Winter comes early in the north.  The last of Octobers warm sun replaced by the icy chill of the north wind, signaling the end of autumn.  The fawns innocent days of plenty are now replaced by hunger pains and frigid days with little sun to warm herself.  If she makes it to spring, she will be one of the lucky ones.

Those who can, fly south for the winter to escape the darkness.  They escape to places far away from the cold, dark world of white.  Others simply fall asleep to dream of the spring to come.

After many long months, a glimmer of hope appears one afternoon on the wings of the south wind.  Just a hint of hope to be followed by more icy chill, but hope non the less.  And hope is the very best of things.

It starts out slowly.  One day the temperature claws its way into the twenties (above zero!) for the first time in months, warming anything it touches……..more hope.

Within a few weeks, the snow and ice is slowly melting as it is warmed by the powerful sun and the days seems to get longer with each passing night.  The nights remain frigid, but there is no stopping it now.  Hope has exploded into optimism and even excitement on the warm, sunny spring mornings.

“The spring greets the skin as butterfly wings greet the air, with gentle uplifting confidence.”  -Angela Abraham

As the sun slowly warms the earth, the ice on the lakes begins to crack and groan, knowing that it has lost the battle yet again.  Its days are numbered now.  Its grip broken by the hope of spring.

And then something magical happens.  The first brave robin returns, its song unmistakeable.  For days he may sing to himself, anxiously awaiting a reply to his lonesome call, but the power of his song makes the world burst into glorious splendor.  He won’t sing to himself much longer.  His optimism is infectious and others will soon follow.  The ice has pulled away from the shore a little now, creating just enough open water for the show to begin.  A show like no other.

At first it’s one or two……..but the others aren’t far behind.  They are all dressed up in their sunday best to impress the girls……..their feathers all colors of the rainbow, even some that seemingly change color as they dance.  The drake ducks have returned to the northland in all their spring glory.  This spectacle has to be experienced.

With each passing day, winter loses more of its icy grip and the spring symphony orchestra is warming up.  Their music brings hope, energy and excitement on the wind.

Close your eyes and soak it all in.  The warmth of the sun on your face, the unmistakeable call of the red winged blackbird……….if you listen carefully, you can hear the excitement in the chickadees’ call.  The ice is beginning to move now, breaking away from the shore…….its chimes adding to the spring symphony,  soon to be replaced by the sound of waves lapping against the shore in perfect rhythm.  Even the wind carries the excitement as it chases itself through the pine branches.

And then one evening the love songs begin their crescendo from the nearby pond.  A love song like no other, they sing in chorus.  A bursting love song for all to hear.  The frogs have awoken.

“Their is a playfullness in nature, in the skies, woodland and soil.  The time of plenty is coming and the joy of coming abundance energizes the air, in rain or shine there is new warmth, inviting us to smile.  The greenness of the grass is soon to be echoed by the trees, while the flowers primise their rainbow garland.”  -Angela Abraham

They arrive fashionably late and everyone is anxiously waiting.  The symphony cannot truly begin the show without them.  They, after all, are the conductor.  Their songs complete the symphony.  The ice is mostly gone now, springs first good rain has taken its toll.  The chimes of the ice are replaced by the most mesmerizing sound on earth……Gods gift to each and every one of us.  I believe that is the loons purpose.  Each evening they sing their emotional love song to perfection……..each morning they greet the sun with the second of their symphonies.  The song that everyone has been waiting for…….the final sign that hope has once again prevailed.

Winter will have to stand idly by while the hope of spring bursts forth.  The time of warmth and plenty has arrived just in time for all the newest members of the symphony to add their voices.

“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”  -Lily Pulitzer