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Friday, March 22, 2013

New Beginnings

Evidently, I’m nesting.  This insight literally dawned on me during an early morning cup of coffee on the back porch, while I was mesmerized by a couple of highly motivated, serious-minded sparrows working nonstop to fill a bird house as big as a shoe box with nesting materials for the purpose of laying 5 eggs about the size of jelly beans.  A bit of overkill on the birds’ part maybe, yet I recognized their flurry of energy as being much like my own this time of year.  The restlessness and regeneration urges I have been experiencing for a couple of weeks are a lot like my feathered friends and soon-to-be parents.  Not that I plan additions to my family anytime soon; it’s just that this time of the year seems to evoke new beginnings in all parts of my life.  I mean, it is a season of renewal and daylight saving time (even though it’s dark-thirty when I awaken and get out of bed now), when plants are budding and blooming, and my ultra self-motivated girlfriends are inspired to clean out their closets.  That morning, I was reminded that Spring has always been my second favorite time of year.  Yes, second.  You see, my family has had five generations to acclimate to the Texas heat, and as a result, I am plenty comfortable in 100 degrees, thank you.  So, that would mean I consider Summer as the golden season, however Spring is a close runnerup. 

The other day, I met a new colleague who sheepishly recounted his recent relocation from an East Coast state, having not been so blessed as to be born below the Mason-Dixon line, but explained that he got to Texas as fast as he could.  He was also quick to say that, despite warnings from northern friends about the intense southern heat, he had fared quite well during his first August in Texas.  He went further to admit that, while he would probably import snow to East Texas just for Christmas Day, he was otherwise happy with his new homeland and its ever-changing forecast.  It was reflective of the true saying that if you don’t care for the weather in Texas, just be patient and wait a day, because it will surely change.  Anyway, this optimistic soul is starting fresh in a strange land (not strange in general, mind you, just strange to him because it was different.)  As I remarked to him, especially for a Yankee, he had a truly exemplary attitude.  Good for him!

The undeniable truth is this: no matter what your preferred time of year, Spring presents a unique opportunity to soar to new heights.  So, I have decided to emulate both the sparrow couple and my Texas transplant friend.  I will rebuild my nest, take advantage of the change in seasons to walk through newly opened doors, and maybe even take a chance on something strange or different.  I thank the good Lord for the Spring flowers, the longer days, my replenished get-up-and-go, and baby birds that will soon learn to fly.  And I can’t help but look forward to a golden Summer.