Springtime in Texas?

Eastern Springtime. I’m driving down to the Georgia coast, to Darien, for “Art in the Park” on Saturday, maybe sell some books. I’ll travel the back roads.

And find that Georgia springtime is in the charge mode. Dogwoods, Redbuds, Azaleas shouting at me; that’s nice. But -- it’s the light, wispy green outlining the tree branches that reaches deep into my spirit – telling me, just wait, this is gonna be great! The springtime breeze says, “Underline that.”

And I wonder, what’s it like in South Texas? Are the bluebonnets everyplace, the winecups, the Indian paint brush, like in my childhood? Are the retamas and huisaches wakening, offering the same thorny experiences I remember? Is it springtime? Would anyone call it ‘roundup time?’

How about the mesquites? Have they offered up their shreds of leaflets? Childhood, I spent hours just examining the wondrous blossoms of the mesquite trees. You could do worse than spend your hours in rapt study of the mesquite flower (apologies to Robert Frost).

In my age I’ve learned to appreciate all seasons – even Winter – but my favorite remains – Summertime.

I mean a South Texas summer. Those hot, hot August afternoons. When your friends have sneaked away, seeking a quiet cool spot for a siesta. Breeze, not a whiff. Dry that yanks your breath from you. So bright that you squint at anything. The sun so powerful it pushes you down. There’s the creek, no flow, just a few little gray puddles in the bed, with a dragonfly or two soaring over, hoping for a misplaced gnat. You seek the horizon; it’s lost in the squiggles of heat rising across the prairie.

Take a deep breath, if you dare. Now, that’s what I call a SEASON!

Comments

[CanopyMeg Lowman]

Dac,
I loved your wasp entry. Write more about those tiny critters that rule the world -- you still have a great way to describing six- and eight-legged creatures. Thanks for sharing!
Your canopy friend, Meg Lowman

[Jane Bedell]

Dac- So nice to read your beautiful description just after driving home this last weekend. North Georgia is also beautiful in Springtime. The many shades of green are what call my name and remind me of the wonders of Mother Nature... She can whisper the change of season or she can send us a hurricane! Her choice. Jane B.

[Ed Underwood]

Nice, Dac. You paint a pretty picture. I can see the wildflowers, and feel the heat and the dry air.

[EJ]

WONDERFUL MEMORIES

[Marj]

Dac, what fantastic descriptions! Almost like poetry. There are bluebonnets and Indian paint brush, though short lived because it's been so dry. I haven't seen winecups -- my very favorite because they are so delicate. The redbuds, mountain laurels, and hawthorns have almost all shed their blooms and given way to tender leaves. The live oaks are almost through replacing their leaves, but I haven't been out in the country for much of a drive. Enjoy your trip!