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  • “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. Dr. Suess

Monday, February 14, 2011

MIRACLES WANTED

Each winter, after the flurry of the holidays when winter blahs drag frosted mornings into dull afternoons, I start my own version of a yearly miracle.  I call it 'The Miracle of the Sticks'.



I start reminding my hubby that it is time to prune the fruit trees.

I gather a variety of the trimmings into a vase
or two ...

and wait.

Bloom times vary.
(1-6 weeks)
The sticks bloom,

sometimes more
and/or sooner
than other times.

First buds
then blooms open,
and they flower
in stages,

just like outside -
but sooner

first the soft fruits and the apples later.





I think the apricots are always first to pop;
quickly followed
and overtaken by
the cherries.


No wonder
the children sing
'Popcorn Popping On The Apricot Tree'.




And then
the peaches come -
in a cloud of pink.

This year has been odd.

Blossoms are sparse
and leaves prolific.


The apple trimmings are usually covered in massed umbels but only a few are opening this time.




I don't think I have seen that in the past -
(and after opening the blooms are quickly spent)

but that's OK.


Every bit of green life cheers me.



Each miracle is unique.

Each bud anticipated.

Each flower a joy.

Each leaf a reminder -

the REAL miracle
is still to come ...