We crave new beginnings, don’t we?
If New Year’s is the time to write resolutions and begin anew, spring is the time to freshen up and begin yet again.
In northern Ohio we watch closely for the signs of spring long before the temperatures rise. Long before we even think of opening the windows, or of cleaning.
Harbinger of Spring, Digital Ink and Watercolor, Barbara Hartsook
Spring’s Harbingers…
New blossoms push up through last year’s twigs.
Birds chatter after a long season of quiet.
The dry limbs of winter fill with buds, and sunshine slowly melts the cold.
We lift our collars against the March winds, yet feel the promise of balmy breezes yet to come.
We anticipate the energies that revive us every spring. It never gets old…
Stuff and Thoughts: We put away. Give away. Throw away.
When I was growing up, spring cleaning was an annual ritual. We sorted through all our belongings, dusted them off, scrubbed some up to keep, gave some away, and pitched some.
Today most of us have some plan in play to keep things clean and tidy as spring approaches.
And we do the same with our thoughts, projects and plans.
- We put away what’s done.
- Box up and give away what we realize we’ll never do, but someone else might.
- Or we simply throw away ideas and plans that will no longer work for us.
But not all! Some of those ideas and projects just need to be rethought and repackaged — as we would paint the family room, or rearrange the furniture. Still pretty good stuff there. It just needs polishing.
How do you approach Spring? Has yours sprung yet?
We have the tiniest hints of buds and a bit of yellow daffodil here and there. The grasses are starting to green.
Being so close to the lake binds us to winter a little longer than if we were a few miles south. Our breezes are not balmy yet but will be soon. I still put my coat in the car — just in case.
But I’m ready for Spring and all its newness and promise. How about you?
Pour some fresh coffee and let’s talk…
P.S. Some other spring blog posts you might enjoy — I did!
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Put away, give away, throw away … I like that.
It’s so much easier for me to let things go now since I know the cost of keeping stuff, and I like the room that making space creates … and I really like how it feels to travel light.
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..My Top Ten Lessons In Life – Ali Hale
Hi J.D.
I will keep that as a reminder to me when I tend to set something down instead of pitching it — I like the room that making space creates. Me too!
Thanks.
Spring has long gone – now it is summer, hot and dry! As the winter was colder this year, so is the summer promising to be hotter. Winter lingered long and summer took over suddenly. Where did the spring go? Another fortnight, a month at the most and we will have the hot long winds called ‘loo’ in Hindi!
Swati´s last blog ..Playing by the book
Hi Swati.
It interests me how different the weather patterns play around our world. Spring is just rousing here. The winter was not as cold this year as last — longer, just not as cold. This year we got down to the single digits only a couple of times. We usually have a long autumn, but last year went from summer to winter. We’ll see how quickly summer gets here.
I have enough years to remember that the game always varies. We can count on four seasons and the regularity of color and growth changes, but the details vary. A bit like several of us making a cake from scratch using the same recipe. They’ll all look and taste a bit different.
Where are you writing from?
Hi Barb,
How ironic I’m reading this now since it’s hailing outside. Our weather has teased us that Spring is in the air, and even my rhododendrons have flowers on them, but when the temperature drops and we see those signs of Winter still lingering on, I know it’s just wishful thinking.
Thank you for the coffee. On this cool March evening, it really hits the spot.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..No One Put A Gun To My Head
Rhododendrons? That should put you in a locale where the air is at least balmy! Hail is itself a harbinger — it rarely hails in winter, but when those warm winds are wrestling with the cold wet ones. Can’t you just see the ice balls bouncing around in the sky before they fall, like in the child’s playroom at McDonald’s?
You’re welcome for the coffee. I’m always glad to pour you some as I see you walk through the door.
Hi Barb – absolutely – I love your picture .. it’s gorgeous. Things are changing here and I’m having a big clear out .. so Spring will be different – but it is lovely to have some sun .. however we had terrible times in Scotland and Ireland yesterday .. dreadful snow. It’s interesting how where we live affects our weather so much .. ie you by the lake, us here by the sea .. inland a few miles it’s completely different. Our plants have been battered by heavy rain down here .. life has a wonderful way of recovering .. I’ll be over for a glass of vino on your lake porch in a few months .. and enjoy the balmy breeze – enjoy your springing spring. – Hilary
Hilary´s last blog ..Chess, one of 100 objects, Northern Sea Trading Routes, India and Persia …
Oh Hilary — I’ll send you the air tickets! How fun that will be — even virtually — to sip wine by the lake breezes!
We will have at least one April snow — haha — and it’ll be on a track meet day. If history repeats.
My husband coached track for several years, and I kept (typed, that is) results of the big relays. Winter coat on, scarf around my neck, and gloves — not good for typing.) Yes, we are that old!
