a spring walk -- with hope

perhaps i was just inspired by the beauty of the day, yesterday. but i woke up with the sun, and went for a walk around my neighborhood. i went a different route -- always a good thing to do, at times. try changing the route you go. you will be amazed at what you see!

so on this spring walk, i was filled with hope, and i was inspired!

first, the hope. when i moved to merced five years ago, after i bought my house, i began to see 'for sale' signs popping up like weeds all over. this was NOT a good sign for a first time home buyer, or for our community! but things got worse! for sale signs turned into foreclosure signs. our neighborhoods looked like a blight had hit them. building stopped; vacant lots became more visible, and a depressed mood began to inhabit our community.

not wanting to appear too 'pollyanna-ish', yesterday's walk gave me hope. while there are still some empty houses, the vacant lands have been well cared for, and the empty house signs are back to 'for sale' instead of 'foreclosure'. many more yards are being kept up, and families are putting back down roots. my neighborhood is more pride full, with the empowering kind of pride. hope. and now for the 'i was inspired' part.

i have been slowly getting my own back yard into 'welcome' order, and i was inspired, after my walk-about, to get a few 'color spots' and bring my fountain out of hibernation, and settle in. i'm not done yet, but i did take some time just to sit and enjoy part of the day. read a book; sipped on fresh brewed ice tea; listened to the sounds of my quiet neighborhood.

inspiration doesn't have to zap you like a lightening rod. a simple walk around the neighborhood did it for me. children were playing in their front yards; people i don't know said 'hi'; the weather had a slight breeze and was the perfect temperature. i was inspired. and grateful that hope seems to have returned this spring.

there's more to be done at my house...they've discontinued my shredded bark, so i'll have to go on a hunt for something that doesn't float away when i water. but, it's a small price to pay when hope and inspiration come together. actually, i can hardly wait for memorial day week-end! let the summer begin.

iced tea anyone? and why not share what inspires you with the rest of us....