Tuesday 23 September 2014

SOUTHERN SPRING EQUINOX, 2014

“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” - Henry David Thoreau

I woke up early today to a beautiful sunrise. The sun came up through the scant clouds on the East and was a warm yellow orange. As I drew the curtain the rays caressed the walls leaving a trail of optimism on the wallpaper. I tip-toed down the stairs and went out into the garden. One of the glories of Spring in the garden is the onslaught of fragrances from the blooming flowers. As much as possible we try and plant perfumed flowers in our garden. An aromatic mixture of jasmine, pittosporum, freesia, bluebells, late blooming hyacinths, lilacs and the freshness of the early morning as the sun rises cannot help but make one feel good.


The floral smells were soon replaced by that of freshly brewing coffee in the kitchen, and that most delicious and homely of smells, bread toasting. Breakfast is a good time, a time when one can prepare for the world outside the protection of one's home. A time when one can take energy for the demands of the day ahead. A time when one may exchange pleasant words, soft smiles and revel in the intimacy that will be lacking in the next few hours.


Breakfast is also another of the times when the soft strains of classical music resonate through the house. We usually listen to ABC Classic FM and the breakfast program is usually light and fluffy, with a wealth of short pieces by a variety of composers, from the Renaissance through to the Romantics, but always a fair slew of Baroque music - just the sort of thing to listen to during breakfast.


It turned out to be a brilliant, very warm, sunshine-filled Spring day. We enjoyed the sun and birdsong, the flowers and the warmth. The windows of the house were open, the heaters well and truly turned off and even dinner was seasonally adjusted with asparagus quiche, fresh garden salad and lemon sorbet for dessert. A delightful day that left us thankful for life and its bounty, which good fortune has allowed us to enjoy.


I realise that as we enjoy Spring and its delights, many of my friends in the Northern hemisphere are embarking on the more sombre voyage of Autumn. However, one must take delight in whatever each season metes out, for there are many pleasures that are specific to each one. On this day of the Spring Equinox (or Autumn Equinox, if you live up North!), enjoy the natural delights of your season…

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