Winter Grey.

Another wonderful life was lost in my tiny town in the forest today. A wonderful woman I had the pleasure of knowing for many years. She was a teacher with my mother, my sister's teacher and just a really good person.  She was from the old school of teaching: tough love with her way. She was honest, tough and worked her kids hard but I promise every student that came in to her class knew they were important and loved. The best kind of teacher, honestly. Got mix the tough with the love.

She passed away today, much too early.

This winter I lost another one of my favorite teachers. This tiny, powerful woman inspired me to become the best version of myself in high school when that's just about the hardest thing anyone can do. She forced me to refuse to conform to what other's considered to be norm, made embrace my theatrical side, believed in me and was my personal cheerleader. You know the saying "though she be tiny, she is fierce?" That was Mrs. L in a nutshell. She was one of those people that I got comfort from just knowing we were on the same planet. Thankfully, I took the opportunity to make sure she knew how much she meant to me a few months before she passed away.

I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks.

This winter has been so bleak in my tiny hamlet, deep in the Pennsylvania wilderness. The sky has been grey with clouds and honestly, I feel like we've all been grey in our demeanors as well. When there is less than 5,000 people, death, hardship and sadness affect everyone. We've lost 2 young men, both I knew and both on the brink of a good life, 2 fantastic educators both far too soon and watched so many hardworking men and women get laid off, lose their jobs and have to start over again. This doesn't take in to account all the people who passed on that I didn't know personally. Cancer diagnosises, even in babies, houses burned down, businesses bankrupt...it's just been an awful winter.

We are ready for spring.

I am craving blue skies and green grass. A sweet breeze in my hair, blowing away this long, hard winter and ushering in promises of renewal, rebirth and change. Spring is hope. Spring is God's promises fulfilled. We need that in this town. We need that breath of fresh air. Please, Jesus. Bring the spring.