Each and every time - they take me by surprise. A single one here...and a patch of them there....a whole garden-full of color on the other side.

In so many ways - ordinary. In more ways - expected. They seem to show up just like this as one of spring's most natural and welcome wonders.

And - I thought - this is the gift of beginning each day anew. It's the prize that comes with seeing each day thru fresh eyes.

So then - why the surprise?