Mar 09 2009
Spring Is In The Air… Is Romance As Well?
Spring is upon us. We have sprung our clocks forward, the wild flowers are popping their heads from the ground (at least here in the Texas Hill Country), birds are building nests and the air is changing. Yet it seems around me the world is softening. In the past week, I have noticed more kindness, more romance and new love than imaginable. Some of my single friends are entering new relationships. Two of my married friends are planning steamy vacations. Everyone I know seems to be encountering new amorous feelings. (Even though some of these ways of behaving are, unwelcome by the other party.)
Yesterday during the height of my bitter and angry mood, after being betrayed by not one but two friends, I took my dogs for a walk. A girl friend of mine who was visiting went with me so I could show her a house for sale near me. (This could be very fun and dangerous at the same time. Way too much possible fun and red wine.) During our walk I launched into how it seems romance is like a season. Romance can go missing like the sun during the gloomy winter months, only to peek out like the Texas Bluebonnets. I do wonder if it is just like the birds and animals around us the spring calls to something in our hearts and minds making us yearn for romance and love. Throughout our walk, I found myself becoming angered at the fact romance dies away for months at a time only to be revived to life during a specific holiday or season.
Romance should be part of our everyday lives.
As our walk was nearly finished, dogs panting, my mood a little better after spending time with one of my favorite people, something changed. Right before turning onto my street, I spotted a young couple who obviously were in love. In my opinion, love in your teenage years always seems more heartfelt and passionate then in your twenties or thirties. There is some sort of all encompassing passion, which makes you forget everything around you. (Maybe it is just hormones completely out of control. I do not care though. It is wonderful just the same.) This teenage couple touched my heart. There was no uncalled for groping, or other outlandish behavior you see from those dating normally. Instead, the boy kissed her softly, before hugging her and taking her by the hand to his waiting car. My friend and I observed him open the door for her wait for her to settle before closing the door.
Between the two of us over romantic women, there was a sigh at what we were taking in. Both romance and manners. Such things are rare in the world, but we were amazed to witness something so amazing in a teenage boy. My friend and I, both WAY past our teen years walked home smiling.
Later, alone, in my office, even though I was physically and mentally exhausted I began to think. (A phone call with a wonderful friend later in the evening finally allowed me to sleep) I began to consider if the once a year resurgence of romance in correlation to spring is really a bad thing? How can I, the person who lives for romance, complain when people actually partake in my favorite sentiment? Valentine’s Day is different. I still feel it is a makeup holiday for the rest of the year lacking heartfelt enthusiasm. However, with spring around us, the smell of flowers and clean crisp air, warm breezes, it seems the perfect time to fall in love or be romanced.
Living in Austin Texas, there is never a dull moment. Yet the moment spring rolls around we are overwhelmed with activities. Driving past Zilker Park last week on Kite Day, I watched as couples walked hand in hand in the warm sunshine. The paths around the river are filled with couples as well. Within a week, I have watched my wonderful little town turn into a budding land of romance. Leaving me with a single question:
Are Spring Fever and romance connected?
Good luck and remember romance can be achieved… (It may be blooming as you read this.)
