It’s spring! In truth, here in central North Carolina May days often feel more like summer. As I write this, it’s 86 degrees outside, which is only a little higher than the norm for this month.
Irises and Roses by my back fence
But the change of seasons is still fairly fresh and new. The greens of the leaves and the lawn are still bright and glowing, having not yet acquired the dusty, tired look of later in the summer. The spring flowers, the roses and irises are in full cry.
Something about spring always energizes me. The beauty of the trees and grass and flowers has something to do with it, but that’s not all of it.
The longer days, more sunshine, and being able to take long walks outside all help. Blooming flowers all around soothe my spirit. The outdoors activities are invigorating. Working in the garden, digging in the dirt, planting seeds form a sort of primal connection for me with the earth and the cosmos. I feel bigger, expanded somehow, when I’m planting and cultivating things.
There’s something about being in the midst of the profuse evidence of life reviving that inspires my own writing, too. My spirit expands, reaches farther, searches more deeply for what is beneath the surface. My soul tries to shape a story as beautiful and uplifting as the gorgeous flowers themselves.
Of course, I’ll never be able to do it. That’s one of the reasons I love writing. There are no limits and no completions other than the end of a story that’s never really ended. I can never say I’ve conquered the art of storytelling. I’ll never be able to say that. Even if I should become a bestseller someday or win a major award.
I’ll always know there’s something more I can do. Something new to try. Some way to make my stories deeper, truer, more beautiful.
