IN THE IN-BETWEEN SEASON of not exactly winter, but not quite spring here in Minnesota (although the calendar says otherwise), I feel like I’m waiting. Waiting for snowfalls to end. Waiting for the landscape to transition from drab browns and grays. Waiting for vibrant colors to appear.
There’s a sense of anticipation and wonder when buds form, when the first tender shoots of spring bulbs emerge from the soil, then flower. Purple crocuses. Sunny yellow daffodils. Followed by tulips and other flowers in a rainbow of hues.
I love the beginning of spring—real spring, not the teasing warm days of early and mid-March or simply a date (March 20) on a calendar.
I love when the landscape is flush in green, a green so vibrant that it’s almost indescribable.
While I await the greening of the landscape, I remind myself to appreciate the natural world around me as it is now. The stubborn dried oak leaves that clung to branches through the fierce winds of winter. The rough textured bark of a tree. The dried seed heads and leaning swamp and prairie grasses. All hold the seasoned beauty of days, of weeks, of months, of time.
Seasons are not timed by a calendar date, but by the natural world. Authentic spring arrives in Minnesota on her own timetable. Often unhurried. But sometimes abrupt.
As I await spring’s bloom and budding, I realize that the seasons of life also should not be hurried. The years pass too quickly, although we are mostly ignorant of that in our younger years. I understand that now in this advancing season of my life.
I value the moments more, recognizing that seasons end. And seasons begin.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
these are beautiful shots, Audrey. they serve as a reminder of the seasons of life and the cycles that the earth, as we, go through. some stages may appear ‘prettier’ than others, but they each are equally important and beautiful in their own way. as we travel through these cycles, we learn to savor each one and not focus on what’s next as much, instead savoring each moment.
Thank you for appreciating my photos, Beth. And thank you for your thoughtful comment, as always.
Loving your photos 🙂 Yes, to pausing and soaking in the fauna and flora. Our yard is a riot of color right now with red, orange, yellow, pink, and green and white buds. We get out on the water to kayak this time of year and hope to see baby stingrays or sharks as well as the manatees still hanging on waiting for warmer water and days So glad to see a good majority of trees coming back from being stressed from the Hurricanes back in Sept./Oct. too. There is nothing better than seeing the baby birds too – we have an Eagle fledging that visits my work campus plus all the baby ducklings hatching around here too. Happy Exploring, Soaking in the Sunshine, Pausing to Soak Life In – Happy Day – ENJOY!
You paint such a strong visual with your words. I can almost see those vivid florals, those swimming creatures, those birds… Thank you for sharing your spring with us here in cold and snowy (Owatonna and south) Minnesota.
I do love the signs of spring. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes have all started here so that is a good indication . 😊
I’m sorry you deal with spring allergies. That’s rather miserable.
I am reminded of…
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
I love that Scripture.