Ooh! Time to get out my Spring bonnet.
Well, it’s here again — this week — Spring. The time of year most of us look to with a sense of relief, welcome, gratitude.
Although the temps aren’t very spring-like where I am yet, I can sense a change, a difference — in the air. The approaching Spring equinox when “days and nights are approximately equal everywhere and the Sun rises and sets due east and west” (Old Farmer’s Almanac) — it’s special. Kind of magical really and I love the sound of that, especially the light part.
It signals new beginnings, rebirth and all those soothing, groovy feelings we have when we shrug off Winter to embrace Spring. I asked hubby, “Do you feel it?” What, he asked me.
“Spring,” I said, “You can feel the shift in the air.” This was about a week ago. Maybe it was that spring forward thing that did it for me. No, it’s that intangible something that we all love so much. Do you feel it yet?
Butterflies Celebrate It
They cluster in all these trees and fly around, socializing and celebrating Spring. In Mexico. Kind of like Spring break.
I normally watch CBS Sunday Morning every weekend because most of the program is positive. It’s about art, literature, world events or nature. Yesterday, it showcased the thing about the butterflies in central Mexico.
That spectacular thing that happens to signal Spring happened this week as thousands of Monarch butterflies migrated there. There’s so many that scientists have had to measure them by acreage. And it’s dropped significantly — in the 1990s they measured the beauties taking up twenty-two acres. It’s now only around seven-and-a-half acres.
They don’t know exactly why this is happening. Could be illegal logging, drought or pesticides that kill milkweed which is the monarch’s main food source. They talked to an expert guy (how’s that for a dream job, studying butterflies?) who knows more about this phenomenon than anyone. He was asked how our world would be different if the numbers kept dwindling.
You’d miss me if I wasn’t around.
Paraphrasing the expert, he said, “That’s like asking, what good is the Mona Lisa or Mozart’s music? We could live without it, but we would be diminished as a culture. There’s nothing like it. It’s unique.”
Like Spring — there’s nothing like it and the magnificence of it, the way we feel as we feel it coming.
People, Animals and the Restlessness
Have you noticed that when Spring is getting closer you get a little restless? Animals do too. I’ve watched my pups get more playful. I hear birds chirping more. Little creatures are getting more active. It’s the natural order of things. It’s as if we’re all waking up. We’re ready to play.
I read an article, Spring Fever: Restlessness, Renewal and Rebirth by Sandra Tunajek. Scientists believe that there are reasons why we and other species get friskier, more energetic, want to move more. It’s psychological and physiological they think.
Hey, wanna play? It’s Spring!
Some believe it’s the warmer weather while others think it’s got to do with the light. Maybe it’s the way a warm breeze blows across our face and we smell Spring. Without even realizing it, we’re taken back to a time and a place that felt so good.
Spring fever gets us up and out. We begin to reevaluate our lives, at least I’ve been doing that. We think about trying something new. Whether that’s taking a class, painting a room, de-cluttering, cleaning, exploring a new place, moving — it all symbolizes a newness, change. A rebirth of sorts.
After a long cold winter, it feels so good to poke out heads out and welcome all that glorious warmth.
Boy, it feels good to bust out of here.
Do you feel it? Happy Monday everyone, Happy Spring as of Wednesday and here’s a song for you that I think represents all the meandering thoughts of this post.
* * *
Do you have Spring fever yet? Do you have any plans — any new beginnings? What are the first signs of Spring for you — internally and externally?
Every spring is the only spring – a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters
Brigitte's Banter 
It’s the light, dear Brigitte. Definitely the light. Over the years, I’ve reconciled with cold temperatures and learned to compensate by dressing appropriately. I haven’t found a way to compensate for fewer daylight hours. All winter, I spend as much time as I can outdoors. Even so, there’s no denying the buoyancy in my step when darkness comes later…xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | March 18, 2013, 10:18 amYes, Margarita for me, that’s it. This cold winter has been especially taxing on me and I’m looking forward to Spring so much. I do practice being in the moment, but can’t help sometimes projecting into the future about the Spring and what it may hold. I do try to get out in the winter — it’s the cloudy gray that grinds on me at times. Thanks! xo
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 10:40 amHappy Spring! I loved Monarch Butterflies when I was a kid and used to look for their chrysalis’s. They are pale green and are decorated with gold ornaments!
