Mar. 6, 2007
Winter's Gifts and Beauty
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This winter in Northern California, the rain and snow fell much less than last year. Granted, the rain visited us only ten inches less than normal. However, last year, we received 51" by this time over this year's 29 inches. As well, last year, it snowed 20(!) of March's 31 days. I treasure rainy, snowy days. Rain represents comfort. It's sound soothes a churning mind. It waters the abundant spring wildflowers that bloom and die quickly in our Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. Rain grants permission to read, stoke the fire, and stay home if possible, burning candles and preparing home-made soup and fresh-baked cookies. As a result of a low rainfall year, I find myself not appreciating the approaching spring. (Can you BELIEVE someone legislated turning the clocks forward THIS WEEKEND already!). Winter solstice was two months ago, but is it already time for children to ride their bikes after dinner? Say it isn't so! Why do I find myself sad when facing spring? Could it be because a mild season can't complete the work or present the beauty only winter can provide? Or is it that I'm so focused on what I won't experience to appreciate what I will? The parallels of the soul fall both ways, though I'm still ruminating on this theme of mild seasons. |
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