Spring is in the air ...

Today was one of those days when you wake up and just know something’s different.   There’s a sense that the time has arrived for new growth and ideas.  All around your world is reinforcing this sense of forward movement by the emerging of new shoots, butterflies, flowers – there’s a gentle fragrance to remind you that even if you haven’t noticed, it’s here...

© Vicki Lee Johnston

 Flowers that always remind me it’s spring are freesias, as soon as I get the scent of freesia  it brings a flood of memories and it’s like going home.  My Dad had them growing everywhere and when the first blooms arrived he'd pick some and bring them inside with a grin on his face.  When I was in hospital having my second child he picked bunches and brought them in proudly.   I didn’t have the heart to tell him  I had terrible sinusitis and I couldn’t keep them in the hospital room!!   I painted this freesia in my first year studying botanical art.

Today I left my office and studio and took a walk on my favourite track here in the hills.  It’s a track I walked many times with my dear friend – and on our way we discussed life, work, children, our hopes and dreams for each of our lives.  My friend is working away from home now so we don’t get to walk so much and solve the world’s problems  ... however today I was reminded why I should do it more.

Time goes so quickly, the old stop and smell the roses theory is more important than ever.  On my walk today there were so many beautiful new flowers budding – leaves shooting – and even better - wildlife putting on a show, including a new family of ducklings ....  Nature has a way of putting everything into perspective and reminding you of the natural rebirth and growth patterns.  Every day I have a chance to look at the world through new eyes.

Soon we will have abundant wildflowers. Top of my wish list in the next couple of weeks is to go back to the farming area where I grew up and see them in all their glory again.   I’ll be taking lots of photos and video to bring back .... can’t wait for this road trip!