It is always such a blessing to begin thinking of what is to come as the chill of Winter slowly gives way to the warmth of Springtime. The days again become longer with each day that passes, and we eagerly welcome the early morning mist and sudden rain showers which nurture the earth. Tender new grass and bulb shoots  begin to emerge from the warming earth as tree branches display veils of soft green buds, soon to unfold into delicate pink blossoms.

As Spring arrives we open doors to the outside, away from the cozy fireplaces of winter. Morning coffee no longer serves to fight the chilly air but becomes an excuse to sit quietly in the gentle warmth of the Spring sunshine and quietly enjoy for the moment the early morning dew and the first harbingers of Spring ... the dainty snowdrops and purple hyacinth as they so valiantly herald what is to come.

For me, one of the greatest joys of Spring is the gently falling rain as the droplets fall like soft laughter,coming to rest on the delicately hued blossoms with little inaudible taps, as blossom and raindrop become one, and fall together accompanied by troops of other petals, each with her attendant raindrop and her passing breath of scent.

Is there anything more magical than a garden filled with the tulips, daffodils,and narcissus of Spring?  Or the magnificence of magnolia trees in bloom? Does one ever find anywhere else the peace and tranqility such as one finds in a garden ? The surprising simplicity of a garden's mystery is truly nature's most wondrous gift. Sunshine, warm breezes, and gentle rain, combining to provide baskets of rain scented spring blossoms, all magical fragile souvenirs, truly a gift from above.

Blossoms awaken and tree branches acquire new leaves in ever increasing numbers as their buds release their treasure and all nature awakens to the new day heralded by springtime. The waterfall in the garden pond glistens in the spring sunshine heralding the arrival of the season and calling the multi coloured tropical fish to emerge from their haven in the depths of the pond to bask in the warmth of the sun's rays and welcome springtime. 

Living in a country blessed with the changing seasons I find each has its own treasured memories, but I must confess Spring holds a very special place all its own. No other season offers such promise or hope, as each year we watch nature renew herself before our eyes as the  soft spring rain  glistens on the fresh new buds with the promise of so much beauty yet to come.

I do hope you enjoy your walk into Springtime with me. I realize I rush things a little as we are only now approaching the throes of Winter but who says that just because we are supposedly mature adults we  shouldn't allow our imaginations to have free rein from time to time ?  I have always believed that even though we grow older, there is no good reason we ever have to completely grow up. There is still a child in all of us if we only allow that child to surface from time to time.

Looking out my windows these days I realize how the  seasons in this beautiful country of ours go by so quickly.  Spring with its awakening blossoms - Summer with its profusion of flowers and greenery - Autumn with its glorious vibrant colours - and  our much maligned Winter after a fresh snowfall,its pristine mantle covering the landscape as far as the eye can see.

 As Thoreau reminds us ... "Live in each season as it passes, breathe the air, drink the water, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." Nature does reflect the never ending cycle of life; birth ... death ... rebirth. As certain as the sun, moon and stars. Constant and forever.

As time passes I hope to offer my tribute to each season on these pages. Drop by again when summer arrives. Given my penchant for imagination - that could be anytime! <s>