Springing Into Action

I think it is finally here. A sure thing - spring. As of May 15th most weather gurus will tell you it is time to plant seeds in your garden and know that they will survive the weather. The days are longer, the moods are more temperate and life in general when the sun shines longer is easier. One thing for sure is that the traveling person has an easier luggage time. Boots are left in the hall closet, coats are hung carefully away and even an occasional umbrella is not a burden for the traveler. All these things put together make putting aside the winter a joyful time. Color has returned to often dull days.

There are of course many of you out there in cyberland that don't put up with the winter blues, the colorless days and for you I ask some patience, some thought for your sisters (and brothers) who don't have that joy but have another so profound that we would like to share it with you. The end of the winter season. There is nothing quite like coming out the other side. There is this unexplicable joy and delight and pride in having made it. We become taller and vainer and so obnoxious in our achievement that we are almost embarrassed to admit it. Not me!

Last week I was at a most interesting and unusual exhibit at the Modern Museum of Art in NY (MOMA). The artist had perfected a way, by using special light bulbs to extract all the color out of the art lovers walking through the exhibit. Casually walking through, unaware of what was happening, I glanced up and saw everyone in black and white. At first it was so frightening that I clutched my husband's arm and looked up at him only to see that his face was gray and his green plaid shirt was a perfect match! My colorful shirt was the same and everyone in the room was made to be the same skin tone. Although it was not the case we also seemed to be moving in slow motion - weighted down by the flat tones. We walked and walked and there seemed no relieve in sight - our world was gray - and then poof we all recovered. It was like walking through winter and coming out the other side. I cannot begin to describe the relief and the excitement I felt. I needed to repeat it all to feel it again. But just once!

The message then becomes what do we do with this gift of the lighter step, the joy of spring, the opportunity to shout (ladylike of course) about making our way through the maze and out. The challenge is to recognize it - to embrace it - and to not let it fall back. All seasons are special, each has its own charms and magic but spring holds promise. For a woman over 55 who understands the speed limit rev forward into this season and take time to plant seeds and delight in watching them blossom. If the winter has held its challenges then spring and summer will hold their rewards - if you let them.