Magical False Spring

Sometimes, mid-winter, the temperature climbs, the snow melts, the creek runs strong and singing, and the sun shines. It's what we call a 'false spring,' because although it sure feels like spring for a few days, it won't be long until chill and snow return.

We have been enjoying these days of sun, no one as much as the dogs, who immediately jumped into the creek and ran like mad over the pressed carpet of brown leaves. Birds are chirping like it's spring, too, and the air is warm and friendly with their song.

Everything is brown and green, the colors of March. I try not to let it trick me into believing that winter is over. Though today I saw unfurling leaves on a naked stalk of elderberry, and the round dark green leaves of wild violets that grow so close to the ground almost convinced me.

But there will be snow again soon enough; birds and plants and creeks will go back to sleep under ice and grey skies. False spring gives us the gift of hope and reminds us what it feels like to be warm...reminds us that green and growth are on their way, if not quite yet.

xoxo country girl