4/22/2026
Earth day lives as a day to celebrate our sweet, special planet. Yet, all I see are classic Portland gray skies above and slowly dying tulips below.
I hold on to Spring in Portland with a sort of love and reverence that borders on worship. When I first moved here, just two years ago my strongest sentiment was that “Portland does spring right”. Hence why I even started this blog as a love letter to it’s glorious seasons.
When I am desperately searching for ways out Winter’s deep dark grasps in the depths of January and February. When my Vitamin D is at it’s lowest and I no longer crave to curl up with a new fantasy book. I look to the flowers for any sign that my woes will soon be dethawed by joyous 60 degree weather. Often, Camellias are my first sign of better days, yet I quickly realize they are a false harbinger, preemptive unearned hope.
But Tulips, Tulips mean Spring.
Normally, as Tulips arrive they are a welcomed bright occasion, which has been largely ignored this year. The sign of relief from the claws of Winter can be near euphoric. However, my continuing health struggles, personal drama, and career have flooded the space reserved for that sort of joy. Yes, I saw the Tulips, the multicolored petals scattered almost randomly throughout my garden. But the personal Winter has soldiered on regardless of the season turning.
Now as I look out my window I am struck by the lack of petals I see. Tulip season can’t be over that soon can it? It’s just begun! As I’ve focused so on my personal Winter, I’ve missed the fleeting joy, slipping through my fingers like fine sand.
As the Tulips peel back I am struck with a strong reminder to rebuild and maintain the reserved space of joy dedicated to being present in the season. Tulip petals may be gone, but Roses and Irises are quickly approaching, their first buds held in tight cocoons before their colors explode across my yard and the city surrounding.
Flowers are here now. Enjoy.