The Groundhog Better Give Me Good News.... OR ELSE!!!

Today is the day when Punxsutawney Phil will come out of his whole, take a good look around and decide whether it will be an early spring or another six long dreary weeks of winter. I, for one, am hoping that it is as overcast as it usually is in Pennsylvania and that good ole Phil takes a good look around, doesn't see his shadow and decides that we are due for some early spring. My heart and my spirit could definitely use the good news.

Here in Connecticut we have had quite the winter. My husband came home and since then, we have had a significant snowfall every week - at least one. I haven't seen the ground since the 18th of December - it's been covered in white since then. How sad is that? Seriously, I like winter. I love the pretty snowfall, cuddling up under a blanket, hot cocoa, building snowmen and the whole nine yards. But honestly? Enough is enough already!

Have you ever had that unpleasant experience where you are walking along, minding your own business and all of a sudden - PLOP!- a bird shits on you from out of nowhere? Nothing is quite as unpleasant as that, trust me! Well.... I feel like this winter has been one endless succession of bird shit being heaped on my head. Even the snow is starting to look that way.

So Phil, if you are reading this, here is the deal: either you come out of that hole and give us some good news or I am packing up my two little girls, driving us all down there to Pennsylvania so that they can drive YOU crazy on the snow days! Trust me, it won't be pretty!

What Is It About Them That Makes Us So Happy?

The bluebird... they say that those who see one will find true happiness. But what is it about the bluebird that makes those who see it feel such joy? And where can one find one? It just so happens that I know the answer, at least to the latter...

You see bluebirds can often be found in the most unlikely of places, and quite often, they are much closer than you think. I have a family of about four bluebirds that live outside our house, in our backyard. We have some beautiful trees back there, where they have quite happily built a nest. There is plenty of food in the local area for them, so it is a fortutitious arrangement -both for the bluebirds and for us.

My children love to see the bluebirds. I often tell them the stories of bluebirds bringing happiness, and in my opinion, having them right outside our home, only proves all the old wives tales to be true. I don't know how any person that is ever lucky enough to see a bluebird could not experience true joy in their heart.

Just looking at them brings a smile, and you feel the happiness building up inside. It's impossible to not realize that Spring is finally here, if there is a bluebird outside my window. They, along with the daffodils are the true harbingers of the season.

I wish that I could catch one of those that live near us on film, and perhaps one day I will, but until then,this picture will have to do. I am wishing all of you, my friends, all the joy that the bluebird brings.

It's Finally Here!

Almost, anyway... Tomorrow is the first official day of Spring! I have been so longing for it, as I do every year. The season of spring makes me feel renewed and full of hope. I can't really complain this year, we had a glorious winter here in Connecticut. I think we only had three snowfalls - just enough for the children to sled ride and make snowmen! For the most part though, it was a very mild winter.

Still, this morning as I type this, I can hear that robins and the bluebirds outside singing to one another. I love waking up to bird song, it makes me feel so happy! Is there anything more delightful than the warm spring sun on your face and brilliant blue skies above? I don't think so.

I have many friends throughout the country - some in southern climes where the weather is warm all the time. They really don't have four seasons, in some cases they have three or only two. As for me, I know I may be in the minority, but I enjoy the winter. You see, without the cold of the winter, can a heart really enjoy the full effect of the effervescent spring? I don't think so!

It seems strange to me somehow that my favorite months are Spring and Fall. It almost seems odd to embrace both the birth and middle age of things... but that's just me. I would be hard pressed to choose which of these two beautiful seasons are my favorite, but today, on tne cusp of the new season, I would have to say SPRING!

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

Here are 10 things that I am looking forward to this Spring:
1. My tulips and daffodils coming into bloom.
2. Watching the Lilac bushes that I planted last year bud.
3. Waking to bird song everyday.
4. Seeing the bluebirds and Cardinals from my window.
5. Watching the trees wake up after a long winter sleep.
6. Seeing all the trees "blossom".
7. The temperate sunny days ahead.
8. Digging in the garden with my girls.
9. Watching the garden come to life and seeing "what's new" every morning on my way to the bus stop with Sporty.
10. Seeing the Earth laugh in flowers.

Isn't Spring wonderful? What are you looking forward to?