An hour after sunrise, in the quiet stillness of the morning, you’ll find us strolling around with our pup in tow. We may head to Wendy or Banyan Park to wander through the grassy fields or paved paths, or to established neighborhoods to meander along tree-lined sidewalks, or maybe to Sycamore Canyon to hike on dirt trails. Wherever we roam, I’ve been noticing the tell-tale signs of things to come.
It’s the pretty white ovoid petals tinged pale pink that first caught my eye. These delicate blossoms are now attached to outstretched limbs dressed in fine greenery. Just a month ago these apple trees bore bare brown branches, but before long they’ll bear fruit. It’s the golden round petaled poppies appearing in swaths in our parks that make me smile. California’s state flower, poppies symbolize remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. It’s the furry gray floppy eared cottontails darting across front lawns sending our pup pulling in their direction. So many bunnies! Come to think of it, maybe that’s why our area is called the Conejo (Rabbit) Valley! What sights to behold!
It’s the melodious tune of robins singing cheerfully as they flitter from tree to tree. Even when we can’t see their gray brown plumage and stunning red breasts, we can take note of their songs. It’s the deep soft hoots of the great horned owl offering another harbinger of warmer gentler days ahead. Though nocturnal, we have heard them, but have yet to catch a glimpse of these brownish feathered birds with yellow eyes and tufts on their heads. It’s the buoyant buzzing of yellow and black banded honeybees pollinating lavender bushes. Such music to our ears!
It’s the cool breeze that flutters the ends of my hair, while green leaves on trees flicker in its wake. Gone are the cold winds that had me pulling a beanie down over my ears. Now a baseball cap will do. It’s the warm sun rays that touch our shoulders and face, when the clouds part ways in the vast blue sky. With temperatures now rising to the mild 60s, long sleeved-shirts will soon replace bulky sweaters. It’s the tender new earth beneath our feet, dew clinging to blades of grass, dampening our shoes, while softening our steps. This time of year just feels so good!
It’s the strong spicy, yet slightly coconut smell of the white gardenias growing in shrubs. Their fragrance drawing us in before we see them. It’s the sweet and earthy aroma of purple, pink, and white hyacinths blooming in clusters. Their scent takes me back to my childhood. It’s the floral and fruity odor of the multi-colored roses bushes planted in our front yard. Soon it’ll be warm enough to open our windows and invite these flowery aromas inside. Nothing is more memorable than a scent!
From my journal: March 1, 2024, Newbury Park, California
“Saw a rainbow on our walk this morning…so beautiful, a good omen for the coming months!”
It’s the season of renewed senses. It’s the time to welcome in spring.
A Journal Journey 