This is  the second day of “popping”! Of course, it’s spring the colors are glorious fresh new buds of green and the red bud tree. So far it dosn’t cover the tree but laces it with patterns changing by the minute. Two male cardianls in the trees down by the creek. It makes my heart sing, my eyes twinkle and my mouth smile. Simple? A year ago or two the brightness of the neon green burned my eyes,shades were drawn and my spirit was asleep.

Is it a miracle? I think not. Is wellness and rebirth of spring possible for the ordinary? I pray yes!

The breeze through my open window with the sweet smells of spring filling my mind with wonder – My windows are full of the images of the tree tops that defy gravity and reach toward the sky. Some plants crawl along the ground, content to bear fruit while stretching outward on the earth. Some bushes and shrubs reach skyward but do not hold the myriad of questions that trees inspire.

We remain with our feet firmly planted and in most situations are incapable of reaching the height of the oak, maple or evergreens. What are the lessons to be learned from our relative, grandfather the tree? Could it be that the miracle of the trees is for us to ask our questions individually  and retrieve the answers on our own. In our own way with our ear close to grandfather tree surely wisdom will come

The tiny green buds popping on the branches are pulling the new growth of the tree skyward. The swaying back and forth and first the gentle breeze and then the forceful winds of an impending storm These are the lessons taught by the tree saying- change with the changes.

There is new growth on a brittle old grand father branch falling to earth as it returns to the earth to complete the pattern of change and growth. Lessons are there for us to learn. We listen and the wisdom comes our way. If we just question the tree and learn the nature of – defiance of gravity.

As I ponder what I want to write I realize that my expereince with nature has been amplified by looking for my stories. Since many of my stories have a theme from nature I find I am a participant in all that there is instead of simply observing it. This process takes me away from myself and my illness and encouarges me to reach out. Nature is safe and at times safer than people.

Perhaps this is one of the healing quallities of writing.  Even if I were to merely describe a cricket or think about the purpose of a crow; I am taken away from the days of endless pain. Searching for the words can be an adventure in itself. Since I have reading and spelling problems I turn to the dictionary for help. It is  simplistic for me and helps me stay grounded with my writing. It also helps me explore expressions and at times the process is delightful. My head turns to the left when I write. Ijust realized that it also turns to the left when I am participating in nature.

What if I were to write about people? Would I become more of a participant? Would it be healing? I have not been a people person or a people watcher. But since leaving work I have extra space in my mind and  in my mind’s eye. I look at people from a different perspective. I am still bored with chit chat but better understand it’s soical function.

I encourage you to write and search for the simple things in life.