The rising of spring

Flowering quince

    For earth's cycles and seasons
    for the rising of spring and the growing summer
    for autumn's fullness and the hidden depths of winter
    thanks be to you, O Christ.
            from Philip Newell's Celtic Benediction

There's no turning back now, though our spring has arrived a month or so earlier than usual, and we may still have a blizzard in April. The seasons turn, sometimes in unexpected rhythms.

So let's celebrate the glory of quince blossoms and leaves opening, and other sights from our yard the last day or two.

    For the life force in seeds buried in the ground
    that shoot green and bear fruit and fall to the earth
    thanks be to you.                  
                                         (Philip Newell's prayer, continued)   

New tulip tree leaves

    Let me learn from earth's cycles of birthing
    the times and seasons of dying.
    Let me learn of you in the soil of my soul, O Christ,
    and your journey through death to birth.
    Let me learn of you in my soul this night
    and the journey of letting go.
                Philip Newell, Tuesday night prayer, Celtic Benediction

The old with the new -- clematis vine

A flock of tiny mushrooms where our maple used to be -- either that, or the ants have begun using umbrellas