April Joys – Tulips on Pearl Street
Normally, I wait until May to come back from my Snowbird Adventures. April has such unpredictable weather in Colorado. We have snow one day and sunshine the next.
This year, I’d heard that Boulder had a much warmer winter than usual, and I wanted to be sure I didn’t miss all the Spring flowers that have such a short time for their peak blooms. Pearl Street in Boulder has such a beautiful, colorful assortment of tulips! The early return was the right decision. How fun to be able to enjoy this rainbow of color on a sunny Spring day!
April Joys – Lilacs in spite of snow
The lilacs in my own garden are always late bloomers, but the very fragrant lavender blooms are popping up in all the neighborhood walkways.
True to form, Boulder did get an April snow last week. However, unlike other years, this one wasn’t heavy and the beautiful and fragrant lilacs survived. I’ve learned that rather than fret about snow, it’s better to savor the Spring flowers.
Five years ago, I celebrated National Orchid Day in mid-April.
This year, one of my projects is going to be to try and capture the lilac’s scent using this enfleurage technique I found on YouTube. Wish me luck at capturing that sweet smell.
April Joys – Friends
One of the most joyful things about being home in Colorado is the opportunity to reconnect with friends in person.
Since I’ve been back in Colorado, I’ve been enjoying getting back on the trails. Admittedly, April can still be a little cold for my overly-sensitive body. That being said, Mary and I were able to get in a beautiful morning hike at South Mesa Trail before the cold front came in.
For many years, I got out for morning runs even on the coldest winter days. Now I get to enjoy winters in snowbird spots like Florida, California, and Mexico. When I get back to Colorado in the Spring, it can be chilly, but it gives me a chance to bundle up a little and see the mountain scenery without the frigid winter temperatures.
And today brought a different kind of joy. My friend Cathy and I attended a Spanish Meetup at Ozo’s on Pearl Street. What a fun way to spend the afternoon—practicing español with new people who are just as enthusiastic (and imperfect!) as I am.
Cathy and I have also been reading El Hobbit in Spanish together. She’s an advanced speaker, so I benefit from every conversation we have. Language learning is so much more enjoyable—and a lot less intimidating—when you’re doing it with a good amiga.
April may be unpredictable, but maybe that’s part of its charm. Tulips and lilacs that don’t last long but bloom through the snow, and friendships that are best enjoyed face-to-face—all reminders to pay attention while these moments are here. Spring doesn’t wait, and neither should we. So I’m soaking it in—the colors, the scents, the smiles—and reminding myself, once again, to carpe diem in every season.