“Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” ~ Alexander Pope

Good morning, dear friends.  Mary Oliver tells us,  ” It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world.”  Her words are so true and notably so for the people of Ukraine. Oliver passed away in 2019, I would love to hear what she would say about our current world.  However, hope moves us forward and to me, spring is the season of hope and renewal.

The following are the words of, Amanda Lea Browning.

” In the spring the earth renews itself once more

with flowers in the tallest wind-blown trees

to the mossy forest floor.  Creeks thaw and gurgle

down babbling brooks.  Bees busily buzz through large open fields

and tiny little nooks.  Geese honk noisily for all to hear.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds magically appear.

Birds flirt with one another in the trees

Soon there will be chicks for them to feed.

Bright shining sun warms the chilly air

Fiery red tulips dazzle with flare.  Sweet is the fragrance

of lilacs and honey-locust trees.  Hyacinths and honeysuckle

are sure to please.  Frogs sing happily in a faraway lake.

Insects hum and groundhogs wake.  Winter is over so we cheer!

Hearts rejoice that spring is finally here!”

“Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly.” ~ Langston Hughes

As I was writing this post I thought, “How easy it is for me to talk about hope.” Sitting in our sweet home, the sky is blue and the daffodils are blooming.  Anyone could speak about hope under such circumstances.  Mike and I,  as well as most of you, are fortunate in today’s world.

As in any life, I have seen my share of dark days, but hope has always kept me afloat. And may it also keep the Ukrainians afloat.   I pray this gruesome war will soon come to an end and the Ukrainian people will not lose sight of their dreams for themselves and their children.  Dreams are precious, especially those a parent has for their child.

While my first prayer is for Ukraine and its people.  My other prayer is for the remainder of the world.  I have read many times in different publications, that after World War II it was said, “Never, Never, Again.”  When will we learn?  Perhaps, it is because I have read so much about WW II, Hitler, and his friends, that honestly, I can say, “I saw this coming.”  And, I know I am not alone.  But the difference this time is, we all are aware of what is happening and we cannot say we didn’t know. 

If there is any good to come from this, I believe it is to be our wake-up call.  A call to bond us together, to scatter joy and beauty, stand up to hate and horrid remarks, and name them for what they are.  Just as the Ukrainian people are doing ~ what an inspiration and example they are to the world.  They do understand, that if you don’t deal with evil when it is knocking on your door, it will chase you forever.  

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” ~ William Wilberforce

 

 

“. . .Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

The Carpathians in Ukraine

For those who have neven been to West Virginia, the photo above looks very much like our Pendleton County.  I can honestly tell you, anyone would have a dreadful fight on their hands should they try to take land away from anyone in Pendleton County.  However, I rather imagine the same holds true all across our land.  While we seem to have been separated lately, I do believe for the majority of Americans, the appreciation of our freedoms and respect for others who want the same is solid. 

In closing, know I wish you and yours a beautiful day and a spring full of beauty, birdsong, and joy.  And, while spring may go unnoticed by the Ukrainians this year, it will visit them again and hopefully in peace so that they may treasure the moments and enjoy.

Be Well!

 

“Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Amour,

Sandra

 

Images:  Tumblr and Pinterest

Hope Floats is a 1998 American drama film directed by Forest Whitaker.