I have mixed feelings about the arrival of June because it spells the end of spring and the beginning of summer. On the one hand, I am dreading the hot weather and being trapped inside the house with the air conditioning. On the other hand, I am excited about the change and looking forward to things like the summer solstice, the chorus of annual cicadas, twinkling fireflies, and long evenings.
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When April Feels Like May
The first thing I noticed upon leaving the house was that all of the typical springtime flowers are done and gone. We already have quite a few of what I grew up calling “summer” flowers. Some iris, a few peony (although mostly spent at this point), and lots of roses are blooming.
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Waiting for Rain
The following entry will describe a single weather event from the evening of April 24, 2026. This will be the first entry in the “Seasonfold Postcard” series.
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The World is Awake Again
Spring is well on its way and things are rapidly unfolding. Most of March felt like nothing was happening but now things are changing in leaps and bounds. Signs of new growth are multiplying like a fireworks display approaching the finale, with overlapping sounds and bursts of color everywhere you look. It seems everyday there is something new blooming or leafing out.
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A Delicate Green Veil
Outside the birds are singing. I can finally see tiny leaves appearing on the trees and I swear they were not there yesterday. The grass has started to grow again, showing short stems and vibrant green leaves. The wild Common Blue Violets (Viola sororia) have blossomed and their tiny blueish-purple flowers dot the grassy areas.
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The Space Between Seasons
We are still lingering in the in-between season, with one foot in winter and the other in spring. Newly sprouted bulbs are starting to fill out and I am finding tiny green leaves budding on the honeysuckle, but no flowers yet. Instead there is a strong sense that things are going on beneath the surface…
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Nature Journaling as the Seasons Shift
Blame it on the Lunar New Year and the vibrant energy of the Fire Horse, or perhaps its simply the slow return of sunlight. Whatever the reason, I have been feeling a growing pull toward creative pursuits beyond writing. Namely, nature journaling on little blank postcards.
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In Search of Spring
The edges of the snow seem to be receding. Everywhere around me is the sound of water dripping as the snow melts. Soon, it will all be gone. Especially since the high for today is expected to hit 60°F, which feels insanely warm for February. Perhaps I should go for a walk later.
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Warmth from Within
Snowy days like this make me want to retreat to the kitchen. A place of warmth, of hot coffee brewing (or tea) and the comfort of a good meal. Perhaps a pot is simmering on the stove, filling the house with it’s delicious aroma! However, food is more than just something to fill your belly and stop hunger pangs.
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Midwinter Rituals
This point in the calendar marks the half way point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. In traditions and cultures all around the world, from Christian to pagan and East to West, this date has been a time of celebration. We have made it through the darkest part of the year, inching ever closer to the start of spring, and that seems worthy of momentary pause.
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