Let's Talk with Nancy J. Cohen

Our Spring Collection

by Karla Brandenburg, Nancy J Cohen, James M Jackson, Terry Odell, Maggie Toussaint, and Tina Whittle

Everyone’s heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” and for me, that phrase is synonymous with spring. I’m sure many places in the US and the world still have traditional seasons, but here in the south, we started having spring weather in February! I hope we are still enjoying mild temps, lush new plant growth, and that yearly sense of renewal during the traditional months of spring. Our Booklover’s Bench authors share their thoughts on spring below. – Maggie Toussaint

They say the first day of spring is March 21st, the date (approximately) of the vernal equinox. But here in South Georgia, spring comes in fits and starts. Sometimes balmy days will fool the azaleas into thinking it’s time to bloom, and then the poor flowers get iced when February’s last freezing spell roars in. Even the forsythia got over-excited this year and started putting forth yellow blooms at Christmas. It’s the dogwoods that tell the tale, though – until those snow white blossoms open, winter is never truly behind us and spring is still lazing on the horizon. Fingers crossed that will be soon. – Tina Whittle

According to the calendar, March 23rd is the first day of spring. When I lived in Florida, we had two seasons: Summer and February 3rd. When we moved to Colorado it was nice to have actual seasons—often all four of them in one day. The two pictures were both taken in May.

In the Colorado mountains, spring weather is a moving target. Aspen buds begin to swell—as early as January sometimes, but the leafing out won’t happen until June. And when it does, it’s quick. These trees understand there’s a very short growing season, and they give it their all. Another sign of spring’s approach up here is the baby calves with their mamas in the pastures (or, as we refer to them, “steaks and sliders.”)

No matter what the calendar says, we still go by the “look out the window” method for deciding what the weather is going to be.

What doesn’t change, however is the lengthening daylight hours, and for me, that’s something to look forward to, as I can’t drive at night. More daylight means I can be out and about that much longer. – Terry Odell

I am trebly-blessed when it comes to Spring. My Savannah Spring starts in late February as the probability of frost becomes very small. Bushes begin to bud and flower; deciduous trees sprout new leaves, (and pine trees produce a fine yellow pollen that can find its way anywhere). Birds begin to sing romance and build nests. By the time we leave in late April, it feels like summer.

We arrive at our northern home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the first half of May at a time when a strong chance of frost (and snow, but it won’t last long) remains. Early spring flowers may dot the woods, but most of the migrating birds have not yet arrived, and the leaves (and bugs) are still to come. Spring peepers call from our vernal pond. We get to experience Spring again.

On our migration from south to north, we leave summer weather and move backwards to Spring. Often we can enjoy several days in peak season as we stop to visit friends, family, or a mystery conference along the way. – James M Jackson

Spring brings showers, flowers, and Easter bunnies. But most of all, it heralds more hours of sunshine. As an amateur photographer, I enjoy taking sunrise and sunset pictures. There’s something about the different quality of light during those times that intrigues me. Best of all, the vibrant range of golds, oranges, and reds are awesome.

Spring is also a reminder to get up and move around. Those longer days inspire walks and gardening and skirmishes with mold and mildew that abound in our southern climate. – Maggie Toussaint

Spring is my favorite time of year! For me, it’s about renewal. After a long, cold winter (which can’t be said about this year!), the world comes back to life.  One of my clearest memories of Spring was when I was a child. I’d had an accident and wasn’t allowed to play outside. I was a risk of infection to some rather severe burns. I suppose part of the process was due to my outlook – while I was healing things looked gray and bleak, but once I was healed enough to go out again, everything had transformed, as if by magic overnight. The sky was blue, the grass was green, the trees were budding. A new beginning. – Karla Brandenburg

Thinking about springtime brings to mind a bunch of phrases we use in our everyday lives. Let’s look at some of them. A spring in one’s step, as in “She has a spring in her step.” According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, this means “If you walk with or have a spring in your step, you walk energetically in a way that shows you are feeling happy and confident.”

Spring Cleaning: Wikipedia says “Spring cleaning is the practice of thoroughly cleaning a house in the springtime. The practice of spring cleaning is especially prevalent in climates with a cold winter. In many cultures, annual cleaning occurs at the end of the year. The term is also used metaphorically for any kind of heavy duty cleaning or organizing enterprise.”

Spring Fever: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says it’s “a feeling of wanting to go outdoors and do things because spring is coming and the weather is getting warmer.”

Spring Ahead, Fall Back: According to TimeandDate.com, “This term is meant to trigger your memory to set your clocks forward 1 hour in the spring at the start of DST, and 1 hour back in the fall when DST ends.” DST = Daylight Saving Time

Spring to mind: Cambridge Dictionary says this means “to come quickly into your mind.” – Nancy J Cohen

We hope you’ve enjoyed our spring collection. Please share something that means Spring to you!