If the weekend weather allows it, I’m going to continue my outdoor yard work. I’m excited to see the yard looking good early this year.
I hope that you enjoy this first weekend of spring.
As I looked at this photo of crocuses, I started thinking about the importance of contrast. Contrast draws our attention to something and emphasizes it. In this photo, the browned fall leaves contrast with the vibrant colors of the crocuses. The leaves represent a past season, while the crocuses showcase the arrival of a new season. Muted colors and vibrant colors. Past life and new life. The photo also shows the contrast of the dark shadows and the sunlight. The flowers pop against the dark shadows, as they open wide to receive the sun. The yellow stamens also contrast vividly with the purple flower petals.
There are so many contrasts in our lives. The short days of winter and long summer days. The scariness of starting school and the satisfaction of graduating. The sadness over the loss of a job and the excitement of a new one. Young children jumping and shouting with joy. Elderly grandparents carefully negotiating a walk. The birth of a child. The loss of a parent. The term bittersweet (a contrast if there ever was one) comes in handy for such things.
Here’s what I have to share this weekend.
- The Radical Act of Eating With Strangers — Eating at the same table might be one of the more comfortable ways to start conversations with new people. (The New York Times)
- ‘We’re book nerds’: the female friends opening bookshops together — Opening a book store is on my dream list of alternative career options. (The Guardian)
- Chic Women in Children’s Books — The paragraph about Sal’s mom is very funny. This post makes me want to go to the library to look for the women in children’s books. (Cup of Jo)
- My Favorite Classic Lemon Bars Recipe — Yum! I need to bake some of these. They have coriander in the crust and I think that Joy is a genius for that. (Joy the Baker)
- Arugula Celery Salad with Orange Dijon Vinaigrette — This crunchy green salad is a breeze to make and the citrusy mustard dressing is so good! (Sea Salt and Sailor Stripes)
- Goodness: Weatherman rescues a chicken in a blizzard and now they’re an unlikely best friend duo — I love this story and the video is so sweet. (Upworthy)
About the photo: Crocuses spied on my lunchtime walk.