Poking Through

The Snowbells came early this year, popping out of the ground with the jubilance of early spring. Just in time for the first measurable snowfall of the year. These little flowers are hardy though; as the snow melts outs over the next few days there they will be, refreshed by the welcome moisture.

Every year I stop and consider these flowers, the ones that brave the late winter snows and seem to thrive in the in-between times. They do not wait for more conventionally optimal growing conditions and as a result, don't have to compete with all the other spring flowers fighting for space and nutrients. I'm sure there is a lesson in there somewhere, or maybe that is anthropomorphizing.

Anthropomorphizing seems to generally be frowned upon in the scientific community, but what if it is really just identifying universal natural truths? We humans are of this natural world, no matter how much we try and escape it, so it stands to reason that the same forces that shape and drive the lives of these little Snowbells also have an effect on us. I think we would be foolish to think otherwise.

These themes are explored beautifully by the author Robin Wall Kimmerer in her books, Gathering Moss, Braiding Sweetgrass, and The Serviceberry. I can't recommend them enough. Her writing and messages are often in my mind when I ponder our place in this world.

One last thing, my Nature Journaling Winter/Spring '25 classes start tomorrow! Tomorrow's subject is winter sunsets. In this class we will explore some fun watercolor techniques to capture the brilliance of a Northern Arizona winter sunset. You can head over to my website here, to sign up. Hope to see you there.