We’re safe to put away the thickest clothes by the middle of May. Till then it’s a volley between wintry winds and zephyr breezes.
Thanks for kindly commenting on my doodled painting.
A green mist of promise has drifted over the trees here, near London – but only yesterday on tv I was watching snow blizzards howling down the highways in Hilary’s Scotland. I think the weather is playing April Fools on us!
Oh well, the daffodils are blowing their trumpets and I do think Spring will come soon. It’s here for me online. I’m doing all kinds of new things – though with two websites, a blog and a Flickr photostream to keep up, I’m pretty busy. So much the worse for my house – let alone the garden.
I’ve been hibernating for more months than usual this year. A lot of my friends have told me they have been inclined to do the same, finding themselves without inclination to get going with duster and bucket. (Well, in my case with Roomba robot, which bustles about for me in a delightful fashion!)
Ah well, selfish I know, but it’s nice to know I’m not alone in being lazy! At least I’ve enrolled for two exercise classes, one of them Pilates. I’ve been sitting far too long at my computer.
Valerie Beeby´s last blog ..Doubtful Owl. An iPhone Painting.
Hi Valerie.
I love to read whatever you write! You paint the most wonderful stories with your words! I want to print this out and put it in my journal — my art journal. Thank you!
I know about hibernating when the snows fall. I’d really like to go out with my camera and roam the hillsides and fields, never making a footmark in the snow, not freezing to death. Just capturing the silent beauty of winter. But alas, heaven waits. So for now, I stay indoors.
Spring on the other hand, draws me outside to play — but not until winter passes. Haha!
Rhoomba robot? I’d love to have one! Off to exercise…
thanks so much, my friend. Always good to see you.
Hi Barb.
I love the artwork here. It’s beautiful. Typically in the springtime I feel inspired to buy new clothes and paint my toenails to get ready for wearing sandals. Wearing shoes and socks during the winter is something I’m always impatient to get past. As for clearing clutter and housecleaning, that happens when I feel like it… a few times a year, but not necessarily in the springtime.
Davina´s last blog ..Beyond the Dysfunctional Family
Hi Davina. Thanks! I’m in class learning oriental brush strokes. New brushes and pens I’ve not used before (in Painter) but am having a lot of fun with. For every piece I get done, I’ve practiced a ton and deleted.
So, I’m really glad you like it!
I laughed when I read you get ready for spring by painting your toenails. Me too!!! I don’t like my toes unless they’re red on the tips! Haha — my fingers can be clear and polished — I keep my nails short because I still love to play in real paints. But my toes need to be pretty in sandals. I’m with you!
As for spring cleaning in the spring, we started out that way, but then moved into spring cleaning in August, when my dad went to football clinic for two weeks. But believe me it was just as thorough.
Today, I follow a friend’s schedule — each month clean a room. Rotate and it never gets overwhelming. I like that…
Take a look at Dust is a Verb? post for a chuckle…
Thanks for coming…
Hi Barbara,
Really enjoyed discovering your blog, via your fabulous comment on Janice’s birthday post!
I loved this post welcoming spring, and your words about opportunity. So true that it does not land directly in your laps – it soars by us and we have to see it and claim it.
Look forward to reading more from you. Warmly,
Tara
Hi Tara. Thanks for reading my comment at Janice’s blog!
I think we have far more opportunities than we are ever aware of in our lifetimes. I’m just learning how to see and grab the ones with my name on them, and then make room for them in my life.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Ah, the allure of Spring and all the possibilities that it promises to put before us. You are correct we love this season for it is a new beginning and because if we are courageous enough to throw off the heaviness of Winter the possibilities are endless. This is the season without limits.
Barb,
My spring has sprung and I am enjoying it even more this year than most. I am so lucky to live in sunny southern California and we have been having the most amazing weather. I think even the cats have spring fever — they have been out sunning themselves on the fence and have brought me 2 lizards so far this week. Presents! My lilies are popping up all over and I really feel the spring. It is my favorite time of year — even in California! Kc
Grandma Kc´s last blog ..Give me a hug, it’s a flying bug!
Hi Kc.
I’ve been to sunny California — but not in the spring. It’s a beautiful place to be any time of year. At least where we were, San Diego and up the coast a smidge. Also in San Francisco area. I’d love to travel up through the wine country along the coast…
Barb, If you ever get back in the area — I’ll put the coffee on for you!
Grandma Kc´s last blog ..The Sandbox
I love your painting! I’m all for spring cleaning, or summer, winter or fall for that matter, if someone would just come help me out with it
I’m glad the winter is over (hopefully) and planning my garden
Anita
Sliloh´s last blog ..To Shunt Or Not To Shunt
Hi Anita.
