Refresh and Renew
Those are my goals for spring. Most of the time the reality is much different. That’s why there’s a bucket of soapy water and a mop by the back door. I’m trying to refresh, but it’s tough during Ohio’s mud season. Thanks to the dogs, I battle a constant onslaught of sloppy paw prints. The place looks like a barn.
The good news is that by early May the bucket goes back in the closet. I’ll soon turn my attention to the outdoors. The mud that bothered me in March and April fades to just another hallmark of the season, as predictable as the forsythia blooming along the side yard and the birds frantically making nests in my wreaths.
In my search for an early spring, I came upon our cover subject, the dynamic India Pierce Lee and Green City Growers. She’s one of the public faces for several vibrant community programs aimed at bolstering distressed neighborhoods. Her warm enthusiasm and the lush lettuces and microgreens growing in the sprawling greenhouse close to downtown are the perfect antidote to a chilly early spring day.
To continue the theme, our main feature story this issue (pg. 22) is about cultivating optimism. It’s a worthy goal, especially at this time of year. Full disclosure — I’m a pessimist at heart. I like the idea of optimism, and most of the time I’m able to fake it with smiles, positive thoughts, a good book and a new lipstick. But I’ve found that nature is far more powerful than anything I can nurture in that department. I picked up some good tips from our story and learned that optimism is possible even in difficult times. Please note the accompanying story about pessimism. It’s not such a bad thing after all; the world needs us.
That story addresses our inner lives. Another in this issue concerns our outer lives, or how we present ourselves through our clothing. I’m a sucker for makeovers. It started when I was a kid and saw Dorothy and the crew’s transformation in Oz, and it has continued to any and all TV or magazine makeover stories I come across. I hope you enjoy our version (pg. 16).
And, finally, page through our extensive list of area events offered during the next couple of months. Whether you’re a joiner or a loner, a homebody or an outdoor enthusiast, get out of your comfort zone and embrace the season. I’m positive you’ll find a good fit.
