Spring in Full Force
Spring has arrived in full force.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here. Life got a little wild for a stretch, and when that happens, I tend to go radio silent. I turn inward. I don’t have the energy to share until I’ve sorted things out within myself first. Sometimes my energy feels limited and needs careful direction; other times it feels like it’s pouring out of me, so abundant it can’t be contained.
Right now, that energy feels focused—in the best way. Most of it goes into my daily work, and whatever remains flows straight into the garden. It’s a balance that feels grounding and right. The weather has been generous lately, making it possible to keep up with chores and enjoy the rhythm of steady progress.
One of the biggest projects recently was completing a new fence that now surrounds all of my willow. In a way, the garden expanded once again—and this truly will be the last expansion. Managing everything on my own is already a lot, but leaving the willow unprotected wasn’t an option after watching it grow all season only to be stripped bare by deer and elk at the very end.
That was a hard lesson learned. A sad one—but also motivating. Sometimes it takes a tough astrological square to push us toward what needs to be done.
Garden cleanup is always ongoing, but the majority is finished for now. Perennials are trimmed and ready. New vegetable beds are uncovered, and drip lines are in place, waiting for the right soil temperatures before planting begins. The willow beds are weeded and cleaned out. Soon it will be time for straw and cardboard—my annual ritual for keeping the weeds at bay.
The weather has been wonderful, and Mother Nature is fully in her glory. Plants are blooming and dreaming. Warm breezes feel deeply calming after the long winter chill. This season also brought new life in the form of baby chicks—and, for the first time, a rooster. I hope he stays as sweet as he is now. He’s surprisingly cuddly.
My spirit feels lighter these days. I feel pretty good about where I am in this life, right now. I’m also in the final stages of a new weaving draft, designed in linen—my favorite fiber. It feels fitting to create with linen at this moment: strong, timeless, and quietly beautiful, much like this season itself.
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
-Margaret atwood