Changing of the Guard

As the winter guardians of ice and snow draw back to make way for the spring ambassadors of greenery and flowers, we are all inspired to hope for more free days. The once magical snowfall has now become dismal and the habits of wearing coats seem smothering instead of warm and we look to the mornings that are no longer cold but scented with the fragrance of freshly blooming flowers. In our hearts, these days will feel much lighter and more care-free and our minds travel to the birdsong and gardens that we may enjoy.

As part of my own anticipation, I pulled out my bird oracle deck and my pick this morning was Dove. This is what caught my attention from the wisdom on the card. "Do you feel as if life has made you jaded? Try to recapture a sense of innocence, of wonder and love for the world around you." What a wonderful description of the transition from winter to spring. The old dead is gently removed so the new fresh growth can begin, much like my Agatha Christie rose bush. It struggled so much from black spot last growing season, but it remained alive with the onset of winter. I hoped and prayed that it would be strong enough to re-immerge and indeed it has growth buds on it. Just that seemingly small thing brings me such hope for the coming season. I did bring it inside last week before the weather froze again so it would not have to take the stress of the changes in weather in hopes that would give it enough strength to live.

Agatha Christie Rose