I have this relatively large tree in the middle of my smallish backyard.  Each year at this time, the buds that formed in early March start to open up and become little white flowers.  I know that this year, like every year, the delicate white flowers will promptly turn a blush pink and then they will too quickly fall to the ground with the abuse of wind and rain.  Then my tree will be bare again until green leaves eventually come.  I realize this is not earth shattering news as the same thing is happening right now in backyards across America.  But in my world, the opening of the flowers always triggers a feeling of awakening and a breath of fresh air after the stillness and quiet of winter.  And because of that, to me, it is a very important event.

Happy Friday special ones!