In a rare fit of fastidiousness, I looked up the sunrise and sunset times for today, hoping for the satisfaction of seeing a neat 12 hours on display, some proof of order in the midst of so much chaos. Instead I was greeted with this surprise:
It looks like the sun is already taking over the show here in the Pacific Northwest, and I can’t say I’m too disappointed by the promise of order I was unexpectedly denied. Nature is not known for timeliness, yet the grander efforts and gifts seem to always appear right on time. The earth rotates, we spin in and out of darkness and light, the seeds beneath us somehow know when to peek out, the trees bud, the birds chirp, and the bunnies are born. It’s spring here and we once again have our turn at renewal, warmth, and light. What changes are you making?
Nettles are the first herb I think of when I think of spring herbs. They are known for being highly nutritious, blood building, skin clearing, and overall detoxifying. People use them in salads, pesto, soups, and tea, and they provide a ‘green’ taste that is refreshing and very spring-like. Not surprisingly, nettles are also often used to treat environmental allergies, which certainly do get triggered in the spring, just when nettles are at their peak for using. Nettles have a long history of being used as a textile as well. A fun fact I just read recently on Gaia Herb’s website is that …”during the First and Second World Wars, Nettle fiber was used as a substitute for cotton yarns, when this material was unavailable.” Herbs are amazingly versatile and I just don’t know what we’d do without them. What is your favorite spring herb?
We are so fortunate to have herbs and produce year-round in our modern lives, but there are still good reasons to eat with seasons in mind as much as possible. We evolved eating seasonally, and our bodies know best what to do with the foods that naturally surround us. In a world where rituals and connection with nature are waning, we all still need to eat, so why not add some seasonal thought to our plates? It’s reassuring to know some patterns persist despite the unending tumultuous turns of events which seem to color our days more and more. It is worth reflecting on these seasons that we are jetting through at such a fast pace, and find comfort in the truism, “some things never change”, such as the contrary nature of March:
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
-from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Whether you are experiencing the spring or fall equinox right now, I hope you are enjoying the transition and ready to make the most of the light and dark at your disposal.✨🌿🐰
Happy Equinox to you too! We are so ready for it!
Thank you! Ready indeed!
That is funny about the times. I’ve actually never checked to see if it was exact. I guess I should give nettles another chance. 🙂 They are the bane of weeding in my yard and I’ve been stung several times. Happy Spring!
Thick gloves are definitely needed when dealing with nettles! Happy Spring to you too!
Spring is such a powerful time of year. And I love how you capture the steadfastness of nature. The way everything seems to be on its own clock, and it doesn’t matter what we think or do, mother nature always provides. It is a time of renewal. It is a time for change. It is a time for assessing what works and what does not work…and then we need to be willing to let go.
Thanks, Kristen. Thanks for always being there and always supporting me. It does not go unnoticed!
Sending lots of love!
Thank you Lorrie! Spring really does teach the lesson of letting go and it’s amazing how every year there is another round of letting go to do. I so appreciate you too!
🙂 <3
As I was reading I was appreciating your writing style. What a pleasure to read. Yes, “order” is not necessarily drawn with straight lines and perfect “neat” cuts. This is what is so desirable about nature. It’s always showing us how to be okay with and even appreciative of being in harmony with the flow of life, the spirit which imbibes the growth providing for opening and popping up. Nettles are so fascinating in so many ways, so helpful to us. There’s a special spring flower here in S. California that blooms in spring. I can’t believe I don’t know the name of it. But it’s this very striking shade of purple, and it’s smell makes me think of Easter/Spring. The aromatherapy of its presence is enough to transform my thoughts upon encounter.