It's snowing today. This past week we've endured a plethora of snow storms, each one leaving an impressive amount of the fluffy white stuff in its wake. As such, I've heard a lot of complaints about this year's wintry weather. They hate that we have 2-3 feet of snow on the level, in comparison to other places that barely have a skiff, if that. They want spring NOW! And there are days when I agree with that sentiment, like when I'm traveling and the roads are slick. =)

Some people find this time of year to be depressing. They travel to places where the sun is shining brightly, in the hopes of renewing their spirits. This works for a time. Then, as with all vacations, it's time to come home to the snow.

I sense there is a little analogy hidden in all of this. Winter has always symbolized a state of rest, or in some cultures and religions: death. All that is living hibernates for a time, buried beneath a blanket of white.

Then spring arrives, bringing new life into the world. The snow melts, the flowers bloom, the grass is restored to a shiny green. Spring represents the resurrection of all living things. It is a time we all enjoy as we push aside the knowledge that in a few short months, we will be wading through the snowy season once again.

I suspect this is one of those teaching moments our Father hopes we'll grasp--that we'll reflect on the importance of life, making the most of the time we have in mortal mode. He longs for us to shine forth as the flowers in the spring, until the snowy season arrives when all growth is at rest.

I also believe that He wants us to realize that spring will always follow winter. A restoration of all things will occur when the time is right. Until then, we should look for the beauty of whichever season is currently taking place, appreciating with gratitude all that we've been given.

Spring has Sprung . . .

Or so they tell me. At the moment, it is warmer than we've seen in recent weeks (50 degrees) so maybe what I'm seeing in both my front yard, and the back yard will melt. I am quite certain that this event would not hurt my feelings . . . at all.

This is the lovely view from my front porch today.

And this is the delightful view of my backyard this morning. Very inspirational.

As you can see, though today is traditionally celebrated as the first day of spring in our culture, here in the boonies, also known as Bear Lake Valley, we're still in the midst of wintry moments. (Heavy sigh!)

Don't get me wrong, I like winter. I enjoy all four seasons. It just seems like here in our realm we only have two: Winter . . . summer about July, and back to winter in October. Sometimes our climate skips over important items like say, spring or fall. This makes it quite a challenge to grow things like flowers, gardens, etc. An interesting twist: any and all weeds thrive under these conditions. Go figure.

Still, our summers are beautiful, even if they only last two months. During that time, the sun shines brightly, the birds break forth into song, and if we're really lucky, important things like huckleberries flourish in the mountain tops. It's seldom too hot, also a bonus. That's why people enjoy spending their vacations in a place like Bear Lake.

So here we are today, celebrating spring as best we can in our location. According to the handy reference, Wikipedia, "Spring heralds the transition from winter into spring." Ahh. I think our valley doesn't understand this concept. ;)

When one thinks of spring, one envisions green grass, flowers blooming, colorful birds flying past in an endearing fashion (aside from that flock last week that left a nice token on the bay window in the living room) and baby animals. In our mountain valley, we see most of these items about July. So you can understand our lack of enthusiasm for today's celebration. We really try to be sports about the whole thing, but I'm just sayin' . . .

Years ago I learned a little poem. I'm sure it was during my formative years when I could still memorize with relative ease. It went something like this:

Spring has sprung
The grass has ris'
I wonder where
The flowers is.

In trying to find the original author of this poem, I found yet another version today:

Spring has sprung
The grass has ris'
I wonder where
The birdie is?

There he is
Up in the sky
He dropped some "white-wash"
In my eye.

I'm not a sissy,
I won't cry,
I'm just very glad
That cows can't fly.

Now I have shared two poems and I still have no idea who the original author is of either one. So I will compose my own version:

Spring has sprung
Or so they say
Here it's another
Winter day.

Flowers aren't blooming
Snow lies on the ground
Whoever thought today was spring
Isn't really very sound.

