Spring (n)  a place where water naturally arises from underground

Spring (v)  jump rapidly upward or forward

Spring (n)  coil made of wire or metal

Spring (n)  season between winter and summer

With buds popping, birds singing and blue skies making more frequent appearances, naturally, the word ‘spring’ came to mind for Word Well Wednesday.  What I didn’t anticipate was the number of ‘springs’ there are!

Have you taken a hike in the woods and after winding through the forest greens you encounter a surprise spring tucked amongst rocks, logs and moss?  The gurgling sound with the clarity of the water is a beautiful sight.  There is a purity when a natural spring is discovered; a sprinkling of God’s creation.  Springs are plentiful in our part of the Pacific Northwest where snow and rain add to the likelihood of finding one of these gems in the old growth forests.

Spring also brings to mind Tigger from the Winnie the Pooh series of books.  Tigger is bouncy, full of energy and spunk.  Spring can mean to jump, just like Tigger, grasshoppers or frogs.  It indicates quick momentum to hop forward or up and down like on a pogo stick.  Spring suggests energy which leads to the coil spring.  If a spring is loaded, pressed down, its force when released will propel anything on it forward or upward.  Some springs are harder than others to load.  Have you ever been the victim of the snake-in-the-can prank?  Cramming the snake into its tiny container is almost as silly as the trick in action!

Spring the season is on our doorstep!  It’s an exciting time of awakening – the trees begin to leaf out, buds are visible on all kinds of flowering bushes and daylight seems brighter and less hindered by cloud cover.  One of my favorite seasons, spring brings a refresh to the long dormant yard.  Soon the deck will be warm enough to sit and enjoy the visual bounty of the gardens.

Spring forward is also approaching.  This weekend our clocks get moved forward by an hour seemingly extending daylight hours.  The longer days, truly not caused by the clock change, are welcomed regardless.  I have more energy to be outside and nesting on the couch at dinnertime is replaced with evening walks, kayak paddles and dinners alfresco. Spring is loaded with meanings.  The word itself seems to emulate energy. Today, carry-on with a spring in your step as you enjoy the signs of spring.  Meander among the trees in search of a bubbling spring or perhaps, you’ll encounter Tigger springing through the Hundred Acre Wood!