Today, the sun came out to play! Lately, it's been hiding away. In it's place, the clouds have had full sway. Drenching us with showers and occassionally startling me with a loud burst of thunder illuminated by brilliant crackles of lightning.
And, it is at precisely within this dark backdrop that my attention is captured by two flowering trees in the yard; in particular a magnolia tree plump with juicy pink blossoms. As if to say, 'I'm not worried about a little drama, it's time to strut my stuff!'
Sometimes strong storms visit West Michigan during the transition between winter and spring when the earth begins to resist the blanket of snow which has buried it for several months. The visitation of these strong winds has been known to topple even electrical poles as the rain melts what is left of the lingering snow.
At first, the grass barely yawns. It is haggard and brown, a condition reflected in trees with lifeless branches. But then something odd begins to appear. As the first storms drench the earth, the hardiest of plants begin to emerge...spring flowers like the daffodils. Have you noticed how incredibly bright these hardy souls are?
We can learn a lot from the first signs of spring. Lessons which are increasingly valuable in the times in which we live. One lesson which stands out to me is that storms are inevitable. And they are necessary. When the rain splatters against a hardened earth, the softening begins to make way for the shoots buried just underground. The strokes of lightning like a paint brush, transforms the dull grey to a brilliant green lush canvas.
I see my magnolia. Her arms reach towards the sky, confident that the sun will appear again. She is unafraid of the harshness of the circumstance. Instead, she chooses to launch out with confidence, her branches revealing a beauty which transcends the atmosphere raging around her. And with time, the sun does re-emerge. But, she doesn't skip a beat. Now her blossoms open in wide embrace as if to say, "I knew you'd be back!"
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Lola - Spring has reared its beautifully woven head. Actually, it's been hotter than a Naja Jolokia (world's hottest Chili Pepper). What is typically the norm for July & August here, has been peeking out at the end of April. The next two days will be back to reality though, so I'm going to soak this in while it lasts. Nicely written Lola, as usual:)
Jason...as a chilli lover, you've captured my attention. Sounds like your weather has been hotter than hot. We had one or two of those types of days here, but they were vanquished back to loiter until it was appropriate for them to show up again...like say summer?
Chicago weather is unpredictable, this morning it was cloudy, raining and now it's sunny. Last week Friday was excellent, we hit 87 in Nw suburbs. good post and well written Lola. I love your posts.
Well, my Daffodils are spent, just storing food for next year. The Tulips are in bloom but only for a few more days.
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Gladiola and Canna. Big, beautiful and very red.
Storms are just part of life Lola. This too shall pass.
Lola...
Without the storms we would cease to have a reason to grow. We'd remain children forever. Not that there's anything wrong with that :)
TLW...ROAR!
You have a beautiful way with words, and I found myself feeling like I was there. I think it is great writing when you involve the reader like that.
That is why it is always five o'clock somewhere and it is always raining somewhere else.
Lola, the most valuable lessons that I have learned in my life have been from the storms that I have encountered along the way. They shape us into who we are.
Suma, thanks for stopping by. We were in Chicago for a very short visit several weeks ago. I truly appreciate why it's called the windy city!
Gary, that's the message I got. Storms are as much a part of life as the sunshine. It's our response which makes all the difference in the world.
Lenn, sounds like we're a few weeks behind you. Do you have cherry blossoms in your area. Many years ago, I was in DC around the time when the cherry blossoms come out. It was wonderful! Tulips are peeking out over here too...in May, we have a celebration in Holland, MI for about a million of them. :)
TLW, storms do tend to force change. Being childlike is actually a pretty powerful thing. From my observation, children seem to be some of the most resilient people on the planet...and often the most forgiving don't you think?
Joe, what a charming compliment. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this experience through my blog post today.
George...interesting thought. Storms can be brutally painful. But that type of experience does tend to sharpen the senses and deliver a wisdom which would not have been present otherwise. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Lola...
Yes I do think. Of course I only do that when it's completely necessary. When I am not busy thinking, I am playing with my toy soldiers :)
TLW...ROAR!
Lola, great post, but even more, you are an incredible writer. You have an amazing ability to paint pictures with your words. :)
Wow this was like reading a beautiful poem! After a long day I came back to the office and what a nice suprise to read something your post. And I love the picure......beautiful. Storms help us grow and clean out the old. All good.
After this long cold snowy winter, spring is especially sweet. You painted a picture with words.
I agree with all those above...it would appear that you could write about anything and make it seem like we all missed something by not being there.
TLW...:)
Charles, thanks for your comment.
Mark, appreciate your kind compliment. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Ana...Thank you. The beginning sort of sounded like a rhyme didn't it? Not intended, but I'm glad you like the post.
Margaret...Thanks.
Kathy...your comment made me laugh out loud. Thank you.
Lola - You write beautifully! I enjoy your posts. Thanks!
Mary
Hi Lola -- I absolutely love magnolias. I have one in my yard and it's been amazing this past week.
Very well written. What was your major in college?? Loved the post. So descriptive and flowing.
Mary, appreciate your comment.
Chris, they're some of my favorite flowers too along with roses.
Judi...believe it or not, it was a double major in Nutrition/Dietetics & Food Service Management with an emphasis in Business.
I remember why we go through the Winters in Michigan. Spring is so spectacular. Thanks for the photo/
Lola,
This was beautiful to read from beginning to end. It just flowed and I imagined myself outside looking at my trees and hardy plants that are doing the same thing now. The storms are a necessary natural process and the junk can be weeded out to provide a landscape worth taking a moment and being proud of.
LOLA
Spring is most inspiring and you have captured it beautifully in this post.
We sure could use some rain here in Florida- under the blistering relentless sun our poor plants are struggling to remember what Spring is really supposed to feel like.