They are the first to grow their leaves in the spring and the last to lose them in the fall. Like a good friend, they are there for the transitions. Willows are known for their fortitude and tenacity to live. Gentility, strength, elegance, shelter from the sun…thank you, Willow.
I often walk around our house and marvel at nature, breathe it all in. Every season has its own fun, but spring makes me want to dance and sing and breathe a little deeper and smile.
Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
—Thomas Blackburn, “An Easter Hymn”

color returns: variegated red stem dogwood, daffodils

the same magnolia tree a few weeks ago