Well, spring has definitely arrived. Pollen counts are through the roof. People are sniffling and generally miserable with allergies. And yet, nature manages to surprise me with the sheer beauty of new life after a long winter. I think having Anne been born in the spring has made me appreciate life in a new way. Spring beauty has a more visceral ache for me now. I see life in a new way. Not just the sticky, sweaty, Mommy-look-at-me way. Took this picture of the maple tree outside of our house. Most of the year it’s leaves are an unattractive purple-brown. But in spring, it’s this amazing vivd color.