Sakura Mist

Sakura Sakura

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
On Meadow-hills and mountains
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist, or clouds?
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Flowers in full bloom.

Traditional Japanese Song


As promised, here is a tour of the University of Washington Quad, with its famous Yoshino cherry trees, which perfectly compliment the pink stone and brick Gothic architecture of the campus buildings.

The trees are nearly at the end of their life span, but are such beloved harbingers of spring that replacement trees are already being grown in a nursery in northern Washington.
When I was growing up, we spent several years living in a small coastal village in Japan. We loved participating in the many wonderful annual festivals there, and Hanami, the Cherry Blossom Festival, was always a highlight. (I can even still sing all the words to that song in Japanese, but don’t worry, I won’t make you listen to a recording of that!)
My favorite image of the day is this one, taken by D:
How lovely that future generations will be able to experience this beauty and wonderment, when the new Yoshinos are installed. We are not as easily replaced as aging trees, and it is what we create each day that will determine our legacy for the future. Let’s make it as memorable and bright as a blue-skied, pink-blossomed day in spring.
Wishing you a magical weekend!
xo
– g