Spring Musings: Reflecting on the New Season
Spring Musings: Reflecting on the New Season
There’s something in the air, as they say.
It’s slowly changing and every now and again, a warm breeze caresses our skin and inspires a feeling of hope inside. The white blanket of winter slowly sinks into the ground and mounds of old snow brown with age. Tiny green buds impatiently poke their heads out of naked branches and reach eagerly towards the sun. Birds return from wintering in the warmth and busy themselves with collecting sustenance and building homes nestled within any nook and cranny they can find.
Brave flowers triumphantly arise from the frozen dirt and display their vibrant colors to the delight of eyes eager for any sign that winter might actually end after all.
The butterflies are busily making their transformation from bug to beauty and the bees are scheming within their hives.
Small woodland creatures traipse, hop, and scurry to and fro across their stomping ground and enrapture those who catch a glimpse of their mischief. Our animals shed their winter coats and make spring cleaning a necessity, and for some, a joy.
The frozen shells of our homes are cracked open, welcoming the intoxicating drafts to blow through the windows and the doors.
Some dare to venture out coat-less and may even don a sundress and some sandals, emerging from our cold weather cocoons to play outdoors on the earthen floor once again.
Temperatures creep up daily and the sun remains in the sky longer and longer each evening beckoning us to stay out late. Grand plans are made for the warmer weather, all of which take place out in nature. Beach trips, mountain hikes, bike rides, and long, lazy days on the lake all make their way onto the calendar. Dreams of strawberry picking and walks in the warm steamy rain occupy our waking thoughts.
Spring personifies new beginnings and fresh starts.
Death transforming back into life and a bewitching feeling that anything is possible.
It’s a time of sacred holidays, rollicking parades, spirited festivals, and endless celebrations. Creativity is sparked and the dark shadows of winter are illuminated by the reawakening of the earth and all its creatures. We are utterly spellbound by this sprightly season.
Yes, spring has most certainly sprung here in Strasburg.
Hop on into the Strasburg Shoppes at Centre Square.
Ten New Years Pursuits
New Year’s Resolutions are great, but they can also cause a lot of pressure and sabotage our efforts if taken too seriously. Instead, here’s a list of “pursuits” you can aspire to in the coming months:
Interesting Christmas Song Facts
Several of the more popular Christmas tunes that we all enjoy (or that drive us crazy after hearing them a thousand times) actually have very interesting origins. Let’s delve down into the history of some of the classics.
Declutter Before The Holidays
The one tough thing about Christmas is the fact that more “stuff” makes its way into our already cluttered homes. This year, commit to taking some time to clear your house out before Santa visits.
Christmas Traditions From Around the World
Have you ever wondered what common Christmas traditions exist in other places around the globe? Here are some of the more interesting Christmas Traditions from around the world:
The Origins of Christmas Traditions
Have you ever wondered what the origins of our most commonplace holiday traditions are? Perhaps a little insight into some of these rituals will give them further meaning and poignancy to you and your family!
Candy Cane Christmas
There’s not much that says Christmas more than the red and white striped candy cane. Learn why, and come on in for some Candy Cane Fudge!
Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
Gorgeous gourds and pretty pumpkins! Don’t be dull and do the usual. Pick a different decorating method this year and show the world just how Pinterest-y you can be!
Thanksgiving Traditions
Why do we eat what we eat, watch what we watch on TV, and do what we do on Thanksgiving Day? Here is a little history behind some of our most common Thanksgiving traditions.
Thanksgiving Food Alternatives
Are you tired of eating the same exact things every single year on Thanksgiving Day? Why not mix it up and try out some new recipes this year! Check out these ideas:
5 Unexpected Pumpkin Spice Recipes
Pumpkin Spice takes over in the fall, and there is no shortage of recipes for this favorite seasonal spice. Here are 5 Unexpected Pumpkin Spice Recipes to keep you on your toes!
Five of the Best Aspects of Halloween
We’re on the countdown to Halloween which is arguably the undisputed most fun holiday of them all. Read on to review five of the best aspects of this spooky season!
Amish Education
The month of September always signals “back to school”, and we thought we’d share with you how education in the Amish communities of Lancaster County differs from conventional educational systems and institutions. But, first, a little history.