sounds of spring

yesterday, when i dashed outside to walk the puppies, the frigid air was full of birdsong. today, a plaintive cheep-cheep greeted us, although the car informed me that it's all of -3 degrees.

this morning, when i drove libby up the hill to meet the school bus, i remarked that in a few more weeks, i'll need my sunglasses. spring's coming, i said. hear the bird?

doesnt it know its freezing out, she asked.

i'm sure it knows it's freezing, i answered, but it's responding to the light. it's not the cold that drives the bird's behavior...it's the light.

the light is definitely growing stronger. we've turned a corner in the year... february 2 - degraded now to groundshog's day, or coopted as the feast of st. blaise - was once recognized as the ancient feast of imbolc, a celebration of new milk, new lambs and the ever-strengthening sun.

in my house, it's time to consider spring spruce-ups. this week i've made a list, room by room, of all the projects i'd like to accomplish in them by the end of this summer. some, like refinishing pieces of furniture and painting walls, will have to wait for warmer weather. but a few - like new curtains and shower curtains and a new headboard - don't have to wait.

but first, im off to scatter birdseed.

and furthermore, the war WILL end. blessed be.