I grew up in the South San Francisco Bay Area. Spring comes early and warm there, and in all honesty, is the one thing I truly miss about living in that part of the country. That and great taquerias, but that’s another story. Over the past 7 years, I have slowly but surely come to embrace our slow to come, cold and wet and dark Northwest Springs. There is something incredibly magical about the buzz of excitement and joy in the air when we do get a sunny day in March and April here in Portland. Folks are so ecstatic to see the sun, they throw off their many layers of sweaters and raincoats and run around half naked. EVERYONE is out and about, and so so happy. And there’s also the bulbs and the blossoms… they are so soft and beautiful and colorful when they emerge from the soggy earth and barren trees. Such a clear symbol of rebirth. And I love me a fresh start!!!

I don’t remember seeing magnolia trees in bloom growing up in San Jose, CA. Surely they must be there, but not in my memory. The grand magnolia trees of Portland, to me, are the shining star of Springtime here. The blooms so big and beautiful, delicate and noble. The blossoms are falling now, making the sideways slick with their petals. I find it sad to see them go… but now the dogwoods bloom and I fall in love all over again.