Roxy is already restless. The longer days make it harder for me to concentrate! We’ll still get a few snowstorms….
Posted by susielindau | March 18, 2013, 10:28 amHappy Spring to you, Susie! I love butterflies period. I would love to stand in that place and Mexico and watch them swirl around. I LOVE the longer days. We’re supposed to have a winter storm tomorrow — arghhhhh! But it’s coming, that Spring, she’s almost here. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 10:41 amI love spring, it feels so full of hope. Although, as you mentioned with the butterflies counting dwindling numbers of various animals in the spring doesn’t feel so hopeful. I used to work with endangered species and this was a pretty disheartening thing every year. However, it is energizing to see the earth renew itself and the light return, and it makes me feel hopeful that all problems can be solved. So happy spring to you, Brig!
Posted by rollergiraffe | March 18, 2013, 10:47 amMe too, RG and I’m writing about it way before it has reached here! But I’m trying to be hopeful because that’s better than being pissed off about something we can’t control — the weather. The butterfly thing we can though and I think that’s pretty sad. I’m guessing the culprit is pesticides — that makes the most sense but then I’m not a scientist. And I guess I try to be an optimist, believing that in time, all problems can be solved. Just maybe not as quickly as we’d like. Happy Spring to you and I hope you see some buds/evidence of Spring soon.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 12:24 pmHaha well that would explain why I washed my walls yesterday! Spring can’t come soon enough for me!
Posted by dianasschwenk | March 18, 2013, 11:04 amD, you’ve already got it. I’m right there with you, my friend. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 12:25 pmHappy Monday Brigitte!
I love that Sunday morning show too, I look forward to it every week.
Wonderful song too–I love how in sync we often are. I posted the same song a couple of weeks ago, only it was the Ritchie Havens version–funky, upbeat and with congas!
I hope you have a mah-velous week! ~ Christy
Posted by runningonsober | March 18, 2013, 11:35 amHi Christy, isn’t it the best? It’s normally always about something that makes you feel better about the world or you learn something fascinating you didn’t know before. I’ll have to check that version out because I do love that song. It can improve a low mood anytime. I hope you have a great week too and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 12:26 pmI always start to feel emotionally, spiritually, and mentally lighter and brighter. Kate Winslet said that “life happens between the cracks.” I love every season, but I think it’s the changing of them that inspires me most.
Posted by notedinnashville | March 18, 2013, 11:48 amHi Nashville — I feel that too. I think we all do with new beginnings. And I love the change of seasons too so it’s nice to live somewhere that has that. But, this year I’m ready for winter to leave and spring to begin! Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 12:27 pmI don’t have that feeling of spring yet. Still too cold in NE Ohio, and we’re looking at temps in the 30s all week. But once we hit April, I know I’ll feel it. And nothing much compares to that feeling.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | March 18, 2013, 12:11 pmI did, but we’ve got a storm coming and it’s going to be all kinds of messy this afternoon and tomorrow. Oh well, it won’t be long and you’re right about that feeling, Carrie. Thanks!
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 12:28 pmI guess I’m kind of happy our March has been pretty crappy throughout. It eliminates that tease you get when an early warmth brings out the tulips only to see them die a week later from a new frost.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | March 18, 2013, 12:36 pmEverything’s in bloom around here. I cleaned out the flower beds and mulched over the weekend. Today I’m so sore it hurts to blink! Spring – Love it and I LOVE the song too!
