Saturday, January 31, 2009

The Promise of Spring

O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?
~ Percy Bysshe Shelley


Remember me? Gosh, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. I just haven’t been into blogging these past few months: reading, writing, or otherwise. But I have thought quite often of the friends I've made here, and have wondered how you’re all doing. Funny how we touch each other's lives, even though we've never met. Many thanks to those of you who’ve written and wondered where I've been. Your emails have meant more than you can know.

I've certainly been busy: quilting, reading, overseeing a hardscape re-do on our backyard (I can't wait start planting!) I've become more and more involved with the American Association of University Women, helping to raise money for science-camp scholarships for local middle-school girls. I'm also deep into plans for my middle daughter's wedding in May. It's a joyous time, and a hectic time - all rolled into one! Somehow, I bet you can relate (is anyone’s life not hectic these days??)

Some of you may remember Mark, the first student I tutored at the jail? He was released in December, in time to spend Christmas with his family. I'm now tutoring a new inmate, Salvador, who's in his mid-30's and reads at a third grade level. My time with him will be short: he'll be released mid-February. My goal is to help him realize that he can learn, and that reading is enjoyable. We're hoping he'll transition into an adult literacy center in his community once he's released.

My whole reason for posting today was to share a couple of photos of my neighbor’s trees. The pictures are nothing special, even though the blossoms are! I can’t help thinking of how much of the country is suffering in this bitter cold winter we're having. Here in southern California, the trees are in glorious bloom.

So take heart, everyone – and keep your spirits up: spring is coming!


Until next time…

32 comments:

Susie said...

Pattie!
How delightful to see a post from you and catch up on your news..
I've also been away from blogging for quite some time and have just recently posted again.
Those tree are lovely (are they jacaranda)?
We're enjoying the mild weather too, but desperately needing some rain..
xo

Diana Swallow said...

You HEARD ME!! I was just sending you mental messages yesterday telling you to blog because I missed you and I log on today and there is a post from my Pattie.

I've missed you, hope all is well in your beautiful corner of the world. Sending big hugs your way!

Love the photos!

grammy said...

So great to see a post from you. Like you said, we some how feel like friends in the blogger world even if we have never met. When you have a blogger that drops out, you wonder if something happened to them. Great pictures. Nothing like that here in Co. even though we have had a lot of very warm days. Have fun with the yard and the wedding plans.

Hanlie said...

I almost sent out a search party for you! I've missed you!

Great pictures and it's wonderful to hear from you.

Manuela said...

I've been off for awhile too and will continue to be so (life is just crazy right now!)but, there is no WAY I'd miss commenting on how I've missed your posts.

Thank you for sharing the lovely photos--we in Windsor are or have broken the record for the most snowfall (last one in 1977) for 148cm!!! ENOUGH! Can't wait to get my fingers dirty.

Glad you're still tutoring and yes--although it's hard it is NEVER too late to learn.

Love ya!

jovaliquilts said...

Welcome back, Pattie! Those blossoms are glorious -- outside here it's just snow, snow, snow!

Wendy said...

Pattie! So good to see your post. Lots of snow and cold where I am, but nothing like my fellow bloggers have been suffering through.

Thank you for the gorgeous pictures; they really brightened my day. Sounds like all is well (and very busy) with you -- I'm glad to hear it.

Sending hugs ♥

Deborah said...

So glad you are alright. I was wondering what happened to you.

Isn't it a shame that when we are doing something, life gets in the way.

Glad you're back.

JC said...

Great to see a new post from you. Glad all is well.

Natalia said...

Beautiful pics!! Glad to see you back!

Take One Stripper Pole said...

So glad to hear from you ... we kind of missed you if you could not tell. :)

Beautiful pics of your neighbor's tree ... we are lucky to live in such warm weather.

Lora said...

Well thank goodness you're back! I've been hatching all sorts of scenarios in my mind as to what happened! I'm glad you're okay. I've been lax on the keyboard lately too. Life happens I guess.

RunningNan said...

YAY! By the way, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new pic! I think everyone has been slacking on the blogging.. I know I'm working on getting back to it!

Doc Manette said...

I'm so, so glad you posted. I too, slacked off (on another blog) and started "fresh" this year.

I have missed your wonderful, good feeling posts and hope to read more in the coming months.

P.S. - Your life has been very busy and in a super great way!

tas said...

Hey, Pattie, i too have been out of the blog loop for awhile now, but am missing all of you. thanks for the lovely pictures. we here in South Dakota love the PROMISE of spring! i can almost smell it in your picts! :)

new*me said...

can't wait till Spring! Missed you Pattie! Your posts always make me smile ;)

Big Girl said...

What a delight to see a post from you. Glad you are well.

Kathy said...

It seems just like yesterday that we were talking about how much earlier spring and summer come to your part of the country! Glad to know that you are so happy and so busy! That's what we all hope for, isn't it? Good to hear from you and the pictures are gorgeous!

Barb said...

I've had a hard time keeping up with my bloggy friends as well. Good to hear from you and love the pics.

Unknown said...

Hey Pattie,

I've missed you! Glad to read your post again.

Rayann

Crown of Beauty said...

hopped over from lee-ann's site...your blog title caught my eye, so i thought i'd read a post or two. I love anything about spring. thanks for what you shared. the pictures you posted are beautiful too

Karen said...

Hi Patti ~ So glad to see you back posting. I popped in a few times after the holidays, but as you can see, I didn't post.

I am SO ready for spring, but we do have a wait for it here in MI. Thanks for posting the pic of your neighbor's tree....very pretty! That perked me up a bit.

Take care!

Karen

Midlife Mom said...

Hi Pattie, so glad to log on and find a post on your site! Have been missing you around here in Blogsville!
What a wonderful contribution to society teaching these young men how to read! It may just be the key to their success on the outside in the real world. God bless you for doing this! xoxo

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tas said...

pattie.... where are you???? i miss you!

Manuela said...

Even if you don't check this, I just wanted to tell you how much I think of you and wish you all the best!!!

Stop by my blog if you can :)

Hanlie said...

I was just thinking about you today and thought I'd drop in and say hello! Love and blessings to you and yours!

Chubby Chick said...

Hi, Pattie! I hope you're doing well... and I hope you post again soon! We all miss you! :)

JC said...

I'VE BEEN MISSING YOU. JUST CAME BY TO WISH YOU A HAPPY 4TH.

InWeighOverMyHead said...

Just wondering how you are doing...

- Lisa
www.losewithlisa.blogspot.com

Lora said...

Are you retired from blogging or has something happened? Please let us know!

prashant said...

Love the photos!
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