“May the sun bring you energy by day, may the moon softly restore you at night. May the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength onto your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.” – Apache blessing

Spring has finally arrived full force in Minnesota and has washed away the barren brown and dirt, and sprung new life. All around, trees are bursting in electrifying green and the fragrant blossoming trees delight not only the eyes but their scent beckons the soul.

I always feel utterly alive and reborn once spring arrives here after a long, cold and often dreary winter. The energy of life and rebirth captivate my soul, as Mother Nature stuns us with her beauty.

Minnesota Spring Flower

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air’s salubrity”. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Minnesota Spring Flower

Minnesota Spring Flower

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confuscius

Minnesota Spring Flower

Minnesota Spring Flower

Minnesota Spring Flower

“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” – Kahlil Gibran

Minnesota Spring Flower

Perhaps Spring comes to remind us that not all is lost and dark. All that is cold and long shall soon be reborn and return. Oh Mother Nature, how I admire your resilience in face of so much strain.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Admiration. All photos were taken today at the Lake Harriet Rose Garden. 

60 comments

  1. Spring is definitely my favorite time of year! I love seeing all the new growth of tiny leaf buds and the burst of green and color. You have captured of so beautifully in your photographs. We are not usually in the U.S. at this time of year, but here we are on Chicago enjoying the first signs of Spring.

  2. Beautiful photos Nicole. I always love seeing the poppies of spring. They are one of my favourite flowers. We both did flower posts at the same time!
    Alison

      1. Ha Ha…do you have any pictures form the Yukon? I don’t know much about that part of your life Alison. What is it like there?

      2. I have a few pictures in a box in the back of our storage locker. I didn’t have a camera in those days. I was there 84-90 and 95-97. One of these days I’ll write about it. I lived in an old cabin with a wood stove. in summers I cooked in wilderness big-game-hunting and gold mining camps. In winters I cross-country skied a lot. It was a whole other life.

      3. What an interesting story Alison. Did you know Don then? You have to write about it someday. I would love to hear more.

  3. Hurrah for color, Nicole! It’s grey and gloomy here again today, but our lilacs are getting closer and closer to blooming, so I’m excited. Have a marvelous Sunday.

    janet

      1. It was rainy and chilly in Champaign, but now that I’m home, it’s sunny and nice. We may have some more rain later mid-week, but it looks to be quite warm by the end of it. I’m ready.

      2. Yes it has finally been gorgeous here. A big sigh of relief! 🙂 Now I just need some more sleep. Puppy is still keeping me up a lot. I’m not a good sleeper as it is so its been hard. But I know it will get easier much sooner than it did with the kids! 🙂

      3. Oh yes. That is a big thank goodness. I had a rough time with the baby phase. I’m glad I’m past it. Kids now are 9 and 11 so life is much easier but puppy through me in a spin. He is cute though.

  4. Wonderful tribute to the start of Spring, Nicole, and such an inspiring post to begin a new season of hope. Just beautiful.

    1. Thanks Miriam! Now I just need some sleep. Never realized how hard it was with a new puppy keeping me up all night. I’ve been a little cranky despite the glorious weather.

      1. I’m sure they will. I just don’t do well with transition and lack of sleep. I’ve fallen behind in the blog but most of all the sleep deprivation has been the toughest. It reminds me of when my kids were babies and how I didn’t sleep much for years. It was so hard. Good news is things will get easier soon. 🙂

      2. I feel for you Nicole. But glad to hear that things will get better. Just keep reminding yourself that this is temporary. 🙂

      3. That’s great, I’m smiling at the picture you painted. It’s 11.20am here and I’m just about to go out and hit the shops for some things I need. Have a great night Nicole. 🙂

      1. Thanks so much Nicole. We are so lucky to have a 10 year old step granddaughter and this is our first baby. 🙂

  5. I have to admit that while I am not much of a fan of floral pictures, I thought these were fantastic! I am glad that spring has found its way to you.

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