Category Archives: Spring

Borrowed Words (3): KINDNESS

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Touch2Touch

In Japanese landscape gardening the word shakkei means “borrowed view.” The designer “borrows,” or incorporates, any view beyond property borders, thereby visually enlarging his own property and landscape.  In tough times of winter and darkness, cold and wind and discouragement, borrowed words have brought me (and … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Quotes, Spring, Wisdom | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

Welcome Dandelions, Welcome Spring!

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Touch2Touch

  Spring Just as we lose hope she ambles in, a late guest dragging her hem of wildflowers, her torn veil of mist, of light rain, blowing her dandelion breath in our ears; and we forgive her, turning from chilly … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Flowers, Nature, Poetry, Spring | Tagged , | 28 Comments

Hey, Fat Lady!

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Touch2Touch

“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings….”   It’s a great phrase, isn’t it? It references what used to be the stereotypically overweight sopranos of Grand Opera. (Since the advent of the Metropolitan Opera’s HD television simulcasts, we’ve been getting glamour … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels, Challenge, Etcetera, Life and Death, Nature, Personal Essay, Pioneer Valley, Spring, winter | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments

A Cherry Hung with Snow…

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Touch2Touch

Simply trust, Simply trust! Cherry blossoms in bloom                 Japanese haiku poet Kobayashi Issa It’s Japanese practice (as I understand it) to display each seasonal decoration, like this cherry blossom bonsai, a little in … Continue reading →

Posted in Flowers, Japan, Nature, Pioneer Valley, Poetry, Spring | Tagged , , , , | 31 Comments

Spring in the Heart

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Touch2Touch

Coming along the mountain path Somehow it tugs my heart Wild violet (trans. Lesley Downer) The mercury slunk down to – 12 Fahrenheit last night. Or thereabouts. At such low temperatures, what difference does it make? All is white, white, … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Flowers, Japan, Nature, Photography, Poetry, Spring, winter | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

SWEET PEA

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Touch2Touch

It’s a term of endearment here in the United States. “Ah, my little sweet pea, I love you so much!” But in my case, it’s very literal. I LOVE sweet peas, what are sometimes called shell peas, or English peas, … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Food, Happiness, Memory, Pioneer Valley, Spring | Tagged , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Like a Snake in Springtime …

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Touch2Touch

“The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die. As well the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be mind.” — Friedrich Nietzsche Spring, that season of new growth, is generally greeted with joy. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge, Etcetera, Nature, Personal Essay, Quotes, Spring, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , | 20 Comments

A Glimmer of Hope (3): NATURE

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Touch2Touch

Last week, the bombing of the Boston Marathon, another “little death” of innocence, plunged me into despair. Very slowly I began seeking, and finding, some glimmers of hope in an inner darkness: first came music, next came sharing of food, … Continue reading →

Posted in Color, Definitions, Etcetera, Flowers, Music, Nature, Personal Essay, Spring | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

HOW SWEET IT IS: The Gift of the Maples

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Touch2Touch

Here in New England (and all the way north into Canada), the deciduous sugar maple (Acer Saccharum) is leafless and barren in February, a dead sign of a dead land. Or would be — except that with the slightest daytime warming, sap … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Food, Nature, Personal Essay, Photography, Pioneer Valley, Spring | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

IN THE “GREENHOUSE”

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Touch2Touch

Only the “greenhouses” aren’t green — they’re white! Backing up a little, the two elite women’s colleges in the Pioneer Valley, Smith and Mount Holyoke, both do their bit to cheer up Valley residents in March with Spring Bulb Shows. Smith’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Color, Etcetera, Flowers, Nature, Photography, Pioneer Valley, Spring | Tagged , , , | 26 Comments