Spring Emerging Slowly

For winter's rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins;
The days dividing lover and lover,
The light that loses, the night that wins;
And time remembered is grief forgotten,
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.
-- Algernon Charles Swinburne
Atalanta in Calydon (1865)

The Hummers are Coming!

[Original Posting Date: Monday, March 24, 2008]

No, I'm not talking about the gas-guzzling military vehicle! I'm talking birds -- hummingbirds, that is. The hummers are coming! Hummingbirds are migratory and they are currently working their way back up North America from being down south for the wintertime. In my part of the country (northern Ohio) the main hummingbird is a Ruby-throated hummingbird. Here is a map that shows their progress: Hummingbird Migration Map. (Don't forget to refresh the map for the most updated dates!)

Hummingbirds, according to some symbolism, are messengers of optimism, sweetness, beauty and love. They are tiny, elusive creatures that bring joy to the person viewing them and they survive on the sweetness of nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds aren't to be underestimated though, they are fighters when they need to be! Hummingbirds are protective and territorial and are also known as a, "warrior." Tiny hummingbirds are know to have the heart of an eagle!

Spring Snow

[Original Posting Date: Thusday, March 20, 2008]

Well, so much for the impending spring season and my recent thoughts of fresh, locally-grown fruits and veggies! Here in the northern midwest we were hit last evening with another burst of quite determined snow. I suppose it's one of winter's last stands.
It really is beautiful though.

The sun is rising this morning and shining its radiant energy on the fresh whiteness and I find myself hoping the temperatures will stay low amidst the gorgeous blue skies so that the beautiful blanket of snow will remain for just a litle while longer....

Local Blooming

[Original Posting Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008]

I've just found out about this very cool idea which I find quite exciting. It is called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and it is a mutually beneficial way for local farmers to survive doing what they love to do and for consumers like me to have healthy, home-grown food. You buy some "shares" of a farm and in return receive weekly boxes of super-fresh locally-grown produce! Isn't that great?!

I'm very into it! I have always wanted to do some farming of my own but the reality right now is that I just don't have the time (or the knowledge) to tend to needs of a backyard vegetable garden. Well, with CSA I can still have a garden. It's someone else's garden but I help them to maintain it and I am rewarded with their results. I love this healthy, good for the environment and good for my farmer neighbors solution.

Here in Ohio the full gardening season is just about ready to get started. I am looking forward to lots of stir-fries and veggie soups all summer long!

If you are interested here is a link to Local Harvest

Spring Aspirations

[Original Posting Date: Monday, March 17, 2008]

Well, I've been a bit lost in the haze of a lingering winter but this week is the Spring Equinox so I know that new and fresh flowers are headed my way very soon! I look forward to new blooms to inspire more feminine creativity and more designs to add to the sites. And, of course wedding season is fast approaching....