April 05, 2010

Gentle Spring.

Easter is slowly reaching its end. I have enjoyed the holidays and the short, but absolutely vital break away from work and the virtual world. The weather has been as mixed as one traditionally expects from the month of April. Almost a true cliché in fact; anything from hail and storm to a beautiful, warm sunshine.

The onset of a new month brings renewal in our nature in a very obvious way. Gone are the frosty nights and the sun grows stronger and more majestic by each passing day. It has added over six hours to our daylight. This means we are half way through the light increase before reaching the shortest night of the summer solstice.

My patio is changing as well. I did the first significant gardening of this year, taking care of my shrubs and bushes, trimming away dead branches of clematis, making it ready for its new season. I planted a few yellow pansies and multi-coloured violets, which add further life to my west facing patio. My daffodils are still only barely in bloom while crocuses are reaching their peak and slowly, the stalks of tulips and hyacinths are pushing through the soil.

This past Saturday the winds changed. A chilly breeze from east brought dry air and with it a pristine, bright sunny day. The first true spring day.
My terrace, completely shielded and drenched in sunshine became a tranquil oasis for the first time this year. As I sat on my sun chair covered in blankets, breathing in the fresh air and relaxing in the warmth of the sun, I relished in all the gentle beauty of spring that surrounded me in colours and scents. The life so palpable everywhere made me smiled with amusement as I recalled the massive snow blanket that used to cover this same spot just a few weeks ago.

24 comments:

Kat_RN said...

Spring is finally headed your way. Soak up that sunshine. I am hoping to get to spend some time outside this afternoon or tomorow. Nice Collage, I always enjoy reading your blog, you are so expressive, I can feel your mood. Enjoy it.
Kat

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Your collage of photos is so FULL and LUXURIOUS with color. Life giving!

We are to have temps in the 70's today and have enjoyed some GLORIOUS weather of late.

Have a good week Zuzana!

Brian Miller said...

wonderful pics...the terrace lookss like the place to be....got my full dose of vitamin D yesterday...it was amazing! welcome back. hope you had a great easter!

steviewren said...

I can imagine you there with your face turned up soaking in the sun's rays.

We had one week of comfortable cool Spring weather and then true to the South it's become almost too hot. Typical! We never have enough perfect Spring days. It's still nice, don't get me wrong. I just love breezy days in the 60s and 70s.

J Cosmo Newbery said...

It changes so quickly.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful, Zuzana! I cannot wait to "join you" in enjoying the Spring warmth and beauty!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Anonymous said...

Your patio looks so inviting and cozy. We've been able to spend time out on our patio, too and it is so nice to be outdoors again. Although there were a couple evenings last we used our blankets, too. Glad you had a nice break : )

Nessa said...

Saturday and Sunday were so beautiful here too. All day yesterday was spent on the patio soaking up the sun while watching the children, young and old, play and laugh.

Julie Hibbard said...

When are you going to publish a book of all of your photographs? They are just gorgeous!
Happy Spring to you...it's pouring rain and freezing here today! :)

sprinkles said...

Your patio looks so inviting. And your collage is so full of life!

I'm glad you were able to enjoy some time away. It's always good to be able to do that now and again.

It's been snowy, rainy and chilly here but Wednesday is supposed to be nice. Keeping my fingers crossed as I'm dying for beautiful weather to come and stay!

Sandy said...

Oh, Zuzana, doesn't it feel sooo good to sit out with the sun beaming down on you! Several of our trees have white flowers now. I must get out and take some photos.

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Hello dear-So glad you got to soak up the spring sun (albeit under blankets). Yesterday we had gray and rain, but I rejoiced because we always need water in California.

Sending love,

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

Jeannette StG said...

Your patio chair covered with blanket was the first thing I saw -how nice, almost incredible that th3 weather already has been so nice in Denmark!

Donna said...

Your sun chair looks very inviting, Zuzana. Beautiful spring photos! Enjoy your day!

Hugs,
Donna

Elizabeth said...

Glad you had a beautiful Easterweekend. The pictures look inviting.

xoxo Elizabeth

Claus said...

I love your patio. It is beautiful with every season, being summer, of course, the best one! :-) Ours - summer - is going through its yearly "false winter", a week or so of rain and grey skies, as if we were in the rainy season. It is refreshing actually; a good break from the almost 35°C noon daily temperatures. And the rain does good to the blooming flowers and plants; even to the little birds! who distinctibly "sing" for rain. Isn't nature just amazing?
*hugs*

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I can almost smell your gorgeous flowers!! What a gardener you are! You nurture beauty everywhere you go! And I have such a peace as I sit and enjoy nature with you today! Thank you! Happy Spring! ~Janine XO

Anonymous said...

Aaahhh yes....drink in that warm sunshine!! :) The Bach

Hilary said...

It sure is great to have it back, isn't it? Your photos are wonderful. If we weren't also having the same beautiful weather, I'd be downright envious. :)

Margie said...

Dear Zuzana
Glad to know you enjoyed your break!
Taking breaks are vital to our well being!
It must be so wonderful to sit on your terrace and enjoy all the beauty of spring!

Loved all your pics!
I so love spring and was planting flowers in my yard this weekend.

Take care dear friend!

Margie :)
xoxo

Rajesh said...

Beautiful shots. With the arrival of spring the life is in full swing. Happy gardening.

Anonymous said...
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United Studies said...

Wonderful pictures! Spring has sprung up around us here, too! The temperatures are already around 30C....which is rather hot for this time of year!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time away...

Zuzana said...

Kat, Jill, Brian, Stevie, Cosmo, Zuzu, LadyCat, Nessa, Julie, sprinkles, Sandy, Sharon, jeannette, Donna, Elizabeth, Claudia, Janine, The Bach, Hilary, Margie, Rajesh and Jacki – so glad to hear that it is spring like in your part of the world as well.;) Except for those of you living in more exotic places.;) Thank you so much for your warm welcome back.

As always, I am so very happy when you stop by and your kind words always make my day. How delightful that you all enjoy my photography and have not grown tired yet of all the flowers and plant pictures I keep sharing.;)

Xoxo,
Zuzana