Everyday Celebrations

Last night we celebrated the birthday of our dear friend and neighbor and it started me thinking. We went out for dinner and we laughed and talked, and during the course of the evening I looked around the table and had a realization of how fortunate I am in my life. Partner was regaling the table with another funny story; neighbor was laughing and talking about the birds in her yard and I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude.

Today is Palm Sunday, and for many, this in a celebration in anticipation of Easter. Passover is this week, and the stores are filled with the traditional macaroons and matza. April is filled with birthdays and spring is upon us. Everyday feels like a celebration.............and then I began thinking of all the celebrations I feel.........even the little momentary ones.......that brighten my life.

In the garden, the hellebores are having their first year blooms and I am celebrating! Lenten roses, and they are right on time.......funny how they know exactly when to send up those incredible irridescent blooms. We planted the "Lady Series": 'Blue Lady', 'Blue Mettalic Lady', 'Red Lady', 'White Lady'......they have always been a favorite of Partner, and I have always loved their subtle and discreet charm. So when we planted the second terrace, we created a colony of these beauties and just this weekend we celebrate their forthcoming!

A drive down 6A in Dennis yesterday revealed an entirely new appreciation for crocus. We have always taken our spring "daffodil drive" down 6A, but it usually occurs later in the season when the crowds of naturalized daffodils are in full tilt. But we found ourselves in Dennis yesterday under pewter grey skies, and as we rounded a curve, we saw a beautiful antique house sitting on an acre or so of rolling grounds.........with literally thousands of crocus blooming all through the grass! It was so amazing that Partner turned the car around for another pass and we were given to comparisons with Botticelli's Primavera.......it was a tapestry.....an overwhelming celebration.

Completely by chance, we found the Edward Gorey house sitting on the green in Yarmouthport so, seeing cars in the drive, we pulled in. Being huge fans of Mr. Gorey, we were overcome with the idea of seeing his home for the first time. Alas, it was closed until April 16, when they will open a new show.......so we made a mental note to return. Undaunted, I began walking the perimeter of the house peering into windows and increasing my anticipation for our return......Partner does not like this habit of mine. The Gorey house is arranged in an "ell" that extends into the property, and as I walked around the house, we discovered a huge Magnolia grandiflora with it's amazing green patent leaves in full glory tucked into the ell of the house! A truly amazing celebration of beauty and fortitude as I only know this magnolia to be a southern belle.

So, on this beautiful spring day, with slashes of crystal blue sky and all the amazing bulbs coming up, and so many reasons to be happy........I recommend a celebration. Celebrate the sky, celebrate the new pansies in the nursery, celebrate the laugh you got from your friends. As we were leaving our dinner last night, Neighbor put her arm in mine and said, with strong conviction: "LIFE IS GOOD." This understanding made for an amazing celebration.