CHERRY BLOSSOMS

"For winter's rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins:
The days dividing lover and lover,
The light that loses, the night that wins;
And time remembered is grief forgotten,
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins."
Algernon Charles Swinburne.

When I went down to the West End this morning for my Memoir class, I noticed that all the side-streets were lined with blossoming cherry trees. The froth of white and pink blooms were a cheering sight, a sure sign that Spring is very near. A time for a new beginning.

I felt my spirits lighten. It's hard to stay sad when you see the flowers in bloom in the gardens and the lovely trees starting to bud. It was another day of bright sunshine and mild weather. Time to come out of my semi-hibernation and enjoy this beautiful city.

As usual my Memoir ladies wrote amazing stories. There were laughs and tears and many hugs. This is a special group. The way everyone has bonded is so heartwarming.
Afterwards I went for lunch with my friend M. and we had one of our intensely interesting talks. By the time I walked all the way back up Robson St. in the sunshine I was beginning to feel my spirit taking flight. The sun was warm. I was still dressed for winter. I shed my scarf and gloves, opened my jacket and breathed in the sweet Spring-filled air.

I went to the Virgin Store and bought a replacement for one of the CD's that had disappeared from my apartment. Because it was a Cuban CD it cost me a lot. By the time I replace both of them it will be around $60 and there goes the new cross-trainers I needed so badly. But at least I'll have it off my mind and can return the CD's to my Havana Buddy who had loaned them to me to record. No use fretting any longer over their loss, though I still feel upset to think a guest took them in the first place.

I thought over the dilemma about my grandson and realize my daughter is probably even more disappointed than I am. Not to speak of the money she's out for cancelling his flight and the hotel rooms they had booked. I still don't know whether I'll see her but have suggested she come to my girlfriend's where I will be staying for the weekend as my friend's daughter is one of her pals. It's a closer drive for her than attempting the longer journey down to the town where my son will be.

She has suggested that I might consider going down to Santa Barbara to see my grandson. I really had never thought of that, him being a college kid and all. But it sounds like an idea worth exploring.

Tonight I went to my travel writing class. As usual, it was a happy time. There's something about travel writers and their stories...So light-hearted and fun! One of the men brought me a small hand-held tape recorder and tapes (free) and offered me a ride home right to the door, saving me the long bus ride. So I got here less exhausted than usual, and in a much better mood than when I had begun the day.

Shit happens, as they say. And I realize there isn't anything I can do about it, so no use grieving over what is out of my control. I'll see my grandson - eventually. I'll replace the two missing CD's. If the 'lost' friendship was really a true friendship, he'll come around again one day. Tomorrow morning I'm boarding a Greyhound and heading for the Interior. No matter what it's going to be a fun-filled weekend. I love bus rides. I have sorted out appropriate music to listen to; stocked up on the usual traveler's junk food; packed my bags with all my party clothes; and somewhere along the way I'm sure the Muse is going to catch up with me.

Later, then...Until I return with tales of another adventure.

"This day on which
the cherry blossom fell
has drawn to it's close..." Anon. Haiku