Posted by Honie Briggs | March 18, 2013, 12:45 pmHow nice. I bet it’s even warm there. We’re getting snow, sleet, rain. Sigh. Makes me appreciate the spring more though. Can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt. Walk it out, you’ll be okay. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:33 pmHere Comes the Sun brings back memories of the days on campus and a fellow in the boys’ residence would open his windows and play the Beatles loud and long especially on Friday afternoon when classes were over — it was the call of wild to students who needed a reprieve from a week of study and essays–those spring days when we would pretend to study in the quad but were really checking out the flora and fauna (most fauna)
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | March 18, 2013, 1:14 pmLou Ann, that sounds like such a great memory. I always loved school. Still do. I try to go as much as I can. Glad you got to check out ahem! lots fauna. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:21 pmthose were the old days–I am an old married lady now!
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | March 18, 2013, 5:28 pmWell, married anyway. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:30 pmyou are a wonderful friend Brigitte 🙂
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | March 18, 2013, 6:45 pmahh I love Spring. Today is my teen’s first day of softball practice– makes me flashback to my HS days. Spring is that first catch in the back yard with her– the snap of the ball hitting the leather. I’m holding on to these moments because they will be gone soon.
Everything smells better in the Spring– even though it is cold as you know what today, I cleaned and opened my windows to get some fresh air.
Expecting more snow tonight so I am trying desperately to harness the goodness in this post. Thanks Brigitte! and Happy Happy Monday to you as well 🙂
Posted by unfetteredbs | March 18, 2013, 1:55 pmHey Audra, I do too. The best! All these things you describe — so nice. The smell of honeysuckles makes me feel like I’m in my backyard, about age 10, making mudpies. So glad you’re making those good memories with your teen. Both you and her will appreciate that decades from now. We are about to get it with some snow, sleet and rain too. Hang in there, it’s coming — the Spring. Happy Monday to you my dear friend and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:23 pmFor me it’s the light. Being able to come home from work in the daylight means that the warmth of spring sunshine cannot be far behind.
Posted by artsifrtsy | March 18, 2013, 2:25 pmLight means so much to the artist — which you are with your photos. Everyone feels better when there’s light and little warmth. Thanks Artsi.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:25 pmIt’s the light. It’s the temperature. I’m feeling it, Brigitte! I felt Spring for the first time this year on Monday, the 4th of March at 10 AM. I could almost taste in the air. Hello, outdoor seating! T. (It was a long, dark winter. . .)
Posted by Theadora Brack | March 18, 2013, 2:30 pmIt’s just SPRING, huh T? I bet Spring in Paris, well how much better can you get right? Yes, it’s been a long dark winter for me as well. Looking forward to all that light AND dining al fresco.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:30 pmWell, I’m reading this on another cold, gray, drizzly day…. So spring fever hasn’t hit me yet. It’s really going to take a few back-to-back-to-back days of sun and mild temperatures for my body and mind to make the transition from winter. But I’m definitely hoping those days will be here soon!
And I seem to be running counter to most people here. The time change makes it worse for me. Waking to brighter light helps me more than having more light in the evening!
Posted by jmmcdowell | March 18, 2013, 3:38 pmIt’s the same here, JM! But last week, we had a little hint of it and that’s what give me hope. :). They’ll be here soon and then BLINK and its Thanksgiving, know what I mean. Happy Monday and thanks!
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:26 pmI’m totally loving the warmer weather…and WILL NOT take it for granted ever again. Miserable winter…be gone and do not return my way. I worked in the yard all weekend, and now have hayfever (and I’m quite happy with that though).
