Spring is here.

I know spring is here when unadorned trees start budding. And especially when magnolias burst into bloom and the birds go crazy; when sunlight floods my room. The subtle winter sun gives way to the bolder summer sunrises and cheers everyone up.

The change in seasons never fails to mystify me. Winter becomes spring so naturally, almost unobtrusively. I try to observe seasonal changes as closely as I can. I rejoice when tiny buds slowly unfurl into fresh emerald green leaves; when mallards quack loudly, fly clumsily and land gracefully in the water; when geese honk loudly near the river; when sparrows, robins, cardinals, finches and many tiny birds sing together.

I look up and see a blue, blue sky. I feel expansive. Spring is here.