The idea that Spring is just around the corner fills my heart, my ears and my eyes with joy. So much is happening. So much that was lying dormant and gathering energy for the next few weeks and months, is starting to emerge.
My orchids have started to bloom. The Grevilleas with their characteristic hair-brush like blooms are taking shape in miniature form. The leaves on all the different shrubs are looking bright and alive. Buds are erupting and bulbs are shooting. And who can ignore the star of the season – the Wattle? If ever there was a tree to stir the spirit and bring joy to the eye, it has to be the Wattle in all its forms.
In another sign that spring is near, a bee landed on my sandwich on Friday as I sat outside to eat some lunch. The warmth of the sun on my face created its own unique form of happiness. A few flies were about as well. They gave the impression that they had not long been awake – maybe, not long been alive.
Some of the birds in the huge Banksia across the road were even starting to get a bit ‘friendly’ – if you know what I mean. It’s one of those trees that has different kinds of birds in it depending on the time of the day. It’s like they all have an allocated time for roosting.
I always love spring. I know I am not unique feeling that way, but it feels so very different this year. It is so quiet. Well, it is where I am living. Might not be true for everyone. I haven’t heard a lawnmower, or a leaf-blower or a power-tool of any kind for months. This particular silence is both eerie and golden. The birds are perching in the one place for long it seems to me. Nothing seems to be startling them or moving them on. They seem more relaxed – less ‘on edge’. Even the ones that spend a lot of time walking on the ground appear to be more at ease with the world and less anxious to get out of the way. Especially the big crows – they swagger around as if they own the place. Perhaps they do. I’m even hearing birdsong that I haven’t heard in this neighbourhood before. That’s always a good sign.
So much is happening. So much that was lying dormant and gathering energy for the next few weeks and months, is starting to emerge.
That will be ‘us’ in a few weeks time. So much stored-up energy and interest just waiting to burst free.
Not long now.
Shalom
David
