33 Comments
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David Picariello's avatar

Manu thanks Jaim. davpi3.14

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Melanie Janisse Barlow's avatar

Thank-you so much for writing about spring. I wrote a little about it today, and included a link to your piece. I admire you so much. The way you think is amazing. I look forward to reading more!

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Jesse Paris Smith's avatar

Woww thank you so so much. These are such encouraging and kind words to read to start the day. I look forward to reading your piece!! Happy Spring to you :)))) and happy weekend! <3

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Melanie Janisse Barlow's avatar

You too! I would be honored if you took that time. No pressure, though. Life is full. x

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Jesse Paris Smith's avatar

Thank you!!!

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Jesse Paris Smith's avatar

I have your piece open on my computer screen - now I'm just going to run across to the cafe and get a much needed coffee, and then I will come back and read it! :)

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Melanie Janisse Barlow's avatar

Oh wow! Thanks so much. 🙏

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Jaim's avatar

Oh what a beautiful post. I feel grace bestowed as I read, after a particularly cruel day when the message seemed to be, "open too much, too soon and see yourself crushed by harsh winds and rains." I went to bed early, with a cold... But had such kind dreams- laughing as I attempted to run headlong into strong wind, jumping in only to be carried back and crashed into the ground... I never got scraped up in the crashes, though, in this dream.... So it became more and more fun! Trying to test my power against the wind made me giddy and I woke giggling... To find this post! And now I lay. Thinking. Kindness and cruelty. Hmmm.

Thank you, Jesse!!! Much love!

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Barbara's avatar

The earth day celebration tomorrow sounds so lovely. I would come if I was in NY. I feel a bit similar about spring usually - it has that quality of shifting and and not knowing.. I've always found changes hard so I think that may be the reason for me. And then having to let go of the hibernation state..... can be hard too! (I'm born bang in the middle of winter, end of January.)

There also is something about the shifting seasons, spring and autumn, that makes it more likely for people to die then - this is more anecdotal than anything really (but several of my colleagues - medical) have remarked on it before.

The Pessoa poem reminds me I wanted to start reading one of his books next. I wasn't even much aware that he wrote poetry too!

April has been very changeable here in Europe, more changeable than normal. My parents told me of a few days of almost 30 degree C (I know this sounds unbelievable...) and now they need to have the heating on again. I'm in the UK and by the sea and it's a little less extreme here. I think it's good to have Earth day this months - a big reminder of the climate change problem!

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yaya's avatar

April a painful bloom

A warm sun glows then burns from overflow

Fragrant flowers sweeten the air

Pollen tickes the nose

Growing pains

Glowing days of

April sun rays

My spontaneous poem

Today I turn up my volume to 11 at an assembly. I hope to read some People Have the Power lyrics as it suits perfectly.

>•<

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Annie McDonald's avatar

Every year l look forward to Spring. I love the awakening of the plants, the leaves on the trees, the Dawn chorus with the birds singing their little hearts out. It seems like all life is renewing itself as the smell of bay laurel comes gently down the pathway. Thank you for your lovely post Jesse and the great poem. I’m so glad you now love Spring 🙏

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David Picariello's avatar

p.s. keep the Faith and thee.Earth will shake loose the terrible tides of the Neveau Riche

blessings

Dave pi

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David Picariello's avatar

Hola good Sistah Jesse!***

Much obliged to your astute commentaries on our tainted world.

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David Picariello's avatar

Blessings to all of us on this incredible journey Peace Now Israel Palestine Iran Iraq Afghanistan and the countries with Stan in their language. Dave Pi

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Lois Farina Reilly's avatar

After reading this post a few minutes ago, many things came to mind. First was my love of spring, the joy I receive each day as I see more and more green, then hints of color, our gardens awakening after being nestled cozily away during the colder weather of winter. I then thought of my mom, who disliked winter, which she called 'a time when everything dies'. I don't have a preference for a specific season, as I see beauty and purpose in each. Winter is a time to snuggle in and enjoy time with a book, knitting, or creating healthy foods in my kitchen. Summer is a time of movement ~ visiting friends and family, enjoying the outdoors and the nearby beaches. Autumn is a season of wonder ~ the colors, cool breezes, walks in nature. Of course, being retired affords me to view life as I do, but even when working and raising my family, I always found things to enjoy about all the seasons. As I quickly approach my 80th birthday, my 'shelf life' becomes more and more evident to me. I want to enjoy everything life has to offer, to the best of my ability. Through personal experience, I know how fragile life is, how at any moment it can change dramatically. I observe, lovingly, all of the things that you generously share with us, things that you do on your own, as well as with your mom. I love that you, too, appreciate fine literature, beautiful gardens, friends and family, and music of all kinds. I am grateful to you for including us in so many facets of your life. Thank you...

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Laura J. Wellner's avatar

That is beautifully said. I was born in May, so spring has a special meaning for me. I spend as much time in my garden as the weather allows, we've been having buckets full of April Showers this spring! The little wild violets are in bloom; their smell is heavenly! Some of them are special because I transplanted them from my mother's garden, and I am so happy to see the rarer colors, the light pink and dusty lavender ones, have spread so well in their place underneath the forsythia bush. I'm taking the time to watch the trees awaken, their leaf buds slowly forming; we're colder up here on the hill, so we're a week or two behind the valleys and the city. Spring takes her time here. I tour the yard looking for old friends returning to life, the weeping cherry tree, the lilacs, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, irises, tiger lilies, and peonies. As much as I'm anxious to see them bloom, I don't mind the wait. Time goes by too fast for me, so I'm savoring this spring!

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abhinaya's avatar

This is a wonderfully thoughtful reflection on the season. I'm at the crosshairs of some big changes in life and reading this post provided me much relief. Pessoa’s poem at the end was the cherry on top!

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Ethan Neville's avatar

‘ …come be my ‘ April Fool…’

Jesse you are an

April Jewel, a multifaceted, eternally blossoming spring, of creativity and sensitivity.

I sat on the back deck this morning,

my chest aching for life,

as the sun poured it’s

spring warmth into my fertile skin.

I sipped coffee holding the warm cup with both hands.

A fool sitting contented with

a precious moment of

springs gift.

And then the dog lay down beside me to confirm this morning’s arrival of springs aching sweetness. It’s soft heat.

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Love the thoughtfulness of this post and the thoughts of April and the Spring. Today, my little dog relaxed for a sunbathing nap outside, a breeze, and the hope or warmer days. It felt really healing as my pup has been sick and she’s 16 years old. Resilience. Going the distance. Day by day. Healing. These are good themes for April.

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emma's avatar

Great post, especially loved the poem at the end.

I'm looking forward to participating in Poem In Your Pocket day, now that I've discovered it through this post. Thank you for sharing ☺️

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Gwyneth's avatar

Thank you

Pessoa’s poem is just what I needed to hear. And your reflections touch on sustenance and are so generous

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Lee Penman's avatar

Another post which suggests the book we may receive at some time in the future:)

I actually enter spring this year full of hope and inspiration for new enterprises and new directions, While at the same time welcoming my old friend, music, back into my life after my all too lengthy absence from the business.

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