What's In My Teapot?

I was standing at the kitchen sink  washing and tearing lettuce and tossing it into a salad bowl for supper  when it happened. I glanced through the kitchen window  and saw something on the tips of my neighbor's lilac bushes. I blinked. I squinted. I leaned in closer for a better view. Is that what I think it is? Green sprouts reaching for the sun... Tiny leaves just waiting for their first breath... New life on the verge of exploding!  This is it! This is it! And it's what we've all been waiting for!!! Quick ! (Breathe in! Breathe out!) The baby ( better known as Spring ) is coming!!!

There's a baby a wee bit overdue around here... And her name is Spring!!! (Maybe someone got the due date a little mixed up?) We've cleaned the pantry & the attic,  put away snow suits,   and gotten out the seasonal decor... All to no avail!!! (Maybe someone forgot to send the signal that all is ready?) And yet... despite the waiting and the false alarms, there is undeniable enthusiasm in the air. And hopes are soaring!!! Why? Because... soon and very soon  the wait will be over and   Spring is going to arrive in a rush of pink and blossom! And the sun is going to be so bright Someone is going to need shades!!! (Black ones with polka dots, for that matter.)   And that same someone is going to take a Spring Break from all the work that new arrivals bring with them! And they are going to sip on iced tea (from the cutest glass sipper ever!) and munch away on ...

Dear Spring, I apologize for the welcome you received on the day of your big debut!  The calendar had your name written all over March 20th,  and instead,  an imposter dressed in the form of snow & slush came around  and stole the show!  Please don't be offended and take your business elsewhere!  I was not terribly enamored with your replacement,  or with the pile of wet snow suits and mittens left in my children's wake. Winter has been a hard-nosed master this year  and he may try to frighten you off,  but have no fear... the calendar is all yours now for three glorious months,  and if I were you,  I would take full advantage of that fact!  The robins are here,  the daffodils are sprouting,  and I took a peek at my flip flops today, just to be sure I knew where they were. All we need, now, is you!  Your warmth will be the breath of kindness we've all been...