Last week Jack Frost visited us for the last time until Winter circles around again. Now comes the Big Show of bright colors, dazzling ecology, jubilant skies and warming temperatures…in the Midwest, USA.

Like Autumn changes the woodland landscape into an aura of joyful plumage, Spring brings forth an abundance of vibrant greens littered with magnificent colored buds of trees, shrubs, vines, and of course, flowers.

Migrating birds return to our area in flocks, settling in our shrubs and treetops. Nest building begins and mating ramps up. The tougher species which stay in the area become more active, as do all of the ground dwelling creatures. Life unfolds like a movie reel plays. It is wonderful to behold.

I daily watch the turkey vultures, those huge black winged-scavengers, glide above the woods behind our home. Like the hawks who also soar on wind currents, they fascinate me. I find myself longing to be that free to simply unfurl wings and let the air currents carry me wherever my heart desires to go. Lots of circling from narrow to wider arcs, covering vast amounts of territory in mere minutes. The views must be astounding. The freedom enchanting. Even their shadows create mystical moments while moving across the terrain.

Ah, to be that free and with few worries from predators, seems like a dream. So, I wonder if can I attain this same feeling of freedom and peace while grounded to terra firma? I suppose it’s possible, but too often this sublime feeling eludes me. I don’t dwell on this fact but strive to focus on the here and now…the things I can control.

I can dream, though, and so can you. Similar to the astronauts viewing our planet from space, I find myself amazed at what we call Earth.