Spring renewal

Spring begins to appear here in full force... snow is melting and temperatures are unpredictable. Yesterday it was nearly + 11 Celsius, last night rain turned to snow, and today has been hovering around + 2. Heavy winter wear is turning to light coats, regular shoes, and gloves are becoming an optional item to consider when exiting the house in the morning. I'm told it's a bit too early to be a real spring, but it still feels good as everything awakens from a very gray (if not very harsh) winter.

I like the spring, and, although it is still present in places without a four-season climate, I still missed it when I was living in California and Mexico. Spring is a time of renewal -- remembering you are alive, emerging from hibernation, and sprouting forth with new energy and focus. It is also a time when it is nearly impossible to pay attention. Longer days. Sunshine and blue skies calling you outside. When it is nice here, I can't bear to be inside -- my whole self responds to the change in nature, and I, too, want to join in its rejuvenation!

That said, today was incredibly sunny all morning -- blue skies, birds chirping, sun -- and I did not make it outside for a walk until after the gray clouds had taken over. Oops! Then again, sometimes if you have enough energy in the morning, you can create your own sunshine!

There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun. Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)

This stream-of-consciousness post is merely to inform you of another kind of renewal: My grant as an English Language Fellow has been extended here in Tartu for another academic year! I have been waiting since nearly December to hear whether or not the position was approved, and I was informed last week that it will be continued. This is very rejuvenating... I have the peace of knowing where I'll be next year and a new sense of motivation and energy to apply towards my work in Tartu. I already benefit from understanding that my investment here will not be confined to one academic year.

Renewal. Spring. Sunshine. Energy. Transformation.

Pretty good stuff.