The Promise of Spring

O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?

~ Percy Bysshe Shelley

Remember me? Gosh, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. I just haven’t been into blogging these past few months: reading, writing, or otherwise. But I have thought quite often of the friends I've made here, and have wondered how you’re all doing. Funny how we touch each other's lives, even though we've never met. Many thanks to those of you who’ve written and wondered where I've been. Your emails have meant more than you can know.

I've certainly been busy: quilting, reading, overseeing a hardscape re-do on our backyard (I can't wait start planting!) I've become more and more involved with the American Association of University Women, helping to raise money for science-camp scholarships for local middle-school girls. I'm also deep into plans for my middle daughter's wedding in May. It's a joyous time, and a hectic time - all rolled into one! Somehow, I bet you can relate (is anyone’s life not hectic these days??)

Some of you may remember Mark, the first student I tutored at the jail? He was released in December, in time to spend Christmas with his family. I'm now tutoring a new inmate, Salvador, who's in his mid-30's and reads at a third grade level. My time with him will be short: he'll be released mid-February. My goal is to help him realize that he can learn, and that reading is enjoyable. We're hoping he'll transition into an adult literacy center in his community once he's released.

My whole reason for posting today was to share a couple of photos of my neighbor’s trees. The pictures are nothing special, even though the blossoms are! I can’t help thinking of how much of the country is suffering in this bitter cold winter we're having. Here in southern California, the trees are in glorious bloom.

So take heart, everyone – and keep your spirits up: spring is coming!


Until next time…