We live with so much turmoil and chaos that we often miss the beauty in the world and thus fail to be grateful for it!
Spring is such a lovely time of the year! After all the dark and short days of winter, the sun comes out, shining brightly and beautifully. I love watching the grass turn a lovely shade of green beneath my feet and around my home.
May is especially beautiful as the rains of late winter and early spring wake up the magic around us. The bulbs planted deep in the soil come to life with beautiful color. Iris, which are my favorites, are blooming in many different colors around our home and in the neighborhood. They are unwavering as they bloom so beautifully every spring.
Among the blooming bulbs are the little critters that live with us. Squirrels come out and perform shows of running and jumping from tree to tree, as well as from rooftop to rooftop. Their antics are joined by the geese, who pair off and reappear with a clutch of baby geese. We have lots of ponds and rivers around us, so the geese and ducks are plentiful. It is so heartwarming to see the little ones trailing behind their parents! And of course, the birds are nesting and teaching their little ones to fly. What a miracle to live side by side with such lovely creatures!
The rose bush that we share with our neighbor is in full bloom. Showing off its beautiful flowers, dying back, and reblooming again later in the spring and summer! I love roses and keep silk rose flower arrangements in my home.
As I look out my window, I see the growth of the tiny nut tree we planted a few years ago. This tree is clever, as every winter we wonder if it has died, since it changes from a lush-looking bush to a dead twig. But it always comes back each year, a little taller and a little lusher than the year before. It will be years before it bears nuts. In the meantime, I enjoy watching it grow.
The berries are just starting to bloom now. In a short time, we will have strawberries, followed by raspberries and blackcaps. Our yard is small, but we managed to grow a crop of berries to eat with cream during the summertime. Sometimes, we grow and harvest tomatoes, greens, and zucchini. Growing our food is magical and rewarding.
Next time I feel down or depressed, I will remember the miracle of all the beauty of the world that surrounds me and express gratitude for it!