Along about June, or perhaps July
We might see the sun up in the sky
The grass might be green, the flowers in bloom
Until then keep me in a padded room.

Cheri J. Crane
March 20, 2009

Happy spring out there. And if any of you would like to share what you're doing today to celebrate, feel free to comment. As for myself, I think I'll build yet another snowman. ;)

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Entertaining Moments

So it snowed again today . . . and last night . . . and it's still snowing.
Sigh . . . =) Joys of living in a mountain valley. We experienced one day of wonderful weather this past week, and it made everyone antsy for spring. As such, I've decided that today's blog will consist of ways to keep ourselves entertained, despite the less-than-spring-like weather.

1.) Have a relaxing massage. I do this twice a month and it helps a great deal with the arthritis thing. In fact, I braved the scary roads to drive in for one of these earlier this morning. Now I can move with what I hope is grace the rest of the day. =) Not only do massages relax a person in general, massages can help ease the muscle strain that takes place for someone like me who endures a form of rheumatoid arthritis.

2.) Read a good book. I love to read, and I don't always find the time to do so. On yucky days like today, I don't feel so guilty spending quality time reading a good book. Incidentally, I just finished JoAnn Arnold's "Prince Etcheon" and loved it. Thumbs way up on that book. If you enjoy fantasy novels, you have to read this one. Currently I'm reading "Almost Sisters," by Nancy Anderson, Lael Littke, & Carroll Hofeling Morris. It is also a good read. I'm enjoying it in part because I've met several "almost sisters," throughout my life. They've made my life an enjoyable journey.

3.) Catch up on those projects you've been putting off. Like the scrapbook\family history book I'm trying to finish for son # 3 before he returns home from his mission this May. His was the only book I didn't have to have finished by Christmas. Now I'm paying for that. ;)

4.) Write a letter. It's old-fashioned, I know, but sometimes writing a letter instead of the instant e-mail option is a needful thing, and it means a lot to the person on the receiving end.

5.) Watch a funny movie. That always perks me up on a grey day. Laughter truly is the best medicine, as far as I'm concerned.

6.) Do a jigsaw puzzle. I love tackling one of these. Again, I don't usually have time to mess with them during these busy days I call my life at the moment. A stormy day like today gives me that excuse.

7.) Call someone you haven't talked to in a while and have a good visit. That always boosts spirits on both sides of the telephone line . . . or should I say on the cordless, wireless, cell phone thingy?

8.) Browse through a seed catalogue like Gurney's. I did that the other day and I've already picked out what we'll plant in our garden this year. Since I love to play in the dirt, this always cheers me up. Incidentally, you can browse Gurney's on the internet. Just click on the highlighted word in the last sentence. Enjoy!

9.) Try a new recipe. This is always an adventurous pastime. I call it playing with food. ;) And since I love to do just that, this is generally a good time. Of course there was that one time when I tried making quiche. That was the day I learned that real men (ie: my husband) don't like quiche at all. Even if it looked wonderful and I thought was rather tasty.

10.) Take a bubble bath. Soak in warm water and pretend you're playing in the Carribean. Or enjoy a lengthy soak and read a good book. This is a wonderful way to relax unless you drop the book. Then it becomes a tragic moment. So be careful. ;)

11.) Go shopping, even if it's the "window" variety. Just being out and about around other people tends to lift my spirits.

12.) Play fun games. This works best if you can talk other people into playing them with you. =D

13.) Savor pictures of the grandchildren. That's why I posted one of those at the beginning of this blog. This is a recent picture of my little granddaughter, Aari. =) I can't help but cheer up when I look at pictures like this one.

14.) Tackle something you've always wanted to do. Develop a new talent. Myself, I've always wanted to paint landscapes and one of these days, I'm going to do just that.

I'm sure if you think about it, you can come up with other fun\entertaining ways to perk things up on a dreary day. Spring will eventually come (in our realm, about June or so) until then, dress in bright vivid colors, make snow angels, and try to make the best of things until the sun decides to shine again.