I have several small pots of orchids on my desk. They produce magnificent blooms that last for several weeks. When the flowers die, the stalk dries up, and the plant goes dormant and quiet. A few months later, a new stalk begins to grow, and then buds, and the these intricate flowers bloom once more. While I never tire of their beauty, I have to admit that I can go days and weeks without noticing them even though they sit right in front of me on my desk. It seems that I notice them most in the days following their blooming.
I have often wondered if I would appreciate the beauty of trees and flowers and grasses and birds as much as I do if I were surrounded by them year round. In the deep throws of a long winter of ice and snow, whites and blues, and shades of grey, I am waiting impatiently for spring; for warm air heavy with the scent of living things; for a world painted once more in greens and reds; for the sound of birds; for the sight of sprouts pushing up through hard earth; for fruit trees bursting in colour. Would I love Spring as much as if I did not experience Winter?
afternoonstorm 
I love Spring, those first rays of warmth as the Birds begin to Sing at dawn again which we seem to miss in those long winter months. I love the splashes of colour, Snow drops the first then crocus then the daffodils followed by tulips.. The trees and hedgerows sprouting their fresh leaves.. Apple and cherry blossoms, Magnolia’s.. argh…. Spring… Yes the cycle of Seasons .. A time for rest and a time for renewal….
Nature is perfect… in that she shows us the balance of things… too much a good thing all the time would we then know what the good times were?
We live in a world of duality… without the Dark we wouldn’t know the Light.. Without Sadness we would not know Happiness…. So Winter is showing us those same cycles…. and I smile at how perfect she is…. …. Lovely post Kim.. thank you xox Sue
Thanks Sue….and Exactly!!
I love all the seasons and do laugh at myself when I grow impatient at the end of each season, tiring of the cold I can’t wait for spring, tiring of the rain I can’t wait for summer sun, tiring of the heat I can’t wait for fall and then I do look forward to that first snow and sledding. Beautiful reminder Kim! Namaste – Marsia
I know!! It is so true. Kim
We are heading into winter in the Southern Hemisphere at present and my sister died just before the huge tulip tree in my backyard began to shed its leaves….It seemed so appropriate that an ending was coming but in the life cycle of a family this was one phase that has led onto new understandings and re-births. Sometimes we just have to accept the cold and dark, as the seed surrenders to the earth to transform and wait for things to turn so that a new phase unfolds. That is my experience. So when I cry now its not totally hopeless. I know something goes on and remains and there is still hope, even in the dark times
I am sorry to hear that you have just lost your sister; but I agree with your view. Grief and loss and darkness are part of life, just like joy and birth and light. We can’t really have one without the other. Sending my thoughts your way. Kim
Thank you Kim I appreciate your writing and your thoughts. Bless you.