The trees
bud, the grass begins to shed its winter garb as tiny green blades emerge
into the sunlight with promise of the mantle of green which
is to follow, and all this in concert with the appearance of
the tiny shoots of new plant life which begin to fill the gardens.
As our yards become a haven for birds serenading the miracle of Spring's
promise how can one's own senses not also come alive ?
Even the air is fresher and the sunlight
brighter. As the spring rains and warm breezes do their part in this ritual
of renewal we cannot help but be reminded that we are blessed. One would
have to be made of stone to not also feel a renewed sense of purpose and
optimism.
Perhaps the contrast with the season
which is departing as we witness nature's reaffirmation serves to emphasize
the beauty unfolding around us . Whatever the reason, it is a wonderful
time of year. Is it any wonder that Spring Fever is a favoured affliction?
A much loved poem and one which also
heralds this wonderful season is by Edgar Guest. I do hope
you enjoy it as much as I have always done. It really does describe well
what 'spring fever' ... and yes, 'spring joy', are all about.
Out of Doors
The kids are out-of-doors once more;
The heavy leggings that they wore,
The winter caps that covered ears
Are put away, and no more tears
Are shed because they cannot go
Until they're bundled up just so.
No more she wonders when they're gone
If they have put their rubbers on;
No longer are they hourly told
To guard themselves against a cold;
Bareheaded now they romp and run
Warmed only by the kindly sun.
She's put their heavy clothes away
And turned the children out to play,
And all the morning long they race
Like madcaps round about the place.
The robins on the fences sing
A gayer song of welcoming,
And seems as though they had a share
In all the fun they're having there.
The wrens and sparrows twitter, too,
A louder and a noisier crew,
As though it pleased them all to see
The youngsters out of doors and free.
Outdoors they scamper to their play
With merry din the livelong day,
And hungrily they jostle in
The favor of the maid to win;
Then, armed with cookies or with cake,
Their way into the yard they make,
And every feathered playmate comes
To gather up his share of crumbs.
The finest garden that I know
Is one where little children grow,
Where cheeks turn brown and eyes are bright,
And all is laughter and delight.
Oh, you may brag of gardens fine,
But let the children race in mine;
And let the roses, white and red,
Make gay the ground whereon they tread.
And who for bloom perfection seeks,
Should mark the color on their cheeks;
No music that the robin spouts
Is equal to their merry shouts;
There is no foliage to compare
With youngsters' sun-kissed, tousled hair:
Spring's greatest joy beyond a doubt
Is when it brings the children out.
- Edgar
Guest
Yep, there I go again ... somehow my mind
does seem to associate anything pleasant or meaningful with children. But
think about it ... isn't it natural to think of children when one
thinks of happiness or counts one's blessings? Wouldn't it be absolutely
marvelous to be able to always retain the ability to find everything as
exciting and joyful as when we first experienced them? Becoming an adult
doesn't mean one must grow up you know. Of course we must become responsible
adults but we definitely do not ever have to lose the childlike wonder
of those early carefee years. Maybe that's the true secret of the
Fountain of Youth so many have been seeking for so very long. Its
worth thinking about as you succumb to Spring Fever and the
beauty of this time of year.
For a complete listing of
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for navigating this site
please just click the icon below
When I first heard this gorgeous
MIDI " It Might As Well Be Spring" by my husband
I knew I had to do a special
page expressly for this song. So sue me, I'm prejudiced !
Plus, I have always loved
this song.
revised January 2006
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