Produce stands opening again are a sure sign of spring.
In our valley, we hold them dear, not only for the local produce they sell, but as a social hub, a meeting point.
Neighbors rendezvous after a tour of the flower fields for a piece of fresh halibut and some seedlings for the garden. Perhaps a carton of organic duck eggs (remember, you are not in the city here.)
And an ice cream.
You can not leave without a cone.
It would almost be a crime.
A decadent cone, too, is a rite of spring.
This is the stuff of which memories are made.
A lifetime of happiness consists of relishing these small, daily joys
and seeing them for the treasures they are.
Too soon the last drips are licked.
The light is turning golden.
I tuck the sketchbook and camera back into my purse
and we head for home.
Content.
Simple pleasures really are the best, aren't they?
