There is nothing that brings a song into my heart more than the sight of one of the first harbinger’s of spring, the pussy willow. I can remember as a child, gathering bunches of them to grace our family home and being very excited to do so. Even now when I happen upon them I like to do the same.
Their long slender twigs and soft grey buds make the finest of Easter trees. I'm quite sure that the trees don't mind me borrowing just a few. They're my one weakness . . . as Dorcas Lane would say.
There is a legend about how they came about that I think is very sweet and lovely. A cat once gave birth to several unwanted kittens. It’s owner, the dastardly person, threw them into a river. As they floated off, the mother cat ran along the banks of the river mewing so plaintively that the willow trees bending down near the water took pity and leaned down their branches even lower so that the kittens could climb out to safety. Ever since then, we have had beautiful pussy willows every spring.
Somewhat of a tall story to be sure, but how wonderful a thought, and something to bring a smile to your face the next time you stroke one of those soft grey buds on a pussy willow branch. There are sure signs of spring in abundance here at the moment, and not just the wonderful increase of birdsong and myriad of daffodils that are blooming profusely at every corner. The fields are full of prancing lambs.
The camelia bush by the front door is filled with a thousand blooms, and all of our bushes are greening up . . . with tender green buds. Many trees in the neighborhood are covered with May Blossom, which is quite soon and I saw some cherry trees in bloom. All around me the earth is coming alive again and it is so wonderful to see . . . a real breath of fresh air after what seems like a very long and wet winter. It's come a month early, but we won't quibble about that! We are just happy to see it.
I am late posting today as I have been doing a favor for someone. I hate to cut this short, but am now out of time. My day is about to begin in earnest and so I will leave you with a thought to carry with you as you meander through your day . . .
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• ✿ღℓ σ √ ε ღ✿ܓ
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At times our own light goes out
and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude
of those who have lighted the flame within us.
~Albert Schweitzer
⋱ ⋮ ⋰
⋯ ◯ ⋯Love
⋰ ⋮ ⋱ ƸӜƷ Blessings
ʚįɞ .' ه `' ه ` ه `' ه Integrity
.ه `' ه ` ه `' ه' ه `' ه ` ه `happiness
ه .̆ . ه ʚįɞ ه `' ه ` ه `' ه ` ه Faith`
Baking in The English Kitchen today . . . a delicious Lemon Curd and Blueberry Loaf.
Have a wonderful Thursday. May you be blessed in countless ways!
Psst! I am guest posting over on Not Quite June Cleaver today. She's in the midst of moving home and I told her I would help her out. If you would like to read it click HERE.
God bless Marie.
ReplyDeleteYou too Suzan!
ReplyDeleteWe've just had another storm.. and it's still snowing..
ReplyDeletela deeda ladeeda ladeeda..
still pretty though....
We have a rather large pussy willow tree here. You can see the buds forming but no little catkins yet. All it will take is a few warmer days. Hope you have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteAs a much-beloved harbinger of spring, pussy willows have long delighted me when they appear. One of my earliest and fondest memories is of the huge pussy willow in my grandmother's front garden. There it stood - a majestic tree than gran always called a "French" willow, which bore the most incredibly large, cottony shoots far bigger than any I had seen before. I watched them sprout every spring and always loved to stroke them.
ReplyDeleteMy gran told us a story about the pussy willow based on an old Polish legend. She said that some little kittens were chasing butterflies along the edge of the river and accidentally fell in. The mother cat, helpless to save them, started crying. The willows at the river's edge heard her sorrowful cries and swept their long, graceful branches into the water towards the kittens. The kittens gripped the branches tightly and were safely brought to shore.
Each springtime since, goes the legend, willow branches sprout tiny fur like buds where the tiny kittens once clung.
We have spring weather here, but have been warned that the snows will be back on the weekend. I hope all of the birds and the new shoots on the plants survive.
I loved the story about the Pussy Willow. I love them too and remember well gathering a few when I was a child.
ReplyDeleteFor the past two days we have had lovely blue skies. Maybe Spring is ready to come; I hope so.
Blessings and hugs for you dear one!
Hi Marie. I too have a beautiful camellia bush with absolutely gorgeous red flowers. But my camellia now brings me wonderful memories. I can remember the day my husband John and I bought it as though it was yesterday although it was over 20 years ago! It was from a lady who used to sell her home grown flowers/bushes etc. outside B & Q in Wallasey. When we bought it, it was like a stick! She told us it would take at least 5 years to get established, but it would be worth the wait, and it defineatley was. Some years it has flowered in January and February! It has even been in full bloom when the snow has arrived making it look even more beautiful. Sadly John died 4 years ago but every year when these beautiful red blooms appear they bring me lovely memories. Much love xxx
ReplyDeleteYou have all had more than your fair share of snow this winter Monique! I know my son and my sis and mom are more than fed up with it!
ReplyDeletePam, how lovely you have one right in the yard. I love the name catkins. That is what Todd calls it too! Spring IS just around the corner, I promise!
Oh Marie, you have brought me some wonderful memories as well. I do so love these old traditions and stories!
LeAnn, one thing we know for sure is that Spring will come. It is always even more precious from the wait!
Kate what a lovely comment. I am sorry you lost your John, but happy you have your memories and the beautiful red camelia to remind you of happier times. We must meet up some time! I promise not to bite! xxoo