Each year, I write down the date of the first time I hear the spring peepers singing in morning´s pre-dawn moments while walking into my school building. I have heard them as early as the last week of February in some years, whereas in others, it’s been as late as mid-April.

My heart galloped last Thursday when I heard them on March 2, 2023, much to the chagrin of the groundhog who predicted six more weeks of winter, I’m sure.

The song of the peepers is my favorite spring harbinger, for their chorus signals that we are on the downside of winter´s hump of darkness and cruising to more daylight hours and new life sprouting in nature. 

We still may have to deal with bone-chilling temperatures and sloppy precipitation, but the moment I can stop using my car´s seat warmer is hiding within the calendar. 

It won’t be long until the tiny blue and white weed flowers spring up between the cracks of the sidewalk or scattered among the fresh, green blades of grass and grape hyacinths shooting out of nowhere in the brown, barren yard.

Spring training baseball is another one of my favorite seasonal precursors. The cracks of the bats, the voices of announcers and umpires, and the cheers (or boos, as it may be) of the crowd on my television sends waves of comfort like no other through my body, and is one of the first indications we are collectively riding spring’s upswing.

And guess what? Yesterday, I noticed a neighborhood cherry tree’s delicate pink blossoms already open and facing the sun.

My intention this year is to slow down and delight in all things spring while disregarding distractions. I will watch the sunrise´s and sunset’s changing colors a little longer. I will inhale deep the clean, rain-sprinkled air and the fragrance of the honeysuckles riding the breeze any chance I get. I will run the silky satinness of new growth through my fingers. I will listen to the peepers and birds serenading the world at the day’s beginning and end. I will enjoy the taste of fresh, springtime strawberries and lie on the grass to watch the clouds pass by above me. I will take my time while walking in nature and let all of my senses play like a child. And most importantly, I will navigate my journey to publication with curiosity, enthusiasm, and pride.

Yes, I will enjoy this equinox and savor this spring.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. I am glad you are here.

With light and gratitude,

Jill

“Savor the Spring” was posted on jillocone.com on March 8, 2023. Views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the writer, who was not endorsed or compensated in any manner by any entity; views do not represent any of my employers. Copyright 2023, Jill Ocone. All rights reserved. Contact jillocone@gmail.com with reposting, licensing, and publishing inquiries.