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 ...