Spring has sprung!

Here we are, at the beginning of a new cycle. I don’t know about you, but I’m ever so happy to have made it to the other side of the past year. As the saying goes, hindsight is 2020, and does that ever apply to life these days.

Over the past year, I did learn to bake a mean sourdough loaf, and I conquered my fear of other lengthy baking preparations – I can now make croissants and puff pastry. I also had a wicked garden full of herbs and edible blossoms last summer, giving me inspiration to create new herb blends, tisanes, and even a few herb salts.

All these things are new skills I add to my quiver. I can duplicate them in the new world, making me an even more grateful gourmand. Food has always been a way for me to express my gratitude, and having new ways to do that has been wonderful, even if it has been remotely that I have shared.

We are moving into our new world at a tortoise’s pace, not the hare one might hope for in spring metaphors. Nevertheless, hope does spring eternal and so I am using enthusiasm as my fuel until I can employ real action. Mother Nature’s efforts to showcase the new season help keep my energy up. Does your heart lift when you hear the first robins of spring, or see the first green shoots?

Here in the Okanagan we are blessed with a mild Canadian climate. The crocus blossoms are out, and the daffodils and tulips are not far behind. My mint is pushing up through the garden dirt, and the rhubarb has shown its face, too. But my favourite harbinger of spring is something that exhibits all the signature qualities of the season of new things… cute and fuzzy pussywillows!

One of the other qualities of spring is that it tends to go over board. The possible storms and floods of the season are not much fun, but an overload of love can be just what one might need – especially after the year we just had. Family and friends provide that support we all need, and I know many have dug deep to find new ways to connect.

For us at Rabbit Hollow, the new abundance of love we felt was a puppy. I feel ever-so-fortunate to have a creature to hug and snuggle and love, who loves us unconditionally. She is like our very own personal Easter Bunny, bringing energy and love and happiness.

our 2021 family portrait

What new habits have you adopted in our new world? Are you proud of any new skills? We have made it here, and we can keep going. Even though spring may be unpredictable with its weather and its timing, it never fails to offer us a fresh start. Let’s skip through that new grass, inhale those blossoms, and hum along with the birds!

“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”

– Lilly Pulitzer