Spring has sprung

Referring back to this, I'm pleased that springtime is here.

Taking inspiration from Eleonora Duse:

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive."

For me, spring has sprung when I see the first snowdrops peeking through frosty grass or, as it was this year, a layer of snow.
It was a childhood ritual, when walking with my grandparents, to "ring" the first snowbell I saw and make a wish.

Later on cheerful crocus and daffodils will follow (although with changes in horticultural practices, daffodils can now be bought in December).
It lifts my heart to hear birds sing from the branches of trees in blossom - always reminds me of the song - Kayleigh by Marillion:

"Do you remember the cherry blossom in the market square
Do you remember I thought it was confetti in our hair"

Then there is the strange spring phenomenon of trudging to work in boots through the overnight snow fall and walking home on dry pavements in glorious sunshine.

I think of sticky-looking green buds with the promise of life within barren branches, mothering sunday, planning summer holidays, easter eggs, and sorting out my summer wardrobe.

And finally I'll leave you with a poem my Dad recites every spring:

Spring has sprung,
The grass is riz.
I wonder where
The birdies is?

:o)

Happy Journeys