**The first day of Spring arrived!! It was Wednesday the 20th of March this year.**

I always feel something good is about to happen when it gets to Spring.

Everything is so full of life waiting to burst out into the open after lying dormant. It never ceases to amaze me how - despite what chaos and disorder seems to be going on around us if you're paying any attention to it - that, when Spring arrives, everything seems to be renewed and re-born and is cleaner and fresher. It reminds me that life still goes on in all it's glory; that unseen, reassuring force behind everything in life constantly creating things anew.

I'm starting to feel like I'm expanding again after being huddled away in Winter. I'm going outside more, tending to our garden, observing the little lives around us, like the wren which has nested in the eaves above my shed door, watching the beautiful, dark green, velvety leaves of the kale unfurling each day, the blossom opening up and brighter colours emerging as things warm up. Seeing the smiles of neighbours too!

&lt;p style="text-align: center;">![](https://image4-us-west.cloudokyo.cloud/image/v1/0c/17/04/0c17046f-0a25-473a-9fcd-b49d1d62c996/1280.webp)&lt;/p>

&lt;p style="text-align: center;">_Connie trying to eat blossom - this photo still makes me smile._&lt;/p>

Spring has Sprung!

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;">With the world around us being so unsettled, it’s sometimes difficult to feel optimistic and to feel a bit helpless and concerned.&lt;/p>

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;">To navigate this, it’s always good to remember that there are also lots of good things happening in the world. The way I cope is by just keeping the corner of my eye on the news, and by putting my energy into things that I can do to bring some good to the world - to create, share or make something that benefits both myself and others.&lt;/p>

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;">This year, I’m interested to see what opportunities come up for new content, as most of my content on Carry Forth Tradition has always been spontaneous! I have a couple of little films I’m working on; one is an episode about Uncle Mick’s amazing model railway - it’s so magical and another film in memory of dear Connie - she was our faithful Airedale Terrier, hopefully John Harp Dalton will perform and Laura and Paula will be popping up too! Having the website and this channel has led to all kinds of interesting events!&lt;/p>

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;">I’ve decided to make more effort at keeping in touch with people as I am a bit of a cave dweller - and very content with my own company. Winter, for me, is a time for reflection and looking inwards, for retreating further into myself. It’s a time to rejuvenate and recharge and slow down. I’ve always been very tuned into these natural cycles, and come Spring, I feel myself energised and ready to burst out into the open as the rest of the world awakens from it’s slumber.&lt;/p>

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;">So keep smiling everyone, be kind to those around you, and may your year ahead be filled with love and new opportunities.&lt;/p>

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&lt;p style="text-align: center;">![](https://image1-us-west.cloudokyo.cloud/image/v1/b1/d3/4c/b1d34ca0-b113-4e03-a7f0-4fbbd19797f2/1280.webp)&lt;/p>

I wonder what 2024 will bring?

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Hello, I am Laura Market and am from the heartland (Midwest) of the USA. 

I want to share with you some of my experiences that I have treasured over the years that helped me appreciate my life. Hope is always welcomed and a joy to receive.

Laura's Heartland