March Madness

Hello to March and all of the beautiful things it may bring. Hope all is well in your world as we embark on the road to the equinox. New life and warmer temperatures are surely welcomed down here in the south. Spring is my favorite time of the year. You are still getting the remnants of the cool weather of winter while everything is waking up. The birds are coming back and the bears are waking, the plants are beginning to sprout, and the sun is staying amongst the clouds for a tad bit longer. Let the time change, literally. Let's not forget to set those clocks forward an hour on Sunday on the 10th at 2:00am.

In the United States, the official start of spring is defined by the vernal equinox, also known as the Spring Equinox. This year, it will be on Tuesday, March 19. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”. On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. We get a nice distribution of sunshine throughout the globe.

Equinoxes are the only two times yearly that the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth. What we can be focused on as these changes happen around us are embracing and viewing them; I've compiled a list of a few things you may be interested in below. ⬇️

Go for a picnic: Pack a delicious lunch, grab a blanket, and head to a nearby park or garden to enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by blooming flowers and chirping birds.

Take a hike: Explore the beauty of nature by going on a spring hike. Whether it's a nearby trail or a national park, hiking is a great way to soak up the fresh air and witness the awakening of the natural world. Most times its free or very in expensive. Below are my a few of my favorite and most frequented trails.

Clark Creek: 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669

Tunica Hills: Old Tunica Rd, St Francisville, LA 70775

Terry Hershey Hike Trail: 15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079

Visit a farmer's market: Spring is the season for fresh produce! Visit a local farmer's market to pick up some seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade goods from local artisans.

Plant a garden: Get your hands dirty and start a garden in your backyard or on your balcony. Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables can be a way to connect with nature. Starting a garden can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you are thinking about it and don't know where to start allow me to make the process a bit easier. Here are some simple steps to get you started. First, choose a suitable location for your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has access to water. Next, decide what you want to grow - whether it's flowers, vegetables, herbs, or a combination. Consider starting with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, zucchini, basil, or marigolds.

Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or fertilizer to improve its quality. You can also consider using raised beds or containers if you have limited space or poor soil. Once your soil is ready, plant your chosen seeds or seedlings according to the instructions on the packaging. Remember to water your plants regularly and provide them with the necessary care, such as pruning, staking, and fertilizing. Finally, enjoy watching your garden grow and reap the rewards of your efforts as your plants thrive and produce beautiful blooms or delicious vegetables.

Go on a bike ride: Dust off your bicycle and go for a leisurely ride around your neighborhood or on a nearby trail. Cycling is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the sights and sounds of spring.

Have a spring cleaning day: Declutter your home and freshen it up for the new season. Open your windows to let in the fresh air, dust off surfaces, and organize your space to welcome the energy of spring. It's good for the internal and external self.

Attend a spring festival: Many communities host spring festivals featuring live music, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Check out local event calendars to see what's happening in your area. Almost every area has a significant festival to commemorate spring.

Try a new outdoor activity: Whether it's a simple walk around the block to take in what's around you and new in the neighborhood, kayaking, paddleboarding, or rock climbing; spring is the perfect time to try out a new outdoor adventure and challenge yourself in a different way.

Have a BBQ: Fire up the grill and invite friends and family over for a spring BBQ. Enjoy delicious food, good company, and the longer days that come with the season.

Go stargazing: As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, take the opportunity to go stargazing. Find a quiet spot away from city lights, lay out a blanket, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Women's Day Highlight

So many great celebrations lie within March but one of my favorite is the highlighting of the of women. On the eighth specifically, is Woman's Day, and I am choosing to focus in on an amazing creative and entrepreneur by the name of Angelica Stanton. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the first art showing of my latest exhibition and she was such a beautiful person. The exchange held weight and definitely left a lasting impression. Please take some time and check out, not only her post from the art show of mine, but her full catalog. I've included the links below.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5XSwPbEnoHk

https://tr.ee/HrYfA7ks71

Warmer weather, beautiful wildlife and plants, and increased outdoor activities offer many things that benefit an overall well being. Being outside and connecting with nature can give us an increased sense of happiness. The celebrations and holidays are just universal unifiers to push us to do just that. I hope we all shake off the seasonal depression and cold shoulder that the winter and fall has left us with. It's a new time. Happy Spring.