Thanks! I’m working on bamboo next — haha.
I’ll be standing by to read about your garden as it grows…
I am certainly enjoying the new growth and spring is definitely in the air here in the UK. I love this time of the year – just sang our Easter services, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and the music at this time is simply delightful. I am also sorting the house, throwing away, renewing things that need it, as guests start to arrive shortly and that will continue now until winter sets in again.
Great blog, thanks, I’ll be back!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy Allen´s last blog ..Do you feel famous?
Hi Mandy.
You’ll have guests from now until next winter? Wow! No wonder you were so well-received when you visited the States. You’re loving!!!
I too love Easter — its message of renewal and life eternal. It’s a beautiful intro to spring, when everything is new and fully alive, as dormancy revives into full-blown growth and color.
Our buds are popping now — funny what a few days of sunshine and light jacket-weather will bring.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a thought…
You are welcome back anytime!
By the way — I really enjoyed the story of your visit (and fame!) in the States.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Barbara. I will certainly be back to yours!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy Allen´s last blog ..Do you feel famous?
Hey Barb,
Yes I am really feeling the changes that are coming along with this Spring Season. I agree the more we can clear away, the more we can really open a space to recieve the new. This is a great blog post with insights on clearing. Time to get to my spring cleaning!
Thank you for this post!!!
Hi Baker.
Yep — clearing away to make room for new stuff is certainly part of it. It just feels good to get uncluttered now and then, doesn’t it?
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Yes it does feel good to get uncluttered. Have an amazing blessed week ahead Barb.
Oh I love your painting highlighted today…bleeding hearts?? our are just starting to bloom.
I so loved spring cleaning as a child, which is what we did on my mum’s break from school and if we did well included a shopping trip for summer shoes and clothes and usually a new church dress – and lunch out with my mother and sister. It was a wonderful day ( though I usually just got my sister’s hand me downs/remade and she was 5’5″ and I 5’9″! My mother was forever adding a ruffle!)
The last day of school in June, my Dad would pile us all in the car to drive to some University where he was teaching summer school – so spring break was the preparation for those magical summers exploring.
This year I am finally able to vacuum a bit….getting better….so we decided to take out the dead oven/MW combo and build a shelf for 2 new ovens – MW and a convention counter top…the electrician has just left….and the tulips are just ready to burst…
Ah and I think Winter has just arrived in the last 2 weeks…! ha ha on us!
Patricia´s last blog ..Not Wanting to Appear Foolish
Seems like we’re on the same wavelength, Barb. And what a lovely picture, framed by lovely words. I adore coming over here and slowing down and sipping coffee with you!
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Meaning Mondays: The Letting Go of Love Edition
Hi Barb: Back from Aruba to a clean house..(leave it that way so I don’t have to clean right away upon our return). Chicago in April is rainy…. April showers bring May flowers. However, today was 60 and sunny, so after doing what had to be done, I was out doing my favorite kind of spring cleaning, that’s getting my hands dirty in my garden. This kind of cleaning is my spring cleaning and I truly look forward to it every year.
Barb, thank you, it’s so uplifting to read your encouragement about spring. I love the spring here in Japan and it stirs me to the inner and outer cleansing that did not unfold during winter. When the sun warms the earth I, too feel warmed to begin this work of renewal. But my attitude is so un-Japanese. Here everything has to be cleaned and fixed by December 31 – or else!
Your lovely sketch, Harbinger of Spring, has a Japanese feel to it. Maybe you should change places with me for awhile! Greetings from a glorious blossoming in the mountains in Japan – Catrien Ross.
Catrien Ross´s last blog ..Catrien Ross on Finding 9 Powerful Meanings in Your Smile When You Don’t Feel Like Smiling
Barb -
Lovely post on spring – you combine the poetic with the practical. I’m taking on some mental spring cleaning this year. I’ve been sorting through some of the stories I tell, the games I play, the habits (good and bad) and the gremlins I keep around. It is refreshing to clear out some of the dusty relics and polish up some hidden treasures.
Phil
Phil – Less Ordinary Living´s last blog ..Secret Games We Play and How to Win Them
Barbara — It never ceases to amaze me about the talent of bloggers:~)
Your picture, Harbinger of Spring, is lovely!!!
I haven’t started spring cleaning yet. I’m still too busy enjoying the spring flowers. We’ve had such beautiful days lately that being indoors drives me batty. I just want to sit outside and watch nature paint her pictures!
Unfortunately, spring doesn’t last long where I live. She’s soon chased away by the heat and humidity of summer. I try to take advantage of her beauty while she’s willing to share it:~)
BTW I love the look of your site:~)
Sara´s last blog ..Picture Story: Season of Spring