Saturday, March 21, 2026

First Day of Spring


 I went for a hike....not surprised? 


I am trying to do things that have always brought me joy in the past.


I love being outside in nature of course and I am thankful for all that I have.

But I don't feel joyful yet.

I appreciate everyone here and your friendship and feel a little excited about visiting everyone today.


That's a step in the right direction!


I hiked down an old horse trail and even saw a few horses out for a ride. 


I think this is a juvenile bluebird.

It was a beautiful Spring day in Florida.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE


35 comments:

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your precious husband . I'm glad you are trying to get out and trying to find some joy in nature. They say time heals - you need time. I love your shots of the woodpecker. They are so fast I can never seem to get a good shot. Have a good day.

Tom said...

...Diane, doing thos things that bright you joy is what life is all about!!! Be well.

MadSnapper n Beau said...

I am happy to see you post and the butterfly is certainly worthy of Joy. gorgeous photo. I think if will take a while to feel joy. If anything can bring you joy in your grief, it is the hiking you love so much.. Hugs and Love coming your way

Terri D said...

Yes, Diane, doing things that bring you joy will get you through. You are not alone in this journey!! I'm five years ahead of you and can tell you those joyful things you do will give you strength! Sending love and hugs!

Sandy said...

It is good to hear from you Diane. The outdoors is my place to go to find the Lord and joy. I hope you have many more hikes this spring. I love your birdie pictures - always.

Jeanie said...

Full-on joy takes a bit after such a loss. Just try to grab a bit each day. Write it down and you will see, and feel, when your list gets longer. Grieving isn't linear and in many ways, the loss is never-ending. But it will soften over time. Meanwhile, if walking brings you comfort and joy, go on many hikes. Surely, you will find beautiful things that brings wee bits of joy. I think I even see some here!

carol l mck said...

Diane ~ lovely photos ~ sending you prayers and lots of healing energy hugs ~ is 'watching over you'. It is the hardest thing to do in life ~ grieving the loss of our loved ones especially our mate ~ It is good you welcome nature and your photography will be a good companion ~ hugs ~'
love and hugs, carol and ziggy
an artist reflects

Wally Jones said...

Spring! We can't wait to get out there.

Your beautiful photographs really whet our appetite for our three favorite things: birds, blooms and bugs!

That young Bluebird is quite special. Thank you for a very refreshing "Spring Prelude"!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I am so sorry for your loss, Ron will always be in your heart. I am hoping your walks with nature can bring you some comfort. Beautiful photos of the butterfly, birds and the horses. Beautiful wildflowers. Thank you for linking up and sharing your critter post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Marcia said...

You're doing what you need to and that's important as you mourn and adjust to the new normal. Glad nature called out to you and delivered.

Debbie said...

gorgeous images today!! this felt perfect for today, like the place you are suppose to be!! i enjoyed all of the images but the butterfly was my favorite. "i" think it is important you do the things that bring you joy, you deserve that happiness and that is what ron would want!! i hope you get outside today!! also, you may have linked last weeks post in to today's link...just check to be sure you are linking what you wanted to. i messed up once and you were the kind soul who pointed it out to me!!

Barbara said...

Diane, it's good to see your blog post today! The Lord brings you to my mind often and I pray for your comfort and peace. Yes, do those things that have brought you joy in the past. You may find new things giving you comfort, too. Your photos and knowledge of the outdoors are always a delight for me to see on your blog.

Penelope Notes said...

Nature is a refuge in sad times when sometimes we can hear our loved one who has passed in a bird's song or flutter of a leaf or wing.

Lowcarb team member said...

I was so pleased to see this post from you.

I do think it helps to continue to do the things that bring you joy, and I'm sure that is what your beloved Ron would want you to do. One day at a time with friends and family to help you ... including all of us in blogland :)
My very good wishes are coming across the miles to you, and a big {{{hug}}} too.

All the best Jan

Brian's Home Blog said...

