Spring

The first, official, day of Spring will not arrive until next week. However, there have been several days recently which have been longer, warmer and filled with the song of birds and the green scent of new growth in the trees and on the lawn. The bulbs are beginning to push through their stems through the soil and it feels as if spring is already here.

I feel a thawing in my heart, as well, and it comes as a surprise.

I've been going on dates for some time now. (More on that soon) Matter of fact, I've had a large number of first dates, and only a rare few second dates. Even rarer, the man who was able to get beyond that point. I've had a couple of false starts, though none of them truly let into my life or my heart.

It took me by surprise, then, when something began to take root in my heart. Where the soil was dark, firm and packed tightly, a seed has taken hold and found sustenance, warmth and welcome.

I am in like with a dear man who I am beginning to get to know further. I'm not sure one of us is any braver than the other, for we are both proceeding cautiously but with mutual agreement that we are attempting to move forward together, to walk the same path for a while and see where it leads us.

It is this time of year, so full of new beginnings, that I finally feel ready, truly ready to try again to let someone into this heart of mine. I don't know how it will turn out and for now I'm okay with that. The planner in me wishes for a crystal ball, magic mirror or book where it is written....but the lover of surprises, holder of hope knows the the only way is by faith.

Spring forward.