There's an old proverb that says, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Whoever coined that certainly didn't live where I do. Here, after the experiences of January and February, we welcome the beginning of March with open arms. And March usually doesn't disappoint...at first.
Nope, the first day of March is an almost magical time. The weather seems to get instantly warmer as the sun makes more frequent visits. The sun sticks around longer, too, making for longer days. It's a wonderful time. Geese give friendly honks as they return from their southern jaunts. Other migratory birds make a sudden appearance, as if they were here all winter.
No, March doesn't come in like a lion, here. Just as we reach our breaking point, just as winter has us screaming, "Enough, already!", March comes in like a timely superhero, swooping in at the last second to save us. Or, so it seems.
March is the month that smiles and makes eyes at you from across the room only to mention it's boyfriend when you finally have enough courage to talk to it. March is the fast food commercial that promises plump, juicy burgers only to have you unwrap a grey-looking patty on a wrinkled bun with little toppings. Yeah March is a fucking tease.
And, despite knowing this, we fall for March every time. We should know better. Around here, people love to remind anyone who will listen that it has snowed on Mother's Day. For those who don't know, that's at the end of May. March is truly a testament to the power of hope. Yes, hopium is a powerful drug, indeed.
Last Sunday, the temperature here reached about 70 degrees F or 21 degrees C. The parks were packed with people wearing shorts and smiles. People were filled with, yes, hope. This year was going to be different. The snow had all melted and would stay melted. March would finally realize how awful it's been to us over the years. March would start to make amends for all of the turmoil it's put us through. This year would be different.
Then, I woke up this morning...
Even that flock of Starlings looked pissed off, perched atop the tallest tree in my yard. By the way, it's been snowing the entire time I've worked on this post. At this point I'm not even sure I'm still mad at March. No, it's evolved into more of a disappointment now. I thought we were making progress. Especially after our last talk. But, at the end of the day, March has to look at itself in the mirror.
I'm hopeful that, some day, March will change it's ways. I'm hopeful that, some day, March and I will have the relationship that we were destined to have. And, I'm hopeful that this will be the last significant snowfall of Winter. Hope.
Wherever we are, we are surrounded by nature. It's always trying to communicate with us. Take time to notice. #NoticeNature.
