Happy Spring?
Good News and Lifey News
April 3, 2026
Dear Friend,
Are the birds filling your mornings with song where you are? This fine feathered friend, a male house finch, joined me on my early walk today, along with a dozen other birds in full chorus. The Canada Geese are flying low overhead, announcing their return to Michigan with their trumpet call. THIS is one of the many things bringing me joy, lifting me out of a heavy winter.
There’s the weather, too—finally I don’t have to throw on snow boots, hat, scarf, gloves, heavy coat just to walk the dog. Oh, and the pup’s coat, and boots on icy days. Today’s temperature will reach a perfect 72 degrees (22°C.) Early spring’s gentle sunshine seems hopeful. Crocuses are blooming, their purple hues dotting the ragged winter grass and earth.
We know that sunlight boosts our mood, triggering the brain to release serotonin, the neurotransmitter which lifts our spirits, helping us to feel calm and focused. When the sun alights upon our skin, it provides the vitamin D3 our bones and immune system need for better health.
I feel a sense of renewal. Connection with nature is easier without ice, snow and frigid temperatures. Flora and fauna are coming alive and emerging from hibernation. I’m getting more excited about outdoor activity opportunities.
There are, however, challenges to this seasonal transition. We don’t pay much attention to the nuances of the winter to spring change and how they affect everyone differently.
The back and forth between cold fronts and warming trends, icy frigid and then rainy warm, sends the barometric pressure up and down. Those with arthritis and autoimmune conditions feel the pain.
The oaks, elm, cedar and maple trees are in bloom here in southeast Michigan, along with grasses. Maple blossoms in vivid scarlet or creamy white cover our pathways now, their pollens adrift in the wind. Those of us with allergies begin experiencing delightful congestion and sinus pressure and it’s accompanying fatigue.
As much as I pretend I’m “not old” (because old is a state of mind, right?) I feel the pain. I know many of my readers are also “of a certain age,” and you feel it too.
Did you know springtime depression is a thing for many people? It may fluctuate, with the changing weather, but for some, it sticks around a bit. It helps to know that is a normal occurrence. Being aware helps us make sense of emotional and physical ups and downs. We can kick up certain self-care practices to help us through. This is a time for going gentle, not for pushing and then wondering “what’s wrong with me?”
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve found it helpful to really allow myself to keep it slow. To rest when my body is saying, “Hey! Hello? I’m here! And I’m sore and tired. Can we lay down for a bit?”
Another practice easing things up for me is looking at today one task at a time, starting the morning with a slow and spacious view of the day. Viewing “tasks” as quiet engagements, where I stay connected with myself and don’t get “out there” ahead of myself.
I don’t have to get it all done today. I can start with enjoying morning coffee. Then greet and feed the dog. Then savor a walk with her. Easy, not rushing nor pushing, which I tend to do so I can get all the things done. That mindset is really detrimental to me, separating me from my body, shifting me into mind-driven task orientation. It inevitably ends up depleting me.
Go easy, my friends, along with me. Transitions always come with challenges. Including the back and forth winter into spring shift. If you’re finding yourself tired and discouraged at your waffling moods, you’re right in step with the weather. It’s all okay.
And now for some good news!
I Won Something!
In January, a dear friend sent me a link to a writing institute which was offering fellowships to caregivers. Well, that’s me at present, so I got to writing content for the application. I had never submitted an application for any award or fellowship, so this felt like a brave move for me.
I pressed “submit” on my letter, Tired Caregiver Seeks Resurrection of Dreams, along with two chapters from The Chronicles of Maidenfern, the fantasy novel I sort of finished in 2023.
A couple of months went by, and honestly, I forgot about the fellowship. Late February, right before Keefie died, I received an email from the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing director. In a generously supportive letter, he informed me that while I didn’t win the first or second prize fellowship covering the conference cost one of the writers weeks, I was awarded the MVICW Poet & Author Fellowship!
I’ll share a few of the words he sent me.
“Your poeticism within the detail and narration is simply excellent. This novel is clearly on its way toward publication! As well, your letter was deeply compelling….When you write about not giving up on your dreams and seeking refreshment, impetus, and guidance for your book—I literally yelled out “Don’t Give Up!”
What encouragement this has been for me! I had wondered if it was too late, if my book was dying on the vine. Evidently, there’s still life in it.
Praise like this from an expert in the field is a cup of water in the proverbial desert for me. I really appreciated it.
Though I practically cannot attend the writers workshops presently, it doesn’t even matter. I won an award for my work! And that is huge for me.
Spring in Song
In a time of intense world war and violence, beauty still exists. Music has a way of reaching deep into our souls, evoking the best of emotions and memories. On this spring morning, I share a classical piece I love by English composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The Lark Ascending lifts me far above the harshness of this world. Since its completion in 1914, on the eve of the First World War, its soaring melodies have transported listeners into spring’s joie de vivre.
Viola player and writer Philip Borg-Wheeler finds it to be “imbued with a profound sense of communion with nature.” I agree.
I hope you will enjoy it — it is one of my favorites.
Thank you for reading Excerpts from Wonderworld today! It is the wonders in our world that keep us afloat. Would you mind clicking the little like heart and writing a word or two in the comments? Every response affects the Substack algorithm, bringing Excerpts from Wonderworld before more readers.
Here I go closing with a teaser. I hope it will entice you to return for our next newsletter. More soon!
May I remind you to keep your eyes open for small wonders in your world. They are everywhere when we lift our eyes and open our ears. Don’t miss them!
With lots of love,
Linda
and….?????
Grazie mille, Mike! I’m chuffed 😊
Congratulations on your award, Linda! How exciting and gratifying it must be. Auguri, as we say in Italy. :)