Stephanie Marie Bureau

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Emerging Beauty

I live in So. CA where it is difficult to discern the transition from 'winter' to spring. My favorite sign of springtime is the blooming of daffodils and tulips. They are a sweet give-away that spring has arrived! The other dramatic change is the ability to leave my windows open throughout the day. The kittens find this a delightful treat versus staring through the glass as they have been through the winter.

As I pondered what to post, mental pictures of nature's beauty floated through my mind. I think of the earth, I mean the actual planet, as a giant organism. The emergence of spring represents a cycle of new life to this massive and perfect organism. Each seedling laying dormant under winter soil, feels the strengthening sun and lifts itself to move closer to that delicious, nurturing warmth.

When I contemplate the yearning, stretching seed, I recognize the mirror within myself for that strengthening comfort. I recognize the desire to paint my world with beauty. I understand why this is a time for 'spring' cleaning. It follows our natural inclination to create space, to clear away that which separates us from the sun. We want space and light and air to grow, just as plants and flowers.

I believe in nurturing our bodies, our minds and our souls. I trust that the 'tending' I provide to surrounding myself with beauty results in a joyful and peaceful harmony with my environment. I love to plant flowers, to fill my window boxes with gobs and gobs of tender plants that I watch miraculously transform to strong and sturdy, bountiful flowers. I love to encourage the first bloom of my roses as the perfume of that blossom seems more powerful than any other through the year. Is it that I've missed the aroma and therefore it's scent is more potent?

I am not privy to your expression of creating beauty - but I wish for you the miracle of new life, fresh scents and sun filled days. May you flourish alongside the bounty of spring!