3-19-2024 9:09am

Spring has Sprung

Christine Larkin Editor

Photo taken by Ward Bonavia

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Daffodils are some of the very first flowers to bloom in Spring. The Forsythia are beginning to bloom, too. Yellow is a beautiful sign of Spring. And so is the Robin Red Breast. I saw my first one recently. Buon Primavera! Happy Spring in Italian and Spanish.

Spring arrived at 11:06pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. What a wonderful time of year. I feel so lucky when a new season begins. It's a sign of renewal and endless possibilities. It marks time with a natural transition. That's the miracle of nature.

Spring is a special season. Bulbs buried deep in the ground lay dormant all winter only to emerge once again as the weather begins to warm up from the sun. Peonies are some of my favorite flowers, and their hot pink tips popped through the ground this week. I get so excited when I see them. It's as if they're saying, "I'm here again."

For most of the year, the Earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. That means the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet. During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

Around 3000 BC, the Babylonians created a lunisolar chronological system based on 12 complete cycles of phases of the moon. This calendar began with the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Many modern calendars and holidays continue this tradition of starting anew with the birth of Spring and the lengthening of the days.

Here's a bit of religious history on this sacred time of year. The Hindu New Year occurs near the Spring equinox with the Indian lunar calendar beginning around March 21-22 as the month of Chaitra. The Jewish Passover usually falls on the first full moon after the Northern Hemisphere vernal equinox. The Christian Lenton period occurs during the vernal equinox, and Easter is also determined by a lunar calendar, occurring on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. Muslims are currently celebrating Ramadan. Many other religions around the world also honor the equinox in their own unique ways.

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The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to honor yourself as well. It can be a new beginning with a clean slate. I think the start of a new season has real significance. Taking care of yourself is paramount, and Spring can be a great time for you to enhance your self-care. What better time than now. Adesso in Italian. Of course, we do the annual Spring cleaning, but what about a good Spring self-check. Maybe it's a good time to schedule your annual medical exams and take stock of where you're at in your personal life. Perhaps you're still working and preparing for retirement. It might be a good time to put things in order. Spring is always about rebirth, so take some time and give yourself a recharge. Spring has sprung, and so can you.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's always important to check in with yourself, and Spring can be a great time to plant the seeds for a new you to blossom.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - A GARDEN

Spring is when everything starts to look greener and more colorful. When you get a chance, visit a garden. Whether it's in your own backyard or in a local park or arboretum, take notice of the buds that are on the trees and the flowers that have already begun to bloom. It's fun to watch their progress over the next few weeks and months. This is such a gorgeous time of year with renewal and rebirth. A garden can bring us more happiness, and we can learn a lot about life, too while we're tip-toing through the tulips.

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Allow me to notice the blossoming of Spring all around me and to be inspired by the beauty of the season. Help me to be a beacon of light for others that they may find rebirth within themselves during this time of year. Amen.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does Spring mean to you?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the heart. I'd love to hear from you. Molto Gracie. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - PRIMAVERA by SANTANA

LYRICS IN SPANISH

Como la semilla
Lleva nueva vida
Hay en esta primavera
Una nueva eraLluvia de sol
Como una bendición

La vida renace a plena luz
La primavera ya llegó Todo es así
Regreso a la raíz
Tiempo de inquieta juventud
En primavera ya La tierra negra
Se vuelve verde
Y las montañas
Y el desierto
Un bello jardín

Como la semilla
Lleva nueva vida
Hay en esta primavera
Una nueva era

Como la semilla
Lleva nueva vida
Hay en esta primavera
Una nueva era En el aire
De este nuevo universo
Hoy se respira libertad
En primavera ya La tierra negra
Se vuelve verde
Y las montañas
Y el desierto
Un bello jardín

Como la semilla
Lleva nueva vida
Hay en esta primavera
Una nueva era

Llegó, llegó la primavera

La tierra negra
Se vuelve verde
Y las montañas
Y el desierto
Un bello jardín

Como la semilla
Lleva nueva vida
Hay en esta primavera
Una nueva era

Primavera
Llegó, llegó la primavera
Llegó, llegó la primavera
Llegó, llegó la primavera

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ABOUT SKYLARK

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter; Skylark Live Town News, and a monthly vlog; 60 and Beyond with Skylark. I’m still mulling around the idea of monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. This is a work in progress. They are all designed to inspire and motivate people to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletter throughout the month. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link to subscribe:

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletter and create my vlogs. Just click the link: Skylark Live | 60 and Beyond with Skylark | Patreon

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti! Cheers!