today a friend called and said, with all appropriate urgency, that her magnolia was in bloom. some people understand the important things.

pink magnolia blossoms

minneapolis, minnesota

tingeing
the woods outside my window are winter brown and gray, tinged with the palest green. it’s like hearing the first note of a song you love

bud bursts

saint paul, minnesota

our shoreline is full of red winged blackbirds right now, swaying from the tips of last year’s cattails, and trilling about love. even this one, who didn’t see the hawk coming, seems to be burning with life.

red winged blackbird feathers

minneapolis, minnesota

these day lilies have a reserve of energy stored in their bulbs from last fall. they are growing because it’s time to grow, regardless of the freezing, un-spring-like temperatures outside. where is your creative energy stored, that will let you grow when it’s time to grow, and let you ignore the unimportant fluctuations of circumstance?

day lily sprouts

saint paul, minnesota

when the red maple in our back yard begins to burst its buds, that means it’s almost the end of tax season. i just warned my husband that, although he may want to retreat for a few days when his busy season is all done, i have been missing the company of my best friend for too long, and he is going to have to submit to some questions, and some conversation, and some strategizing. sorry honey. i need you right here. go coffee up.

red maple blossoms

saint paul, minnesota