Such wonderful photos and I'm glad you got out n' about for a while!

HappyK said...

Yes, it is good to keep doing the things that you enjoy. It will take time but you will feel joy again. Your photos are beautiful. God Bless You.

Ann said...

Totally understandable that you aren't feeling the joy just yet. You're trying though and that's what counts. Your photos are beautiful. Slowly but surely it will come back to you.

Red Rose Alley said...

You do take some of the finest nature pictures. I'm glad you are enjoying the warmth of the sun and outside going on walks and spending time in nature. I've been wanting to do that as well. The little bluebird is sweet, and I love that horse trail. Those woodpeckers are starting to come around my house now, and I can see and hear them pecking away. I wish you a sweet March month.

Chrissy T said...

Big hugs to you!!! I love all the photos. Oh, what a hike can do for our soul. :)

Irma said...

It is important while you are grieving to do things you enjoy doing.
It is nice that you can go for a walk and take photos in nature.
Nature has a healing effect.
You have taken beautiful photos, Diane.
I wish you a lovely Sunday.
All the best, Irma

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

You make Nature smile and shine through your beautiful photos. Prayers and comfort vibes going your way
May

Jenn Jilks said...

I am happier seeing your Spring than mine! I know, patience...

Villrose said...

Many joyful things to see on your hike. I hope you will be able to enjoy them little by little.
All the best from
Irene

John's Island said...

Diane, I have been on an extended blog break from last September to February of this year. I am trying to catch up with blogging and I’m delighted to see your comment on my latest post today. Now that I have clicked over to your blog I am so sorry to learn the very sad news about your husband. God bless you and peace and strength be with you! Your newest post is a delight and thank you for sharing! Thank you for your kind comment on my blog. Sending you a virtual hug! Take good care my friend. John

Alexandra said...

That Bluebird is precious! I found joy in looking at your photos, thank you for sharing them. The steps you took this day were in a direction that helps soothe the soul! Sending a comforting hug your way!

Gillena Cox said...

Happy Monday
I am on the linky
HERE

much love

EricaSta said...

My heartfelt condolences on your great loss; I’m sending you a hug from afar, dear blog friend.
My father passed away four weeks ago. And I can only begin to imagine the grief you’re feeling.
All the best to you.

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

It's good that you are getting out for those hikes in nature. I enjoyed looking at your photos. Take care and be well.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Little steps in the right direction. I pray the blogs you visit are a blessing to you. I love the pictures you shared, of your lovely hike! Especially of the juvenile bluebird, and the horses out for a ride. Praying for you dear friend!

Lorrie said...

I'm so glad to read that you are continuing to do the things that have brought you happiness. Grief is an uncertain process. Take it slowly and be gentle with yourself.
Your photos are gorgeous!

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh, Diane, it is so good to see you out and about again, doing the things that you enjoy. That's a wonderful way to work your way through the sorrow and grief...be out with God's amazing creation and let Him soothe your heart. Looks like you got to see some wonderful things along the way...just what you needed. Yes, it takes time, and grief is not something we can just decide to turn off. But we can take positive steps to help comfort ourselves along the journey...and for you this is a very positive step. Thank you for taking us along on your journey. We are praying for you.

Tina said...

Diane, I'm so sorry to learn of your husband passing! I'll be praying for you and your family during this time of grief.
I'm glad to see you're letting nature help you in healing. Beautiful pictures. Remember: be kind to yourself during this time. Hugs Tina

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I just learned of the passing of your husband. Please accept my sincere condolences. May his memory be a blessing and may the solace of nature help you through this. With my very best wishes - David

Teresa said...

Me alegra saber de ti y de ver que has salido a pasear. Me ha encantado tu reportaje. Un abrazo.

Veronica Lee said...

Such a lovely way to spend the first day of spring.
So glad you got outside for a hike and saw some beautiful things along the way.
The horses and that little bluebird sound so special.
Even if joy feels slow to return, being in nature really does help.
Hugs, Veronica.