Patiently awaiting that brilliant moment when the earth begins to warm and the dominion of nature (plant, animal and man alike) begins to awaken — the air warms, energy begins to build and one day you awake and the miracle has come! Tiny pink and green embryonic buds push out of the old, coarse dry skin of the vines and a new life is born. As each day passes the buds grow and unfurl into soft little leaves and berries.  

It is just the beginning. The almond trees lost their blooms weeks ago and suddenly sweet little leaves are winding their way out of their bark too. The sun has created an awakening in nature and all living things. I find myself waking up with an unfurling sensation as well. The sunlight is calling me to come outside and play. The cold days of Winter, when the best shelter was found inside curled up in front of a fire, are coming to an end. It is time to wake up, rested, refreshed.  Warmed by the sun, the cycle of a new vintage begins, for people and nature alike.

Nature is the protagonist in the story of life. It has the power to move humans too. We are, after all, an integral part of it. Man shapes nature and nature shapes man. Each exists to support the other. It has been written that there is a season for every thing and a time for every purpose. Yes, a time to work, a time to rest and a time to play — a rhythm to it all, next to and aligned with nature.