Whispers of Spring

I was washing up the dishes this morning and noticed a little robin sitting on the roof of my garage. He was just surveying his surrounds quietly. Then off he flew. I dried my hands and stepped out the back door, there he was again, perched high up on a twig. His view now reaching further than just the immediate neighbouring gardens

Oh, to be a bird and be able to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the world below. It reminded me of The Swing, a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson. 

As a child we lived in a house on a hill, you could see for miles as our suburb was new and the surrounding areas undeveloped. I could see the cars and lorry's beetling along the road in the distance and for some reason, it was comforting to know that the world was going about its business and I was safely at home.

We are expecting rain today so while the skies were clear I thought I would go for a walk along the canal. With our move set to happen over the next few weeks, I want to enjoy this familiar walk as much as possible. Although I must admit, I'm looking forward to discovering more walks with a lot less traffic to have to navigate before I reach a tranquil setting!

Even as I walked along the towpath, the clouds began to roll in and the wind pick up. I always love seeing the canal boats moored up alongside the towpath. In winter many of them have their woodstoves burning and soft plumes of woodsmoke drift gently into the icy air. I think they would make a lovely illustration.

Back home and it's time to feed the birds and top up their water. I've noticed a marked increase in bird activity of late. I love watching the robins dart in and out of the garden, and the blackbirds as they hop about in the flower beds, picking at fallen leaves to see what tasty morsels they can find to eat.

My attention turns to the garden which is beginning to show signs of life. A sense of joy wells up when I see winter flowering plants doing well like my snowdrops and hellebores and especially when I see spring bulbs pushing through the earth.

March is the month I look forward to most as there seems to be a tangible difference in the days. It may still be predominantly stormy and grey, but the days are longer and that makes such a difference.

Anyhoo lovelies, I hope that you are having a good week and finding lots of ordinary things to take joy in. Apparently we are expecting sunnier days later this week, so I am going to make the most of that! I'm feeling the urge to start planting again - I'll have to check my month-by-month gardening book and see what I can start to sow!

Until next time...