Ah, spring in the Bitterroot! We in western Montana know what tough is. Mother nature loves to send us little surprises to keep us on our toes. Why would anyone want to try and grow anything in these crazy conditions you might ask? Well my friends, let me show you what miracles are happening underneath the cold layers of snow!
The miracle of spring can seem so slow in coming. We are weary from the dark and cold, and our hearts long for warmth and light. People for centuries have celebrated this awakening to new life. It is a symbol of our faith and a renewing of our spirits. The spring equinox brings rejuvenation to our lands, to our bodies, and to our very souls.
We all know what darkness is, and share a common thread of grief, suffering, and sickness. I have been going through my own darkness; a time of feeling weighed down by sorrow. As I have struggled, however, I have found that I am not alone. I am surrounded by people like you who understand and help pull me out of the darkness. This morning I walked the rows of my orchard, covered in a blanket of snow and rustled by cold winds, feeling much like my soul. Revealed before my eyes in the frigid cleanness of the air, were blossoms; beautiful yellow blossoms blanketing stark honeyberry branches. Life fighting through and bursting forth in beautiful colors. Tender leaves of raspberries gracefully curled out of seemingly dead canes. Bright green strawberry leaves peaked out from under their soft white blanket.
My spirit has been renewed today by the evidence before me of new life and an outward testament to the goodness of God and the wonder of creation. Every day we are made new. What new life is bursting out of your gardens and souls today? What healing of hearts is waiting to be found in the blooming of spring?
I love sharing with you all the passion I feel for growing things and feeling like a am part of something so much bigger than myself. We are in this together; all planted and flourishing where together we make a garden. Happy Spring and Happy Easter my fellow lovers of life and our home we call Earth. May you be blessed with hope and healing through this coming year.
Love,
Melissa Allred
Owner/Farmgirl/Crazy Berry Lady