Posted by char | March 18, 2013, 5:15 pmOh, Char how nice. It hasn’t stayed warm long enough here to work in the yard but it’ll get it. What’s a little hayfever, right? ;). Thanks.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2013, 5:27 pmI love that CBS Sunday Morning news show, too. I always stumble onto it by accident and then I’m so glad I did. I wish all news shows were that uplifting and cultured. Great post, Brig. I’m actually having a crappy day so this was a nice change of pace – a positive way to cap off the day. I think it’s the light that makes people feel a little better and more lively – the long dark winter really takes it’s toll on us mentally, emotionally and physically, right? This one was especially grueling for me. You and I both have good reasons to step out of the heaviness and into something lighter and easier and more comfortable. I’m looking forward to a happy spring for both of us, Brigitte. xoxox
Posted by A Gripping Life | March 18, 2013, 6:56 pmHey Lisa, it’s pretty much a ritual here, watching it. I’ve had a few crappy days myself and determined to feel better, I got up, out and decided to write something that made me feel better. And I believe you’re right about the light thing. I used to live where it was sunny all the time and yes, you get tired of that as well but these gray days seemed to hang on much longer this year. I do think it has to do with the external things you and I have gone through too. It has made winter seem gloomier and longer. Thank you for recognizing that, Lisa and for always being such a “light” here on my blog with your warm words. xoxoxo
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 9:48 amDelightful images, Brigitte. The bonus of hearing George Harrison was a delight. I love spring too, but right now I’ve got to contend with Sheila’s brush. lol
Posted by Jennifer's Journal | March 18, 2013, 7:11 pmHi Jen! Thank you and I love that song. It always makes me smile and feel better. Now go contend with Sheila’s brush but enjoy the Spring!
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 9:49 amSpring Down Under is about September/October time so these are the sort of posts that remind me that I flipped hemispheres 7 years ago! We’re hoping to go to Canberra’s Floridade this year, a bulb festival in the colder territory of the ACT for all of us in the sub tropics who yearn to see fields and fields of tulips to remind us of the European North:)
Posted by wordswithnannaprawn | March 18, 2013, 7:16 pmI guess you are having much different weather where you are. Though September/October where I am is about my favorite time of year here. The heat of the summer is going and the foliage is just beautiful. I’ve seen pictures of those European tulips you’re writing about. Someday I will see them up close and personal! Thanks, Nanna.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 9:50 amI figure it’s a very Nanna-ish type excursion as well…..though I forgive me in advance if I also get hammered in a meet up in some local bars with a friend once I’ve tiptoed through the tulips….. you never know, it might be more like Amsterdam in Canberra than ever before!
Posted by wordswithnannaprawn | March 19, 2013, 9:58 amHey, a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do. Tip through those tulips with a nice libation. Sounds fun to me. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 10:07 amThe sun is shining in Victoria and the trees are heavy with blossom. Except that it’s cold and windy, I’m ready to break out the sandals! Happy Monday and happy Spring, Brigitte!
Posted by Deliberately Delicious | March 18, 2013, 8:01 pmWell, Sally that sounds wonderful. It has been really blustery here lately but not so much today. But still, cold and gray. No matter, Spring is just around the corner. Happy Spring to you my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 9:52 amExcept for it being the start of baseball, spring used to be my least favorite season. Now it’s my third-favorite. Winter is harder on me in my advancing years.
Posted by Smaktakula | March 18, 2013, 8:48 pmIf I had to choose a sport to watch, I guess it would be baseball. Fall is my favorite season, then Spring, then Summer, lastly Winter. This one’s been especially hard on me for all kinds of reason and I’m ready for a change simply for the change of something else! Thanks, Smak.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 9:57 amIt’s definitely getting warmer on my end as well, although it looks as if spring has been completely skipped over and now the weather can’t decide whether to be summer or winter at the moment. But I’m definitely feeling the restlessness and of just wanting to “go.” But then, you know I’m a do-er and an impatient one at that! This time of year always has me itching, be it summer vacation or just being able to wear shorts and a t-shirt. 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | March 18, 2013, 10:09 pmHi Lillian, that’s nice. I don’t like it when it goes straight from Winter to Summer and I’ve lived in places like that. I love four seasons. I’m feeling pretty restless myself so much so, I’ve injured my knee from doing too much restless stuff! Here’s to Spring! Thanks, Lillian.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 9:59 amGreat post, Brig. Yes, Spring is coming! I worked on my vegetable garden this weekend. Amended the soil in my raised beds. Started tomato seeds. Worked on a menu for a big Easter party. And i’m doing some really fun, new exciting things with my photography! When I went for a walk at lunch today, I passed a house with a bed of blooming crocus and Japanese irises – they so made me smile!
