I've always, even from childhood, wondered why January marked a new year. What is new in January? I always thought Easter would make a better New Year. As an adult I found my birth father and he taught me about the Persian culture. Their new year celebration is called Nowrooz and is celebrated at the spring equinox. I love it! It seems so much more appropriate!

Springtime is marked first with daffodils who herald the new season like the sun heralds the new day with golden light. Fruit trees burst with popcorn blossoms that seem edible. Calves wobble along, following their mothers. And the sun beats down warm on my skin, penetrating to my soul and reawakening it for a new season of hope.

New beginnings spring from eternity. They re-center the soul and ground us what matters most. Tentacles of hope and joy are sent out to spread the news that life goes on and all is well.