What could be more spring than cherry blossom trees? The herald of longer days, warmer weather and child-like dispositions. I wish it could be like this all year round. As much as cherry blossom trees make me happy, it also fills me with sadness because I know they’re so fleeting. But maybe that’s the point. You must stop everything and appreciate something when it presents itself to you.
The life-cycle of cherry blossom trees is all too short, while work and other obligations are too long. From the first buds to a full flourish, I am painfully aware of and counting down the days when all the flowers turn into leaves. And Vancouver’s rainy weather hastens the transformation.
On what was the last weekend before the leaves overtook the blossoms, we were rocked with torrential downpours and gusty winds. Cherry blossoms ripped from the branches and carpeting the streets with pink petals. It certainly brought on a case of the sads.
But overnight, the rain stopped and the sun peeked through the ominous cloud cover. If only for an hour or two.
In that window, I asked Sean to accompany me on one last cherry blossom walk. The streets were washed clean and covered in fresh, fragrant blossoms. In that moment, I wanted to indulge my inner child.
Rather than take photos of the blossoms in the trees, I wanted to remember the day by laying where blossoms had fallen, scooping it up in my hands and throwing it like confetti. Floral confetti! Is there any better kind?
I’m sure I look all kinds of goofy with my toothy smile and chipmunk cheeks, but I don’t care. The unadulterated joy felt like a million bucks.
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