illustration by janice richter
Can you feel it? The axis of the earth is increasing its tilt toward the sun. Our days are longer, filled with more light, and the crocuses have begun to peek through the thawing ground, harbingers of what will soon spring forth. The magnolia, cherry and quince are not far behind. Already the birds are rejoicing, busily readying their nests, and soon those sleep-sodden bears will come lumbering out, noses raised, in search of the skunk cabbage. I’m so excited to explore the vernal pools. I can hear them rushing in the woods, essentially huge puddles formed from melting snow and early spring rains. Last year we heard what sounded like a big flock of ducks making a ruckus—it turned out to be frogs, mating and spawning like mad! Now I’m determined to see some of those 9-inch spotted salamanders…
Our palates will soon awaken as well, tempted by the delicate flavors of the season: fresh goat cheese, the first slender stalks of asparagus, jade green fiddlehead ferns, tangy rhubarb. We will eat lighter foods and they will act like a tonic upon us, awakening what has lain dormant, much as the fresh air brushing against our skin is revitalizing. This is a wonderful time to do a cleansing fast, perhaps just two or three days of delicious, fresh juices.
And there is the matter of spring cleaning. It’s a great time to purge, cleanse, freshen and take stock. There is something about that sparkling feeling, wiping the slate clean, that allows you to move ahead with great optimism. More on this, in greater detail, later. For now, I urge you to shed some layers and wipe away the cobwebs—both literally and figuratively. Today, we are loosed from the shackles of winter and there is promise of great things to come.
