Roadside Daffodils

Every Spring it seems like our entire side of town is watching…waiting.

We text each other, “Are they out yet? Have you seen the sign yet?”

We post on Facebook, “Has anyone seen them yet? PLEASE let us know if you see them!”

And then, one day, you’re driving down the road and just up ahead you get a glimpse of something. Could it be? Are they there? Is it just a figment of my imagination?

You get closer and closer and the first thing you see is the sign.

Then…you spot them. They’re bending in the breeze as if they are waving hello and you can’t help but smile because…well…daffodils have to be perhaps one of the most cheerful flowers ever.

You may or may not be in your car clapping your hands and squealing, “They’re here! They’re here!”

You park your car and walk up (or drive up if it’s pouring rain because, well, this is Oregon after all!) the long driveway to the little table where the rusty coffee can sits and drop your bills in, making sure to use the rock that is provided to keep them from blowing away since the lid doesn’t fit properly anymore. Plastic bags have been graciously provided for you to use for your flowers so you don’t drip water all over in the inside of your car.

And then, it’s time to make your selections. Really, you can’t go wrong because they are all so perfect but you just kind of want to stand there for a bit relishing the moment. You hop back in your car and wonder what it is about this annual tradition that gives your spirit a boost and puts a smile on your face.

And you realize that, perhaps, it’s because even though you live in a fairly large city, a roadside daffodil stand makes you feel like you live in a small town.

Or maybe, it’s because it seems like the perfect representation of Spring.

Maybe, it’s because you feel bonded together with people (some of whom you don’t even know!) who appreciate the same things that you do.

Or maybe, it’s because for this brief moment in time, you are reminded of just how much joy is found in the simplest of things.

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

May your weekend have a moment or two of sweet, simple things dear friends!