Friday, March 27, 2015

Letting #Spring In by Karen Rose Smith


There comes a day after a long cold winter when no matter what the weather is doing outside, spring needs to be coaxed to life in my heart. Maybe it's after that first 50 degree sunny day. Maybe it's after seeing a crocus blooming despite a late snow. Maybe it's just because we need hope every April.

Last year's crop...this year's promise
This year's seedlings
I plant heirloom tomatoes from seed in out basement on a heat pad with a grow light. Today I transplanted seedlings that have developed four or five leaves just in the past few weeks. Transplanting brings the promise of beautiful beefsteak and cherry tomatoes come summer.

Another way I "experience" spring is to change my bedspread and the valances at the windows in at least one room. I change from heavier winter colors to whites and pastels, from fleece to light chenille and seersucker.

Zoie Joy enjoys the freshly changed bedspread
Then there's the clothes closet--moving long sleeves, corduroy and sweatshirts to the side to give more room to short sleeves, cottons and capris.

In the kitchen, I switch from making soups to incorporating more salads into our menus.

Although we're still having freezing temperatures some nights, I can start spring inside. Isn't that what renewal and a new season is all about? As soon as the sun shines again, I might have to open a few windows and let the cats and our family inhale a breath of spring.

How do you let spring in?  

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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©2015 Karen Rose Smith





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