Spring is still two months away. But even now, in the midst of winter on this cold and rainy day, I caught a glimpse of what’s to come.
Although I’ve learned to embrace and appreciate all the seasons living in these Sierra Nevada Foothills, Spring is my favorite season for many reasons. Maybe it’s like coming out of the dark into the light. Or maybe it’s because the days get longer and warmer. Or it could be because Major League Baseball is just about ready to begin playing games that count.
Winter
Even in Winter, as gray and drab as it can be at times, the Golden K has plenty of green. The tall pines, the cedars, and even the Live Oaks retain their needless and leaves. This provides some color and contrast to the brown wet clay and last years Black Oak leaves that lay on the ground. The Dogwoods, Maples, and various shrubs like our Camellias and Rhododendrons are reduced to branches having been dormant now since early December. What’s helped me to embrace winter is knowing that Spring follows and soon those empty branches will be full of new and vibrant leaves and flowers.
Circle of Life
I laugh at myself for getting so geeky about the circle of life. Each year I marvel at how Mother Nature can so artfully bring so many plants and trees “back to life”. As if she’s celebrating a new year, a new beginning, and another chance at life. The celebration sometimes happens quickly. It’s usually during a period of time where there was a lot of rain followed by several days of sun. Small sprouts and leaves begin emerging from what were once dead looking branches. Daffodils begin sprouting up through the soft wet ground. The cherry trees explode in blossoms.
Is it time to celebrate yet?
This year’s celebration is still a couple of months off. There will be more rain (we can always use the water), more snow (the magic of waking up to a white wonderland), and many more chances to embrace Winter.
The Glimpse
But yesterday there was a glimpse of what’s to come. Today I came across a shrub and caught a glimpse of small green leaves emerging from it’s branches. Like a child seeing something for the first time I stopped in my tracks and stared with a wide-eyed smile. As I examined the leaves I found myself grateful for this little shrub. Grateful for reinforcing my romantic vision of life at 3100 feet and grateful for a glimpse of what’s to come.
Great article!