Editor’s note: When you think of spring – what comes to mind? Hope? The return of blooms? The color green? Refresh and renewal? In this latest writers’ series by members of the WhipCity Wordsmiths, members share their thoughts about the spring season upon us. Today’s submission is by Robert Thompson.
WESTFIELD-While the COVID-19 pandemic has sidelined many of us with travel plans, Robert Thompson has used the downtime to write.
“My wife and I are looking forward to the end of this pandemic, so we might get outside and travel New England and perhaps a few places in the world,” said Thompson, who added he will be “thrilled” when book signings will once again be an option for authors.
“I had to cancel four signings this past summer and fall, including the launch of my young adult novel, ‘Tracks,’” he said.
Currently, he is working on a sequel to “Waddle’s Big Adventure,” a Readers’ Favorite Five Star Silver Seal winner. The sequel, titled “Waddle’s New England Adventure,” is the continuing story of a young Emperor Penguin named Waddle, who in the first book traveled from Antarctica to New England where he took up residence at the oceanographic institute on Cape Cod.
“In ‘Waddle’s New England Adventure,’ he becomes friends with Rocco, a Rock Hopper Penguin, who talks him into escaping,” said Thompson. “The two go on an adventure up the New England coast, and Waddle continues learning lessons about life, particularly about choosing friends.”
Thompson also noted he is working on his first adult novel, “Across Time,” a mystery involving past lives and resolving karma.
His submission today is titled “Spring, The Gem of All Seasons.”
Spring, The Gem of All Seasons
I may not be unique in my love for spring. I’m sure many others share it with me! On that first day, when you feel that warm breeze hit your face, it summons us to come out and take part in the joy of rebirth.
The winter season can cause anxiety and depression in many people. Spring replaces those feelings with fresh and positive energy. People can come out of hibernation. Most noteworthy, spring is a period of transformation and delight. The pleasures of spring are so many it is difficult to describe them. It is best if we use all of our senses to inhale deeply and enjoy them, and in doing so, receive a colossal physical and mental boost!
When I walk out of my house on that first warm day, I can’t help but smile and think to myself, “Finally, here it is, that anticipated season when the snow and ice are finally gone, and everything begins to wake.” It invites us to come out and take part in the joy of the world. It presents a beautiful sight to our eyes. Buds on trees peep to see the beautiful sight of nature as they begin to renew their lost leaves. Flowers spread their honeyed scent in all directions. As we enjoy that first beautiful concert from the birds, delightful sights and sensations lift our spirits.
Spring significantly increases the motivation to get out and move! The sun seems to have that extra bit of warmth than the day before. We step out on that first hike into the mountains and are overjoyed to see nature in her true colors. Standing on that first overlook, we are amazed at the sight of green and yellow fields and hillsides. Our hearts are filled with hope, and our attitudes undergo a metamorphic change! In these first days, everything is untouched by man.
Many outside activities can be easily carried out in spring for us to enjoy, either as participants or spectators lounging in the sun. I love that first day when I can tee up that little white ball and smile as I watch it fly down a greening fairway! In what other season can we see the spectacle of a marathon and the Red Sox on the same day!
Who among us has not stood and smiled when we see a child trying to imitate a bird’s call and sing along with it. Or, be tempted to join a group of children as they roll down a shamrock-covered hillside. Spring calls us to come out and take part in the joy of the world. It presents a lovely sight to our eyes. We get new strength from Mother Nature.
Spring is undoubtedly the best season anywhere on Earth. The heat of summer is not entirely upon us, and fall is not in our thoughts. Spring is, without a doubt, the most comfortable weather all year. Without hesitation, one can call spring the gem of all seasons.
