A while back, we had a plaque with what I assumed was an Irish blessing:

                           " May you always know three welcomes:

                                     At a fireside in winter

                                     In a garden in summer

                                     And no matter the season -

                                     In the kind eyes of a friend"

I have been blessed to know all three...and would like to add a few more:

                                   In the solitude of a summer woods

                                   In the sparkle of sunlit diamonds - dancing on water

                                   In a warm home - with the smell and promise of dinner in the air

                                   Under the covers - with a steady rain on the roof

Just such a rain is beating with purpose on the window as I launch this blog. If you are reading it, I thank you for the courtesy. I look forward to comitting thought to paper...that is...screen!

Like many, I spent some hours in the garden this past weekend. Last year's death magically became this year's life. Lifting the matted blanket of dead leaves uncovered a variety of small sprouts already pushing through the ground. The strength they have to pierce obstacles is always a marvel. Opening a garden for the season is an opportunity to experience past, present, and future simultaneously. I always find my garden moments my most therapeutic remedy for all troubles.

And so I welcome you to my blog with a wave from the crocuses...

      (crocus, croci, and crocuses...all acceptable I just learned!)

that will greet me in a moment as I leave this coziness and start the day.... May your day be special.