I am sitting outside on March 21st with a t-shirt on and rubber boots! I have walked my dog Jazz – border-collie, lab, husky mix, in the back of the property where we still have snow and that is where he wants to lay and play with his ball.

It’s such a perfect day and weekend. Even though we may get more snow and April is sure to bring a lot of rain, this is the best time of the year. It’s a rebirth of sorts. A time when the earth is getting ready to reveal its spring seedlings, buds on trees and usher in the birds and animals that have hibernated all winter. The sounds are infectious – kids playing outside. I feel alive with outdoor activities and what is to come.

This is the weekend I planned to plant seeds. Other chores were put on hold as it was too important to get out and enjoy the splendour. I made my pots for the seeds from non-glossy newsprint. They are easy to make and it takes no time. Take a newspaper and cut it in half. Then roll each piece using a small bottle. Fold in the bottom of the newspaper into 4 folds, then put the bottle which still has the newspaper around it, onto the table and press down to create a pot. Done! I have a brief video on Instagram on how to make the pots. They don’t have to be perfect. Place the pots in a waterproof container – I reused plastic salad green containers. I personally choose to use organic soil and seeds. * NOTE: If you use non-GMO seeds, the seeds that are harvested in the fall can be saved for the following year. I love using heirloom seeds whenever possible. They offer so much history and delight. Maybe it’s a tomato that you’ve never had before. I purchased some tomato seeds from West Coast Seeds – organic, non-GMO, this year. It’s an heirloom seed called `Indigo Rose’. I cannot wait to see what the tomatoes look and taste like. The package describes an almost black tomato. How cool is that?

It’s this simple act of planting that creates such joy and anticipation within me. The possibilities of what is to come and all from simply getting dirty and playing with some soil. When these beautiful seedlings are ready to be planted outside, I will take the time to smell the soil – so earthly good, and break it up in my fingers. I am thankful for such a lovely gift that may take some time and effort but rewards me with something that can’t be bought.

Life is good!