The hills are alive...

...and the devastation we saw during the October fires has given way to a carpet of green. As I drive down teh 241 Toll Road heading toward Rancho Santa Margarita, I find myself resisting the urge to pull my car over and soak in the view of the hillside.

I know Ireland has the claim to the greenest green, but right now, our hills are intense with it from new growth and rebirth. Here and there you can still catch the charred trees that no longer stand proud in stark contrast with the brilliant colors of Spring. And through it all, wildflowers have found their way once again, adding the beauty of their lavender and bright yellow. Rolling with the hills I also find a profusion of Mustard flowers, and my mind reels with the wonder of nature.

I sigh and wish I could stop the car, get out, and lay down on the green carpet to watch the amazing blue sky. Spring is around the corner, and while there was loss and desolation only a few months ago, now is the time to hold on to hope and life. My heart is filled with the beauty of the simple things around me.