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Apr. 8, 2003 April brings about many different emotions inside of me. While it can be a bit of a wet month, it is greatly rewarded with the coming of May. April has always been special to me for many reasons. The most special would be that my son was born in April. I look forward every year to celebrating this beautiful occasion. Because of him my life has been better, I am a better person, and I love him dearly. His birthday is always fun whether it is somewhere with a group of friends belting down pizza and running around like a wild Tarzan boy, or just a quiet dinner with the family. It is a day that I reflect the most on what a precious package I was given and each day continues with its surprises and warmth. Another great reason for April is spring. We are reintroduced to the lovely shades of green, deep earth browns, vivid bright colors of the flowers, and the fresh air that our lungs missed being cooped up during the long winter months. It is rejuvenating, refreshing, and makes me feel more alive. Finally I can shed the coats and layers of clothing and enjoy our beautiful world outside. This year is a wonderful excuse for being lazy with a four-day weekend thanks to Easter. Even as my son gets older we still celebrate by coloring eggs, having an egg hunt in the morning, and exchanging baskets. What can I say I myself, am still every bit a kid when it comes to holidays. April is a great month to get back in touch with your nature loving side. Taking walks, camping, anything that gets you outside will make such a difference. As a writer I find this time very inspirational in both getting outside to reconnect or just simply having the sunshine pour in through the windows and sprucing up my thoughts. I found that during our especially long winter this year, I wrote many stories that were rather dark, scary, stories that had themes of isolation and feeling closed in. I think perhaps they were my own feelings being reflected out into my stories. Poetry is my other favorite hobby and I find the coming of spring to be the best time to get out those lovely descriptive words and pour my heart out. Getting the house in shape is also on my to do list during this month. With the blinds and curtains open, the rays of the sun beaming through, I feel the need to clean. It isnt very often I get this urge, usually I try to sit down and wait for the feeling to go away, and it almost always does! But it really affects me on a day in April. From dusting, vacuuming, throwing out old things, recycling, taking things to Goodwill or other charities, I find it an inner cleansing as well. Finally I can box up the sweaters and make room for the clothes I so badly missed. Along with that is cutting back on the heating bill, allowing windows to be open, air out the dryness, and feel energized. Typically I do not decorate for Easter in my home, I am not partial to pastel colors and such, but it is a great time to buy flowers! Lovely daffodils, dandelions, and vibrant bouquets are always on the top of my list. Something about flowers makes my whole day brighter, livens up the house, and makes me smile. The downfall of April for me however is the coming of allergies and bugs. The winter was so cold that I dont believe I saw a single thing crawl. It only took a few warmer days to bring about some creepy crawlies and I must say I didnt miss them, not once. Allergies, well, it just goes to show you cant win. Some years they are worse than others but they are miserable no matter what. My eyes itch, nose runs, throat feels scratchy and I go through about a box every two days from sneezing my head off. It never fails! But even with those few things, April is a change around month for me. It means winter is a long way off, summer is around the corner, and people in general seem happier. The days last a little longer, the barbecue is back in business, and I feel healthier. My lust for life is recharged and my son certainly loves running around more without being so bundled up. As every year, I honor this special month. About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com ------------ Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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