On Imagination

March Everything

In like a lion, out like a lamb," as they say…March cannot make up its mind. There is something mysterious and magical about March; the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day inevitably brings back old picture books and limericks, riddles, pots of gold, seaside landscapes, and fairies make their way into our home, unveiling stories that delight the imagination. I’ve been thinking a lot about imagination lately and its absolute necessity in our lives. Imagination allows us to go beyond what our senses accept. It reminds us that there is a world beyond this world we live in; there are things that exist that cannot be explained away, and thank God for that.

March is a long month and although daylight savings time brings some relief, if it's still really cold where you are it can seem to drag on forever. To help with gloomy days, dream of things to come. The planner in me explodes around this time of year, envisioning colorful flowers, homegrown vegetables, and hosting friends and family outdoors.

Go ahead and combat lingering winter blues by flipping to spring, whether the weather agrees or not. Pack up the winter decor and bring out the pastel tea towels. Fresh flowers in a vase and Celtic music can alter the mood of the house. We also pay special attention to our nature journals this time of year looking for any little signs that the season is changing.

Here in Alabama the temps have already hit the 70s and although I imagine we’ll see some chilly days, it feels like spring is most certainly here. Magnolias and dogwoods line the street with their happy blooms, daffodils bedeck walkways and wooded areas, and birds carry on a morning chorus. Our allergies are out of control and the park behind our house is bubbling over with littles. It's a lovely time of year to live in the south.