Glitter Pens

Birds are the official cheerleaders of spring, singing praises of her arrival.  Rejoicing and encouraging the transition, joyful melodies fill the air to announce the good news.  Spring is fast approaching and we are invited to join the welcoming committee.

March changes everything – it’s a happening month for me, historically speaking.  Big shifts, life events – all seem to occur in March.  It’s not surprising – Spring is designed to shake things up, bring forth new life and offer a fresh start. Time to shake off winter and get moving.

Tweets, chirps, warbles, trills are all music to my ears and today's selections are quite insistent.   It takes extra work and large amplifiers to get our attention.  Today is March 1st and it marks the first morning these songs have replaced my alarm clock.  “Get up, you’re missing it.  Sing with us! Spring is coming!” 

The morning sky teases with early light – brightness sneaks in before 6:30am and stars won’t appear for another 12 hours (give or take a few minutes).  Technically, spring arrives on the 20th – the date we observe the equinox.   Day and night are in equal measure as dictated by the astronomy here in the northern hemisphere.  Winter can begin to fade.

Spring signals renewal, rebirth and hope.   Cultural observances throughout the world reflect the immense significance of this transformational season.  Easter, Passover, Shunbun no Hi in Japan, Holi in India.  A worldwide greeting of spring’s arrival has been celebrated for millennia.   Thousands are drawn to ancient sites honoring the equinox such as Stonehenge and Chichen Itza.   A sacred season of new life, spring gives rise to an energy that is unmatched and unmistakable.  

March is full of it: packed with vibrancy and potential.  Building momentum, reviewing and planning for months, she is rested, restored and fired up.  Time has come for us to dust off the cobwebs and sweep the porch.  Flowers are slowly stretching, testing the air.  Are we safe to come out?  A few days of sunshine and warmth add fuel to their bravery, beckoning them to rise and display their glory.  They are cautious but optimistic, as am I.  March brings sunshine and sunglasses, but also storms, wind and even snow’s last ditch effort is possible.

Feathered friends again:  their urgency is infectious.  Let’s go, no time to waste!  They rile me up and lift my mood.  I clear my throat and practice my outside voice.   We have all received the memo and I accept the challenge to share the message.   Familiar sounds are heard in the distance as lawn mowers protest and rumble into motion.  Winter clean-up begins and people open their doors to catch up with neighbors.    Rubbing the sleep from our eyes we squint at the new level of brightness from above.     

Which season is the best? Like asking me to choose which one of my children I love most or which dog is the greatest of all time. Can't do it. Won't do it.  This isn't Sophie's Choice.

Summer brings warmth, splashes, extended bright days, lemonade, outside gatherings and more connection to nature and people.   Windows stay open and screen doors squeak from over use.   All outdoor projects are in full swing – racing to finish while daylight cooperates.

Fall is certainly my favorite color.  Crunching leaves beneath my feet, blustery days and last ditch efforts to sneak in some bike rides.   Harvests demand my attention and inside projects start to percolate.  Sweaters sneak in a few appearances.

Winter is a time for rest, recovery, snuggling and slowing down.   Nights are quiet, long and cold.  Relaxing by the fire is mesmerizing and meditative.  A chance to re-charge and reflect, winter guides us inward, physically and mentally.

Spring:  the explosion of hope, life and blooms of infinite variety.  Outside time has fortunately returned.  Shorts, white tennis shoes, gardens and so much planning.  I forgot how loud the birds can be and how many different instruments they play.   Sunny days tease us and I’m a very easy target.  Today, spring is my favorite.   Ask me again in October when the trees proudly display their grand color pallet of reds, greens, golds and infinite spectrum of oranges.  Pretty sure my answer could be swayed.

Today on our hike I choose the lighter jacket and fewer layers.   Toes and fingers are thawing nicely from winter’s chill. Sandals are at the ready, gloves tucked away.  The trail is pleasantly soft and cushy underfoot.  That crispy crunch of frost and ice have silently melted away.

Winter reminds me of a big fat black sharpie.  Dark and necessary to make a point, winter is bold, unapologetic and stormy.  The air is intense, imposing and stern. Winter means business, just like my sharpie.  But all this effort requires a break and as the retreat begins, spring marches in to restore balance.  There is no competition, winter has merely grown weary, exhausted.  White flags aren't raised, no hostile takeover is planned.   A changing of the guard, spring slides in with love and a glitter pen.

Spring loves to show off her impressive collection of glitter pens – all colors, all kinds of sparkle and flickers of happy.   Sunlight filters differently through the tree canopy this morning and new angles of shadows are sprinkled generously along the path.   I smile and appreciate this display.    Encouraged to continue, spring responds by increasing the magic, waving her wands of dazzling shimmer even higher.  

Glitter Pens.  My son dropped this masterpiece.  The glitter pens of the world splash color, laughter and twinkles.  They are the party planners, the event coordinators the comic relief and reminders to look at the bright side of life.   Our fun friends who light up the room, softening all the jagged edges.  Glitter pen people are the springtime people.   Interrupting the seriousness of the sharpie influence, we need the glitter pens – they shake us and wake us and grace our lives with their flashy glittery vibes. 

I write these thoughts with a sharpie gel pen in hand and that makes me laugh out loud. I smile and shake my head at the irony. I wonder what would happen to my words if I picked up a glitter pen? 

The birds, springtime, flowers, sunlight:  all glitter pens.  They recklessly scatter joy and are unconcerned with our social norms and constraints.  Creating unique melodies, we’re asked to share in the bliss of the season and join the band.  A true symphony of nature. Everyone is included and the more the merrier.   We are wise to listen and participation points earn us some well-deserved gold glittery stars.  Whistle a snappy tune, dance a jig, tap your foot, crack a smile, play any part you wish, but don’t miss this show. 

Winter is bidding adieu as spring rushes in.   The time has come to put away my sharpie, turn up the volume and wave a glitter pen.