Dearest Winter Body,

You may have noticed the buds abounding in the garden. Yes. In spite of the chill temperatures and days and days of pounding unrelenting rain, spring is moving forward with its blessed perennial plan. I’m sure you’ve seen the signs. The crocuses next door. The quince in the back of the garden.

The volunteer lettuces, which so graciously reseeded themselves for the second year in a row. Oh, yes. I counted a dozen or so just this week, amidst the sprouting arugula (and a weed or two!).

And no doubt you’ve seen the campanula, which will before long be sending forth their bright blue blossoms!

And underneath one of the patio tables mounds and mounds of California poppies have sprung, this year casting a much wider net than last, happy me.

Out front I spotted an unreasonably brave nasturtium! I do hope it knows something I do not!

And even the lovely camellias are poised to unfurl.

And you know what all this means, don’t you? We have to get to work.

And in this quiet moment on a Sunday afternoon, I want to make a solemn pact with you, that even as the smallest plant is preparing for the inevitable burst of flower, vegetable and fruit and all that that entails, I will take the requisite and corresponding preparatory steps, precautions and measures you so deserve. For I know I have opted to sit too long, walk not quite enough, trek not at all in these grey days of winter. While no doubt I have given you plenty of rest, bathed you often and offered plenty of fresh, healthy food, I am still sure enough that not as much dancing or yoga prevailed as would have been optimal. Not really. A twirl here. A wiggle wiggle there. But not the full out movement that would have prepared you for a life of summer months and all that outdoor life requires. Sadly, no. So here is my prescriptive for now ’till spring.

A healthy measure of music that makes you move! We can begin with a gentle start, say, with Imogen Heap’s “First Train Home.”

Then you have to admit that Leighton Meester and Robin Thicke pair up for an inspiring duo which gets us moving in the right direction!

Aerobic activity is not enough. Gardening is a demanding activity that requires lean strong muscles and those muscles need to be well stretched. My favorite, as you know, is Rodney Yee.

And while gardening is a meditation in itself, the gentle soothing music of Deva Premal prepares us for a day of centered, grounded activity.

We will be ready for all that our garden deserves and demands. We will plant our seeds. We will pull the weeds. We will carry what needs to be recycled. We will rake, yes, we will. We will water and feed. And we will harvest. Indeed. And we will love and be grateful for every single minute. Promise.

Love and winter blessings,
Kathryn xoxo

Posted on February 7th, 2010 by Kathryn
Filed under: People at Life