| Big Valley here in central Pennsylvania bursts in bright green, full blossoms and new life. Grasses and early crops turn our fields spread on the valley floor more lime and chartreuse than brown. On the mountain ridges, speckles of green swell. Friends and neighbors are posting pictures full of the sweet, tender faces of chicks and just-born lambs, goats and calves.
After about a week away in my hometown of Cleveland, I returned this afternoon to find spring in full swing. There, too. These last few mornings I ran around my mother’s garden, photographing daffodils and Lenten rose, clematis buds and white blossoms of verbena.
But back home, my heart soars for Appalachian Spring. A few warm days unleashes this explosion of green. Our flowering trees erupt in the most perfect, delicate and fragrant white, pink and salmon blooms. The magenta redbud trees lace the roadside edges of the forest.
Temperatures reached the mid-80s today, a disturbing and dramatic departure from the average temps in the 60s. Last year, my photo archive tells me, we had snow on April 19. The redbuds did not bloom until late April.
Somehow, this spring unfolds even faster than usual. I always want to slow it down and find a way to wrap my arms around it and hang onto it. But then it would not be so special.
Spring Break
I’m taking a little “spring break” to post today with a roundup of the last several stories, just in case you missed any?!
This season of growth is exciting here at ThanksgivinginFebruary.com, too. I’ve been working hard on some new pieces and revising and reworking some from the archive. I’ve always loved the re-writing and revising work as much as that initial flash of inspiration that begins a piece.
Even more exciting to me is to pull out a “good” piece from a year ago, and see how much better it can be. This week, I reworked a story on making my grandmother’s recipe for “pascha” Easter bread: “Baking Bread Offers Connection.”
Last Saturday, for the first time, my mom and I made pacha together. It was a nice respite.
My goal is for these posts to be about a five-minute read. Getting there!
One more bit of fun news to share: I’m working with a favorite former editor to help polish the reflections and stories here. After a few years of DIY everything on this site, it’s nice to work on these pieces with an editor and friend — one who won’t let me get away with anything.
I’m posting here every Thursday. Follow on social, or sign up for the email list. Connect here.
Enjoy! Happy Spring!
The latest posts:
How do we cope with missing loved ones? Baking our family’s Slovak Easter bread helps me find strength and comfort in connection. Read more
We are all afraid of failure from time to time. Even Major League pitchers. Even writers. To conquer that fear: Trust Your Stuff. Read more.
Recalling visits to baseball spring training, watching the players and soaking up all that sunshine warms a restless and chilly night. Read more.
 Ah life! Anything can happen on any day. God is in control, many of us believe. Or fate. Or destiny. Even if it’s an illusion, I work toward a sense of control. Read more.
 Focusing on my small patch of fabric in the giant quilt of the world is a good reminder when I catch myself taking on the weight of the world’s suffering. Read more.
And here is one of my very favorite spring pieces:
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