What is so brilliant about living in Southern California is that it seems that nature never stops giving. However, the Seasons are more subtle in this stretch of country. The first year that we lived here I ached, I so longed for the passing of a true Autumn into Winter into Spring, that I was blinded to the beauty around me. I only saw the traffic and the noise and the pollution. I was so caught up in my own loss for what wasn't, I didn't untangle myself long enough from my misery to notice WHAT is.
My eyes have opened a bit more now that we are in our second year here and I feel so appreciative of the gardens, and the plants, and palms, and the waves of the ocean in the distance that spill out into my soul, that now you will find me filled up with this brave new wonder, snapping photos of the life that is constantly emerging and growing around me. For me, the outdoors is my home as well as my house, so I wanted to share signs that there IS a spring emerging here. Nature knows the darker days are ending and that light is slowly coming about.
I was so surprised to see these daffodils. Last year, I did not notice the bulbs slowly emerging here and it makes me want to plant more so that there is an eruption of tulips and things spilling down my walk way next spring. It is always so glorious to see these seasonal flowers say hello to spring and goodbye to winter.
I caught these small trees at the neighbors and in the park, ready to blossom. Both are almost there. Not quite, but the purple and pink hues signal to me that they too, are ready for longer days.
One thing I actually see this year is the way the light changes its hues. Spring is dusting its generous warmth and light, beckoning to the green, to the flowers, to me. The light dusts my skin and I feel wrapped up, knitted into these small glorious wonders. Nature is saying to me, to my boys, it is time to come out and play.
I wonder, how is nature calling to you?
XXOO
ooooh so jealous! I'm only in Jersey but we still have zero signs of spring coming and I'm starting to get itchy!
ReplyDeleteJosie
FineandFeathered.com
We lived in PA before moving out here, and it always seemed like spring would never come...it would just be cold and wet and gray forever. Then suddenly Spring would come and then even more suddenly it would be summer...the world keeps spinning, doesn't it? xo
DeleteBeautiful post!!! Thank you for joining me. xx
ReplyDeletethank you! thank you for giving me a focus and a place to put all the greenery shots I do.xo
DeleteBeautiful! So many signs of Spring :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so. I loved your photo this AM. makes me want to get some bulbs in the house...maybe force some paper whites. xo
DeleteLooking forward to following too! x
ReplyDeletehurrah! so glad you stopped by! it will be a lovely endeavor. don't you think? xo
DeleteBeautiful blooms! :) Flowers are popping all over here in florida too!
ReplyDeletehurrah for blooms! What is it like in Florida? I probably envision it much the same way I used to think about Southern California. Thanks so for saying hello. xo
DeleteI remember feeling the same way about the seasons when I moved to LA and then back to Seattle. I love the change. Now if I can only find some blooms up here! :) xo
ReplyDeleteOh Shannon, it is so nice to have someone who understands! I think our next move (whenever that is) will be to the pacific northwest. then I will be fighting the winter gray again. I guess I will just try to find my happy medium where ever we live! So glad you said hello! xo ps did you get bangs/fringe in your hair? I saw a do-it yourself yesterday for thick bangs and I thought of you....
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