If you’ve got darkness, cold and snow for lengths of time, you reach a breaking point. I call this March. (For you, actual March might come in February since your dark icing season is on a different schedule.)
Here is my attempt to integrate March with my sanity –say hello, make peace, and be less complain-y.
I hate to start with this photo because it turns out that March 16th was one of the better days that we’ve had since then; driving wind rain but it was 50 degrees.
What delights me with this step-careful-mess is the subtle hit of spring: yellowed grass mud strewn with tiny flecks of green.
March is well represented here. All of the layers and transitions.
Sidewalk view in Brunswick Maine
Ice chunks and snow are holding the line as best they can against the open water current.
The Androscoggin River is the plow.
Right before Ice Out, March 13, 2026
Ahhh. The river has its way. I wish you could hear it roar.
From a path next to the river, see the Brunswick-side of my Swinging Bridge way back.
March 18, 2026, Topsham Maine
Just before Ice Out, we break, inherently knowing that something has to give.
This rig was left out in front of house by our grounds vendor. After about four weeks, we took charge. Co-conspirators joined in to decorate and give it a name.
Peeps Plowing, born March 12, 2026
Post Script
Hey March, I’m not done yet. Let me add depth and shadow.
Not shown are those cold wind, grit-blowing-in-your-face, days. If you are out, your head is down making the best of it, not lingering, and annoyed that you forgot to wear your winter underlayer. Yesterday was, after all, near 60 degrees. Mindsets are rushing toward warmth, flowing water, and fresh green.
And those ephemeral March snows that only last a day or less? All of the white hurts the eyes now as it glops off the trees and smacks you in the face.
I begrudgingly wake up a little.
Not all moments are daffodils and kittens.
❤️
You captured the mess very well. Especially the thrill of finally seeing tiny bits of green after nothing but black, white, and gray for months.
Author
Those tiny bits of green is something to go on as we continue with the slop! -wb