“Music comes from an icicle as it melts, to live again as spring water.” – Henry Williamson
If the pale pink blossoms of the tulip trees and the dark purple crocuses weren’t already announcing the arrival of spring, then the sight of people perched on low stone walls reading underneath a waning winter sun certainly will, letting me know that our neighbourhood is waking up from their winter slumbers.
Today finds me watching an all ages, male and female rugby match at the edge of our urban forest after a savoury lunch of freshly cooked fish and chips. There are several eagles flying against the chalky blue sky and the sun feels warm on my exposed ankles, winter boots tucked away in anticipation of spring, sneakers and sandals having come out in their place. The shouts, scrum and kick of the ball a beautiful melody among many – the hum of float planes, bicycle bells ringing and children’s excited laughter. A wonderful tension exists in the air between seasons, there are still bare trees to behold inviting one to indulge in hot frothy drinks and enough new growth to usher in some white and green teas into the mix. My tea shelf is bursting with new spring flavours!
On the first day of spring, a wander downtown to the Vancouver Art Gallery to spend some time among the paintings and sculptures of the French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950 exhibit left me yearning to sit in lush gardens, create still-life groupings upon my tables and find myself in a sultry olive garden reading a book. With over 60 paintings and sculptures to admire, another visit before it closes in May is definitely on my wish list.
A few days later, the haunting lyrics to a song playing on a portable speaker attached to one of a pair of bikes belonging to a couple perched on a rock overlooking the ocean beseeched us all to do better. On my own walk down to the seawall rejoicing in the sound of the pounding waves, it gently reminded me to shake off the white noise of this busy world and make more time for active listening, more random acts of kindness, and love. This tickle of awareness sweetening each errand of the day, bathing each interaction in a warm glow.
Later, on a walk to my favourite nook for a cloudy day creamy hot chocolate, I noticed heady floral notes of hyacinth and cherry blossom in the air, nudging out the winter scents that I love – the coming season, a brand new page, waiting for my ink and inspiration murmuring that beautiful refrain, we can do better.
This post is dedicated to the people of Paris, France as they mourn the tragic loss of the Notre – Dame Cathedral’s iconic spire and rooftop due to an unfortunate fire.
Thank you for such a lovely spring post.
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Thank you so much, Kat, for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment!
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yes I can see the dinosaur … huge loss, fire can be so debilitating!
Love your very restful and energising posts, your descriptive powers are exceptional, thank You!
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Terry took the picture and thinks it looks like a duck, Lol! Thank you so much for stopping by, your words never fail to bring a smile to my face!
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so very glad of that, you deserve to smile more!
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Thank you!
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So my heart is with the world today with the fire in France. An icon, a look back into the past. Our march to triumph comes with comforting not only France, but comforting the homeless and helping others. I agree we can do better.
Love Mom
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I’m so glad I spent some time (long ago!) at the Strasbourg Cathedral and have a tattered souvenir booklet to peruse, the architecture is very similar to Notre-Dame…Huguette just sent some pictures of fires burning in Guadalajara, Mexico…it breaks our hearts to see history burning before our eyes and you’re right, these places, are our only paths left to the past. Thank you, Mom and hope you continue to feel better!
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Beautifully written. So wonderfully descriptive and so filled with wellbeing.
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Your beautiful words warm my heart! I try (always!) to infuse some wellbeing into my posts and I’m glad you felt this, thank you so much for letting me know.
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I love those tulip tree blossoms. They are not something we see here. It is wonderful to move into new seasons clothes and visit such amazing art. You are indeed blessed.
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Hi, Brigid! Those blossoms are so lush, they were captured by Terry at just the right time…cooler weather and rain are causing them to fall to the ground at the moment, reminding me of how fleeting spring is! Thank you for stopping by, I’m always happy to see your sunny icon!
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A beautiful Spring post Kim, I love the pink blossoms and tulips and can imagine the wonderful scent. This is such a lovely time of year for new projects and beginnings 🙂💖 xxx
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I’m a wee bit impatient for those languid days in the park, book in hand, but meanwhile I’m decluttering and organizing on days when the weather is frightful. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it’s brightened one of those days!