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | March 18, 2013, 11:05 pmHi Cathy, how wonderful. I grew up with a vegetable garden and my parents always have one. I think my Mom is still going to this year. I love fresh vegetables out of the garden. There is nothing better! I look forward to seeing your unique and lovely view of your garden and all those beautiful flowers. Thanks, Cathy.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 10:00 amI was out late this evening, Brig, and I got hammered with what I hope is a last blast of winter. The streets are blanketed in slushy, icy snow and frozen rain with smacking me in the face. As I trudged home I wasn’t thinking, “I’m so sick of this.” Actually, I added a noun after this. I’ll let you imagine what it was. I like spring, too, as long as it’s not the type that sets off my allergies.
Posted by lameadventures | March 19, 2013, 12:12 amThe whole truth is in the first eleven words.
Posted by Smaktakula | March 19, 2013, 12:44 amActually, I wasn’t hammered at all that way. I was at a preview screening of “August: Osage County” that ran late when a projector broke down.
Posted by lameadventures | March 19, 2013, 12:48 amHowever you were hammered, be in by weather or wine, I’m glad you got home just fine. I suck at poetry.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 10:04 amCute, Brig. It was weather.
Posted by lameadventures | March 19, 2013, 1:15 pmYeah, it was nasty last night wasn’t it?? That wind — it felt like it was below freezing. I think it probably was. I can imagine what that expletive was as I was probably hurtling my own into that blasted windy rain. Fall is my favorite season, but Spring is a close second. Thanks, V.
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 10:02 amWell considering I currently live in Florida, it’s summer/spring year round.. I know, poor me..lol.. In truth, we get tired of the relentless heat and would love to have a cool/cold breeze come our way.. So for all you ice-bound people I wish warm breezes and blue skies your way 🙂
Posted by free penny press | March 19, 2013, 6:46 amI lived in Florida for awhile and near the coast in South Carolina. I know exactly what you mean, Lynne. When I’d tell people, I get sick of this heat and this sunshine constantly they’d think I was nuts. We humans like variety I think. But seriously, these gray days we’re having — enough already! Thanks, Lynne and Happy Spring. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | March 19, 2013, 10:06 amI love the butterflies, Brigitte. I’m sorry to hear they’re diminishing in number. That’s very sad, indeed. I’ve been feeling spring for a couple of weeks now. The weather has been perfect!! It won’t last though…it’s usually nice for a very short time before it gets way too hot. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
Posted by The Bumble Files | March 19, 2013, 11:17 pmHi Amy, yeah I thought that was kind of sad. It’s still so cold here but finally sunny. The summers aren’t so brutal here — at least not for long stretches of time — but I’ve lived places where they were so hot, you really couldn’t enjoy the outdoors. So I do understand that. I dunno, this winter just hasn’t been a good one for me so I’m looking forward to some light! Thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | March 20, 2013, 10:48 amDear Miss B,
:)))))))
And, it’s been a long, long, lonely winter. But it feels so amazing to be looking at spring, doesn’t it???
My dear friend who is in the mental health field, says that spring actually brings out the crazies in people!!! Can you believe it?
Well, it must be true, because I’m back to blogging!!!! I’ve missed you guys like pure CRAZINESS.
:)))
xooxoxox
Love, LIs
xoxoxo
Posted by Carr Party of Five | March 21, 2013, 8:12 pmWell look who’s here! Hey Lis, so good to see you and glad you back at blogging. I never saw you when you were doing that Facebook thing. Hmmm, maybe you’re friend is right, but maybe good in a crazy way. I’m ready for it, you have no idea. Thank you and soooooo good to see you, my friend. xxxooo
Posted by Brigitte | March 22, 2013, 9:45 am