Spring Has Come to Maine
I do not remember how this little green creamer came into my life; only that it has lived in the garage for at least the last year. There is a chip, on its spout, and therefore, though I love its color, shape, and texture, it has not found a home, at my table. However, one small feature, which may appear to be an imperfection, should not disqualify it from finding a life, other that perhaps it was intended for – I have made it available to the many small and beautiful birds which populate our forest in Maine!
There is no doubt, in my mind, that Kate’s accident, a month after having purchased the Maine house, soured my feelings about the entire experience; her convalescence coincided with changes in our family that were both unforeseen and remain unexplained, which on top of other losses, brought me into a rather sorrowful state of mind, where instead of seeing the blessings this place might offer, I was much more focused on the things which I did not find pleasing, thus the garden went rather untended, much to my loss. However, to everything there is a season, or maybe a couple of seasons, even to grief.
Last month, our very dear friends from Florida, ventured north, among the many things which populated our agenda, was unexpected time, spent in the yard, with a few of us pleading, at the top of our lungs, for a few of the others, to stop their fearless activities, which stirred those waiting with terror; but not only did it all work out well, but our wise Maine neighbor even came over and calmly offered assistance and the proper tools! My family was able to meet our friends, and we even celebrated a birthday together, it was nice, very nice; the kind of activities which make a house a home.
Lately, in fact, Maine is finally starting to feel like home, maybe not the home, but one of the homes, which is also okay; we have become inspired and have not only gone about finally cleaning up some of the former owners mess, but have begun to create a proper path in the forest, built a fire pit, which will be put to use for Kate’s birthday party next month, stock up on wood for the winter, should we find ourselves in need of a roaring blaze, and have even set wood aside to make a few pieces of furniture, including a potting table and a base for a proper outdoor sink!
Spring, undoubtedly makes me happy. In Florida, spring comes effortlessly, there is always something in bloom and gray skies only last until the storm has past; I do not believe that I am one of those persons who take Florida’s beauty for granted, I love sitting in my garden, in the south, reading, eating lunch, and inevitably having a chat with a neighbor who wanders by. But spring in Maine is somehow savored differently, perhaps because it is anticipated so deeply and for so long, and once it burst forward, you must be in the moment – present – for the blooming bulbs or fragrant lilacs are only on display for a short while.
I know that the gardens burst of green are temporary, as is all of the bright sunshine, but for now, I am going to go out every day, and take a look at the Bleeding Hearts, which always remind me of Pat, one of my Mother’s and my dearest friends. After Pat came to visit me, in Florida, she sent a Bleeding Heart plant, from California, saying that it somehow reminded her of me; I shall not be able to entertain Pat in Maine, but I shall enjoy this beautiful plant and remember the wonderful people, in my life, that I have loved, and make plans for the wonderful people, in my life now, that I love, to enjoy this forest/garden. That is all for now.
There may even be a strawberry – rhubarb pie in my future!
