happy 1st day of spring, dear trees!

"March 20, 2020 11:48 AM
Dear Faustina,
Time.
It’s what many of us seem to have to use differently these days as our country is asked to pause.
And even though that time cannot be spent as we may have expected,
it gives us a moment to take a
deep breath.
To appreciate the beauty in the little things.
And to contemplate what is important.
It may come as no surprise that trees have been among my most thoughtful contemplations this week.
Their steadfast presence is a comfort to me.
While our world is changing at this time, one thing that hasn’t changed is that the world needs trees.
We’re grateful for members like you who help us plant trees across the country and around the globe every day.
That work continues.
Thank you.
Right outside your window, trees are (quite literally) budding with expectation and hope — ready to unfurl their leaves and bloom once more after a winter of quiet.
Let us find strength in this idea.
Let it bring us all together in a time that we must maintain physical distance.
We hope you are safe and well.
If you can, take some time to connect with nature and allow it to inspire you.
Sincerely,
Matt Harris
Chief Executive
Arbor Day Foundation"

I was rather touched by this letter in my email.
I have to admit it may have partially inspired my picnic yesterday.
In any case, it was so lovely that I wanted to share it here.
I've peppered it with links to the posts about my Japanese magnolia, so be sure to stray off the path periodically and take in those.
(smile)

The photograph, though, is not of that tree I love so much, that tree which has existed in the front yard of this house since I was a girl who lived seven house away.
No, the tree above is of a tiny cherry tree downtown.
I first made its acquaintance last month.
It lives around the corner from the pretty little green fountain in Columbia Square.
I snapped the picture almost two weeks ago, after a musical at the Lucas, during a pause from eating ice cream.
(smile)

These cherry blossoms adorn a corner in my dining room.
With a little help from my friends - fellow sailors Beau Cherry and Art Koenig - I had obtained them during a spring festival in Okinawa.
Ever-blooming, they remind me of that happy time in my early 20's, running down the street with the branches in our hands, laughing, a crystallized memory tucked away.
i thank You, God.