WESTMINSTER — Spring has been slow to start this year.
The name “spring” suggests quick movement - a springing into action. But this year, it hasn't been following its own prompt.
On the other hand, my personal prompt seems to be “slow,” and I'm following it exactly. “Slow” is the way I feel most comfortable, and that's a nice way to feel, even in this quickening season.
“Slow” seems like more of a winter word, but I'm not in a big rush to move on from it. Not like the teenagers in shorts and tank tops walking downtown in 50-degree weather. Not like the convertible owners driving around with their tops down on these cloudy, chilly days. Not like the lake people driving north on Interstate 91 with their motorboats in tow as they pass the skiers heading south.
Those people, all so anxious to get into the next season, are missing out on the luxury of slow.
I can remember feeling that way myself, always looking for the next thing to arrive, but it's so much more peaceful to just appreciate what's already here.
Sure, I have to choose between building a fire in the woodstove or spending the evening in a house a little on the cold side. But if I choose the fire, it's a pleasure to soak up its radiant heat, listen to its crackle, and watch its flames flicker and burst forth.
And if I choose the chilly house? It's a great excuse to go to bed early and appreciate the coziness of a warm bed, a good book, and a cuddling cat.
* * *
This is a good time to be slow.
Once actual summer arrives, the pressure is on to squeeze every ounce of recreation possible into that limited time: barbecues, biking, gardening, hiking, pool parties, camping trips, amusement parks, tennis, golf, beaches - on and on!
There isn't any time left over for slowness or for true relaxation. Everyone touts summer as the great time to have a vacation and relax, but all the activity involved in the pursuit keeps it from actually being achieved.
I'm slow to come to a point here - and maybe there's no good reason to bother arriving to one.
The point seems to have already made itself as I've sat by and watched, sipping my tea and gazing out the window, as the weather takes its own time.