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Thank you Kim for basking us in the mood of flavors and fragrances of spring💐Also .your words of comfort to the world are being embraced. Your words go straight to the heart.
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Thank you, Huguette! The photos you sent me of the fires in Guadalajara, Mexico are equally as frightening as the Notre-Dame fire…we are living in interesting times and have to stick together!
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The fire at Notre Dame was so heartbreaking, Kim. I appreciate your call to “make more time for active listening, more random acts of kindness, and love.” You’re right that these small efforts have incredible power. Wishing you a week of warm glowing. ❤
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My heart almost stopped when I saw pictures of the spire collapsing…it’s heartwarming to hear of its rebuilding, I’m sure it will be even more beautiful when it’s completed! Thank you so much for stopping by, Diana, I hope all is well with you and your parents…have they settled into their new home yet?
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They’re working on it, Kim. I’m flying home tomorrow and can’t wait. 🙂
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Welcome home! I hope the sun came out for you all…
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Yes. A bit of sun. It’s the best part of spring. 🙂
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Yes, peace for Paris. I loved your spring walk. I went with you! Vicariously living through your beautiful post. Loved it!😊
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Hi, Kim! How nice to read your lovely words today…I’m glad you enjoyed the journey!
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*Sigh* what a lovely beginning to Spring! I will have to add the Vancouver Art Gallery to my bucket list. I love what you said about shaking off the white noise of the world- so important to just be intentional in all those ways you mentioned- kindness, love, attentive conversation… thank you for that reminder, Kimberlee! Creamy hot chocolate surrounded by those gorgeous blooms sounds perfect. Thank you for sharing ❤
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Thank you (always!) for stopping by, Mackenzie, your lovely words never fail to warm my heart!
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❤
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Such beautiful pictures. I think I would’ve loved to have been there to experience that rugby game and I definitely would’ve taken the time to go sit in the lush gardens that you were yearning to sit in. Your words really describe a vibrant spring and truly paint a colorful impression in my mind’s eye. Thanks for sharing this Kimberlee, it’s a joy to experience the seasons through your eyes.
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Thank you so much, Mark! I’m so blessed to have such lovely readers…I live in a beautiful part of the world which makes it easy to share.
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Spring is such a beautiful season, and a lovely time for the soul to feel the colours of nature..
And Kim, I’d like to thank you for following my blog/website, muchly appreciated, I hope you enjoy reading my humble writings, and I’m from Geelong, Australia. Cheers. Ivor. Here is my favourite spring song.
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Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your beautiful prose and song selection, I appreciate it a lot. Ivor!
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Whoops, here’s the song now
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Thank you!
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Beautiful spring! I love that natural cedar sculpture in particular! So lovely.
The world has been holding Paris in its arms. I do hope the unrest there is settled soon and peacefully.
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Thank you so much for stopping by, I’m so glad you enjoyed this spring read, Luanne!
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Thanks for providing it :)!
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Hi Kim, as always your words transport me into your world of beauty, with all of its promise of spring. Beautifully written. xx
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Your lovely words have warmed my heart, Miriam!
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I’m so glad!
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Spring is such a glorious season; everything comes back to life, bursting with radiant color and promises of new beginnings. 🙂
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The air changed the other day, it felt warmer and smelled more fragrant…it was then that I knew spring had finally made itself known and was here to stay!
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I adore those flowers you have there..its something we dont see here..and eagles flying?…whoa…that’s wonderful..i mean eagles are endangered here so i havnt actually seen one…you are so lucky to have them around…
As your words literally brought me to where you are now…
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I’m so glad that you’re able to join me on my journeys through my words, Mich! We definitely live near the wild…black bears and cougars are starting to appear in communities not far from where we live…thankfully, we only have the eagles above and majestic orcas swimming in our harbours here in downtown.
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Gorgeous! I love the details you use to conjure up spring – the change of shoes, the change in habits. And you also capture those changes of spring, where one day I feel light and airy (and wear my sandals!) and on another day, I still appreciate the warmth of a radiator and a hot drink.
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Thank you so much, Andrea, for your lovely words and for stopping by! Spring has decided to stay awhile and dreams of summer are starting to infuse our days…
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