Since the first frost that killed the last of the summer zinnias,  there have been no flowers in my garden. In the fall I seeded snap dragons, chrysanthemums, linaria, and poppies. They have grown slowly between the hard frosts, at least bringing the green of plant life to the empty flower beds, but no flowers,  not yet.  

And every time I walked past the flower garden on my way to milk cows or feed piglets,  I felt a sadness and longing for the beauty and color of flowers again. 

This morning,  when the mist had lifted, the sky turned the bright,  bright blue of spring. I was feeding the geese and turkeys in the orchard when I realized that flowers were blooming again,  all around,  delicate,  intricate,  perfumed. I set my buckets aside and forgot my  hardships and my work to marvel at their delicate colors and sweet smells. 

Oh flowers,  how I’ve missed you!

For too long I have held the bleak emptiness of winter in my heart. You remind me of the beauty and love in the world,  kindness and gladness,  light and warmth, despite the killing frosts of  sorrow and disappointment.  The bees,  too,  were awake and busy. 

In the vegetable garden and especially the untended places,  the bright mustards and wildflowers are blooming. The wayside places that were left uncultivated are filled with blossoming color,  a reminder,  I think,  to leave space for wild and unexpected beauty to flourish.

For the first time in a long time,  there are flowers on my kitchen windowsill again,  and i found myself singing spring songs over the dishes. 

I’m so grateful for new chances,  and fresh starts.  Wishing you a day filled with love and beauty!