Memories of Springs Past

Spring has sprung, and I can't even begin to explain how wonderful it feels to sit in the open breeze of early evening, sipping a nice cold micro-brew, jotting down my thoughts and feelings as they blow through me with each subtle gust of warm air. Spring is inspirational to a writer (I'm sure most writers would agree with me), and having just purchased my first home in October, I've had such a fantastical time waking up and discovering what plants and flowers are springing to life in my backyard this early in the season. The almost daily surprise of spring wildlife (both the plant and animal varieties) at my doorstep leaves me awestruck at times, really. I'm a huge fan of Mother Nature, and this time of year, she reigns supreme.

Mother Nature holds us captive during spring. Even the most hardened of hearts can't help but feel inspired and at peace when the warm winds blow (some may not admit it of course, depending on how "hardened" those hearts really are) as we silently beg for renewal. For me, though I'm unemployed and having a hard time finding employment after having just purchased a home, I am somehow able to put the stress aside and enjoy the spring. I have a smile on my face now as I think back on some of my fondest spring memories. I'll share them, though they may not seem significant to most, these small memories of mine may provoke some wonderful memories in others and that makes it worth the typing effort:

Playing outside until after dark with my siblings, Melissa and Sean when we were kids
Building tree forts at the end of our street in Social Circle, GA with my sister Melissa and best friend Jenny at age 8 or 9
Hiking in the woods behind my grandparents house and discovering a mass of purple/pink trillium when I was 12 or 13
Driving downtown on Saturday nights with friends to watch the midnight showing of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the age of 17 and 18
My first Durham Bulls baseball game with friends and beer at the age of 21
My sister Melissa and I at an outdoor Peter, Paul and Mary concert; under the stars, soaking up the sounds, when we were 23
My friend Liz and I during an early, unusually warm Raleigh spring, trekking around the park and goofing off when I was 26
Outdoor restaurants in Philadelphia with friends when I first moved there, getting to know the city - age 27
Stepping outside of a yoga class during the first weeks of spring, feeling renewed and alive! - age 33
My first spring living in downtown Nashville, going out to dinner with Melissa and friend Shay
My very first spring, back in Raleigh, in my very first house, watching the birds from my sun porch and thinking life doesn't get much better than this - age 40!

Re-live your own spring memories now! Go ahead, it won't hurt and I guarantee a smile bursts across your face. Go out and enjoy spring. It doesn't last long, but maybe you can make a memory of this one that will last you forever (even if you are unemployed and miserable). Please feel free to comment on your own spring memories. I would love to hear them!