cross posted from my facebook... yes, I'm on facebook....?!

This is from when I went to Princeton for a conference the weekend before last. I'm amused at traveling in spring time, because it feels like I go back and forth in the season. This past weekend I went to Bowling Green and went forward in time (all of their irises were out!) ... but there wasn't much time to stop and write.
****
Oh Second Spring
with this trip I travel back in time to the prime of
daffodils, forsythia, spring beauty,
unbloomed violets, third trimester tree buds
heavy with anticipation.

my hands muddied by the pursuit of
a ramp, red leaved at the base

with this stream I am soothed,
what comes to mind are words not my own
"the bioremediation of the soul"
I am calmed by the stream's pace
not much faster than mine

I am filled with gratitude for the geese overhead
and delight in the waiting game of
spotted trout lilies, and spotting a few that have sprung.

I am in love with the muck of spring's birth
and contemplate a trip sometime in the future
where I could walk slowly
at the pace of springtime
north somewhere.

As predicted I feel the pull of obligation
back to this conference,
which has brought me to this place....
but not without acknowledging that it is
this woods that brought me --here--

For pete's sake! I want to know the steps of this dance
the details of the march these woods take
through the seasons
what to find when

I want to know and honor all of these small
green things.

I have not found my life's work,
but I am certain--
this learning is my life's joy.

Here are lots of photos that have been waiting to be shared. It is official... my laptop and former cell phone have died.... Let me know if you want my new number. Here is a photo ramble:

a yard full of violets

Love me some daffodils... ain't no joke.

dusk throws some pretty pothos shadows.

have a seat!

grow babies grow! little windowsill lettuce.

"Cheap sk8." Tuesdays. Old Town. 6-8. Dinner for purhcase.

If you visit the hobbit home, I will put you to work. Just ask Nick and Greg.

These flowers will grow up to be pears!

well... we only had two pairs of gloves...

again, the shadows of dusk.

old time fun. Note-afghan made by grams j.

Best fun $2 can buy ya.

hobbit home from a distance... thank all goodness for the westward window.

more walnuts to crack. Thanks Fred for the loan of splittin' equipment.

Much to be grateful for on this beautiful spring morning!

the list:
-m&ms in the morning
-lime plaster painting with jessa
-music in the office (80s!)
-cheap sk8
-community dinners
-the conference room at work (and it's windows)
-the new blue wall in my office!
-facilities folks who have been painting CELTS, they're a real hoot (Kyle and Richard)
-garden sprouts
-going to bed early
-clean, cold water, for which I have done little to deserve access to
-rambles, of all kinds