Images of Spring

After my return from Green Lake, May seemed to pass in an instant.  I plunged immediately back into work, and the weekends became more a time for recovery than reflection.  The month seemed rushed and didn't leave a strong impression -- like a limp handshake.

However, as I revisit some of the photographs from this month, I remember moments -- days even -- when I slowed down enough to pay attention:  the Co-op clean-up; a canoe ride along the Rideau; evening bicycle rides.

Although the calendar may still show summer a few days off, it has arrived in Ottawa with a blazing afternoon sky, heavy air and evening thunderstorms, nights in the cooling breeze of a fan across bare skin.  Out in the countryside, some farmers brought in the first hay more than a week ago.  Grasses stand high in the fields, gaily decorated with daubs of bright daisies.  They invite a stroll, a stem dangling between the lips, a flattened space and idle hours spent watching clouds.  Oh, to have the time! 

Late last week, when Lyla and Ella came down for two nights, we all gathered on the front porch to watch a storm roll over the house:  lightning and thunder, and rain hammering off the pavement.  Tom and Ben took the girls dancing on the sidewalk in the rain, to joyful upturned faces, laughter and giggles.  We opened both doors, front and back, to let the air blow through -- to let out the staleness.

That's what I need these days:  more dancing, and breeze blowing through me.