In April 2000, the Tech Guy and I had a big decision to make. His then employer in Canada offered him an expatriate assignment in England. A wonderful opportunity but which would mean a big change, taking our lives in a whole new direction.

While making that decision, we spent several days in Lake Placid, New York. Ski season was over but it was too early for summer tourists. It was a time of cold nights and warmer days, spring sun softening the lake ice, melting the snow piled high around the inn where we stayed. 

It was quiet, peaceful but my thoughts circled like a hamster on a wheel. Should we take a leap of faith and make the move? Or should we stay where we were and not venture into the unknown?

Then one day we wandered into town and into a store under renovation. Stepping around a sleeping dog, we said hi to the owner, perched on a ladder looking out the window at the lake.

“Best time of the year, watching spring come,” he said.

My mind quietened, I let his words sink in.

Four months later, the Tech Guy and I moved to England, finding more new directions than we could have ever imagined.

But still every spring, I stop and watch this magical season turn, forever associated for me with a time of new beginnings.

What makes spring special for you?