Monday, March 26, 2012

Feeling a Bit "Scrunched"...

I am so thankful that spring is here... but, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything that I need to do - and do fast!

During the next 12 weeks, I have a son graduating from high school, the anticipated birth of my first grandchild, the opening of a Community Services Building that I am in charge of - yikes! These, in addition to all that comes with spring and gardening - yep, I am scrunched!

So, what do I do when I am being squeezed from all ends? Here are a few of my coping techniques:

1. Walks - I take time to get outside and power walk to burn off the feeling of being overwhelmed.

2. Mint Tea - I make and drink lots of it - it is very soothing.

3.  Laugh - I take time to find the "funny" in this craziness, and laugh when I find it.

4.  Love - I make a point of letting those around me know that in spite of the fact I am busy - I am thinking of them and love them very much.

5. Pray - over and over and over...

6.  Gratitude - I acknowledge how blessed I am to have such a rich and full life!

What do you do when you feel "scrunched"??

Lisa

Friday, March 16, 2012

Hello, Spring!!

I cannot believe that spring has sprung! My closets, gardens, windows, lawn mower, and various projects may not be ready, but boy my spirit is! I am loving it!

I worked several evenings this week, catching up on projects, so that I could have this glorious Friday off.... and am I ever glad I did!

I took a walk around our prairie hill this morning, searching out the tulips that have pushed one or two leaves up through the warming soil. 

The daffodils are in full bloom, with their yellow heads dancing and swaying in the warm breeze.

No sign of the asparagus I planted last year, but the irises that are in the adjacent bed have jutted out of the ground, with leaves about a hand high.

I plan to linger just a bit longer in this early thaw, before I kick into gear and officially become a gardener!

Enjoy, everyone!

Lisa

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The sound that says "SPRING"!!....

Last night, my husband called to me as he stood at the backdoor, "Come here and listen." I joined him on the back porch, and heard that sweet sound (well,it is still sweet this time of year) - that faint, "eeep.....eeeep...." - the call of the first peepers.


This sound was not part of my childhood. I grew up in a major metropolitan area. But, now that I live on my meadowed farm, I have learned to listen for it - to "listen" for spring.


The peepers generally begin in March, but you never know when. The sound sneaks up on you - I am always surprised and so delighted to hear those first "peeps". 


Sometimes, the peepers are off to a false start; they wake up and start their peeping, only to receive a blast of cold air - which quiets them for the time being. But, you know that they are there - that the lull is brief  - just a rest. And, each time the air warms, the peeps are a bit louder, a bit stronger. By the time the cold blasts have been pushed north for the season, the sound of the peepers is deafening!


So "Good morning" peepers! Wake up, world!
Lisa