Something Beautiful...

Spring is without a doubt my favorite season. It is flowers, Easter, green, freshness, planting gardens, and, best of all, the re-emergence of life in a vine. It's one of these stark contrasts of nature. In the heart of the winter, there a few things that look as withered and lifeless as a vine. And then, with the first warmth of March sun, there is a metamorphosis as few others. In a matter of days, buds emerge that quickly become leaves and branches. They are green and very tender--the spring winds are my worst nightmare--and very much alive and moving. Yes, moving. You can literally watch them grow in a single day, as they reach, climb and hook themselves on anything that is around them. In about three weeks, the first small clusters of grapes begin to form. There are a few spring sights that evoke more happiness and tranquility to me than these gorgeous green sprouts.

A couple of days ago, we celebrated the first of May, Protomaya, in my village in Greece. After a week of gusty northern winds, Spring finally rewarded us for our patience and fortitude. It was as beautiful a spring day as the muses could recite. And the vines, strong and full of life had weathered another spring storm. They continued their silent march to maturation. Another miracle to observe yet...