We don't "need" to find new descriptions for Spring. Poets and musicians have struggled valiantly to put words and music to this glorious season for centuries. We find each year, our hearts continue to fill with indescribable joy as Spring arrives.
In my artist's brain however, I think of Spring as "Baby Bear Time". In the story of Goldilocks, everything that belonged to the baby bear was "just right" and that describes my feeling perfectly.
My heart pounds to see Chartreuse green popping out everywhere. That loud, defiant, magical colour is determined to make the seasons change. Winter, despite the last minute effort of battering tender plants with frost and wind, cannot ever win this battle.
For an all-too-short amount of time, everything is "just right". The days are warm, but not blindingly hot, the nights are cool, perfect for snuggling under ONE quilt rather than a heavy stack of them. The light in the sky fades gently, whereas in full summer, the sun stays up late...and so do we!
This is the time before our minds shudder with worry, everything from forest fires, lack of rain to too much rain, the chance of flooding, the arrival of wasps and other pests. The "what if" list is long and exhausting.
In this "just right" time, the snow is still on the far mountains, many feet deep, still in the full grip of winter, while we stare at the magnificent view wearing sandals as we walk the dog. The birds swoop over our heads, making nesting plans. A sprinkle of rain no longer feels as if ice pellets are smacking your face; it's Spring rain, soft and fragrant. Each crocus bending from the weight of a single drop of rain is in honour of the new season.
If you see me crouched over in the woods, this is what I'm studying, while my dog whines in impatience!
Here in the Rockies, it's also literally baby bear time. There are signs in the National Parks that say, "No stopping/bears in area", so cars drive excruciatingly slowly, causing traffic jams in the middle of nowhere as they try to capture a photo of the adorable little guys.
Despite living here for years, nothing tempers my excitement for Spring. I've painted back to back with other artists, talking loudly to deter curious bears. There is nothing that compares to painting outside without needing two pairs of socks!
Some days, there isn't even a sketchbook in my hands as I wander on the landscape. I stand in awe, drinking it in, with no need to accomplish anything, other than taking a moment in silent gratitude for the "just right" time.
Thank you for spending this time with me,
Lori xx