So I picked my first flower of 2005 today. It's a glimmer of hope that spring will be here soon. I'm sure winter hasn't left yet, but he's definitely winding down. I can smelll the grass again, visions of childhood fill my head, bike riding, my childhood home, and my little blue suit I wore on Easter when I was like 4. Good feelings, It's terrific how the mind can paint pictures with scent. But nothing brings me back more than the smel of lilacs, I can't wait. Lilacs, to me, are happiness. A time machine to a time when I was fearless, ignorant, and on top of the world. Melancholy memories, my mind swirls around them, I'm filled with calm and longing. The past is so close I can smell it, because no matter how much I change, how much the world changes, I'll always have Lilacs and fresh cut grass. I am so grateful for that.

Well I'm sure we can all agree, winter blows. It's funny I've lived here my entire life and every year I can't believe how long winter is. How do we forget so fast, how do forget 6 MONTHS of winter ??? Well in less than two months I'll be smelling the roses in Europe, can't wait. Maybe I'll even come back.