Five on Friday: A Lesson in Resilience

" You can (snow on) all the flowers but you

cannot keep the Spring from coming. "

PABLO NERUDA

We're traveling to attend and celebrate my niece's university graduation today. So this post is short and sweet—you'll hardly have time to drink your tea or coffee, it'll be that quick.

In spite of the snow, in spite of the (welcome) rain that fell, both on the same day this week, our spring bulbs continue to open and spread joyful colour in our still mostly brown garden. I meant to take photos the previous night but when it got too dark I decided to go out first thing in the morning. Alas, they were covered in snow. But no worries, for here they are, none the worse for their experience.

Spring bulbs inspire me, they really do. Against all odds, their delicate blossoms disguise how hardy they really are in the face of winter's bullying tactics. I love their resilience. And their resolve. At the first hints of warming air and soil, they push tiny shoots towards the sun—determined to fulfill their destiny—vibrating hope and cheer to a winter tired world. Surely they offer a lesson for us; however, there's no time to pursue now. And no time today to uncover the names of these little treasures for you.

On that note, I give you Five on Friday with a few photos of our spring bulbs that, despite all weather conditions, continue to proclaim, "Spring is here! Spring is here!" In northerly Alberta, we are ever grateful for that cheerful reminder.

ONE

" The hardy bulb

never doubts spring will come. "

BL

TWO

" Despite the forecast,

live like it's Spring. "

LILLY PULITZER

THREE

" Never yet was a springtime,

when the buds forgot to bloom. "

MARGARET ELIZABETH SANGSTER

FOUR

" It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is.

And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite

know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes

your heart ache, you want it so!

MARK TWAIN

 

FIVE

" I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am

going to look around at all the flowers, and look up

at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.

    ANNE LAMOTT

BONUS

" Spring grew on (...) and a greenness grew over those brown beds,

which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed

them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps. "

CHARLOTTE BRONTË, Jane Eyre

❦

Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

Be like the spring bulb and keep the faith.

Brenda

Photos are mine