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Spring Awakening

Posted on March 19, 2014May 20, 2017 by Mary

Spring has sprung!

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
 Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere: 

And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintery rest.     Percy Bysshe Shelley

March 20, 2014 at 9:57am PST, the sun will cross the celestial equator traveling from south to north thus ushering in the Spring Equinox, from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). Welcome Spring! It’s time to celebrate!

Blossoming Clivia grace my yard but for such a short time.
Blossoming Clivia grace my yard but for such a short time.

The dawn of spring gently awakens the youth in all of us. There is a connection of light and hope and newness.  A chance to push through and move forward as a seed emerges from the earth.  Spring’s visual display of determination reveals tiny souls to the world growing into certainty. A metaphor for life.

My emerging Paradiso fig finally is leafing!
My hibernating Paradiso Fig finally is leafing!

Spring and the Equinox are two of the most powerful times of the year. A time for rebirth, celebrations, movement and progress.

Delicate budding apple blossoms.
Delicate budding apple blossoms.
A newly planted Muscat grape vine shows off her healthy, shiny just opened leaves.
A newly planted Muscat grape vine shows off her healthy, shiny just opened leaves.

At this time of year, I celebrate Mother Nature and her inspiration. She is a display of life and giving everyday. I see hope through the tiny green nubs poking out from frail and barren branches. She shows joy through her vibrant palette of colors dancing across my yard.

My Mom's lemon tree bursting with buds.
My Mom’s apricot tree with buds emerging from a winter’s sleep.
She is a ballerina beginning her dance.
She is a ballerina beginning her dance.

Seedlings appear out of nowhere, like the dense purple lavender and matching Salvia flowers that magically have taken root in random vacant spots. They surprise me with their strength and hardiness. It’s a willingness to continue and not give up.

Dense and brilliant lavender loved by the bees.
A bee tickles the lavender, teasing out the sweet nectar.

My garden is singing, the melody of its movement beckons me to notice every new life form. Bees, hummingbirds and worms work synergistically to pollinate and aerate to keep life balanced.

I hope this bee makes some great lavender honey somewhere!
I hope this bee makes some great lavender honey somewhere!

The sweet and equally tart Meyer lemons and juicy, fragrant oranges sharing their abundance with me are the overture for springtime. It’s almost time to think of summer veggies, but for now I will remain in the present, observing the evolution of winter morphing into spring and the realization that life marches forward.

A Reed Avocado in full bloom. I wish for avocados this year!
A Reed Avocado in full bloom. I wish for avocados this year!

Each year at this time I write down the dreams and wishes I am planting and hope come to fruition. It can be as simple as anticipating a new bud on my avocado tree making its way to maturity or a more ambitious vision like adventurous travel, abundance in all forms, opportunity, or love. In reviewing my past writings, it amazes me how many of these manifestations have come true. It really is a time to express what you would like to create in your life.

Magenta geraniums that are almost blinding.
Magenta geraniums that are almost blinding.

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” Neltje Blanchan

Happy Spring Equinox!!

Ciao and Love,

Mary

0 thoughts on “Spring Awakening”

  1. Susan McCurdy says:
    March 19, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Photos are great. We got 3″ of snow overnight. No gardening here for awhile!

  2. Stepheny Houghtlin says:
    March 19, 2014 at 11:24 am

    This is so delightful. You have a very lyrical voice in your writing and a poet’s soul that sees into the essence of things. I have also been writing about what in my life is asking for permission to spring forth. Your photos encourage me to let it happen. Many thanks.

  3. forfoodforlovefrommary says:
    March 19, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    Thank you Stepheny! I so love my garden and enjoy sharing its delights. Happy Spring Equinox! May all your dreams come true!

  4. forfoodforlovefrommary says:
    March 19, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    Hello Susan! I admire your love of snow and cold! It is springtime warm here and popping with color. Come for a visit!

  5. mommabird says:
    March 19, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    You lovely thoughts help me to begin again with a new look at whatever is to come in my life. A time for my own rebirth. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us.

  6. Auggie Austreng says:
    March 19, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    Thank you Mary. I really enjoy your postings.

  7. Carolyn says:
    March 19, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    Stunning!

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About Mary Knight

Ciao! I’m Mary, a chef with a heart full of French flair, an explorer of the world, a history buff, and a green-thumbed gardener. My love for food, its origins, all things Europe, and the legendary Julia Child has led me to exciting adventures and delicious discoveries. Travel tugs at my heart, leading me to new places to indulge in local delights, explore ancient sites, and learn of secret spots and recipes from the locals.

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