Springing forward and enjoying the wonders of the season

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade” ~ Charles Dickens 1812-1870.

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of mud was my thinking recently when I went hiking on the Myrtle Creek Waterfall path, stepping in mud along the way.

Impossible to avoid the accumulated mud and puddles in the path, I had to laugh as I sloshed along.  Yes, here in North Idaho we are experiencing those March “runoffs” from the melting mountain snows. Snowfall and rain showers that we all have to appreciate because come summer we will be happy our rivers, ponds and lakes are full and at least for a short time we’ll be loving the vision of green and colorful flowers. 

So, with a pocket full of hope and knowledge that indeed sunnier days are ahead, I am planning on enjoying our spring.  Spring is my favorite season (actually all season are my favorite, for different reasons).  Spring is full of promise of what is to come – new life, new growth, birth and newness, all so dramatically demonstrated to us by the birds, plants and flowers of nature.  So too are our lives full of the opportunity to experience new growth, re-birth, change and transition. 

Spring means an opportunity to be outside more (yes, even in the mud, rain or snow if you are somewhat crazy like me), enjoying the beauty surrounding us in Boundary County.  For me it means thinking about what lies ahead, what pathway I will be following and how many mud-puddles will be on it. 

My Grandma Bee was an avid gardener and a farmer and she told me when I was a boy, “In the Spring, at the end of the day, your hands should smell like dirt”. I am looking forward to the growing season.

Consider setting your intention for spring – what are your plans.  What is new and blooming in your life?  Start taking baby steps in the direction of that intention and then most importantly, take time out for yourself. You deserve it!

Remember, if you can’t dodge the snow flakes and the rain drops this spring, at least have fun running through the puddles and slush!

Enjoy Boundary County and all its beauty.