Posted 5/2/01 The colors of our lives: Sunday Night, by MaryHelen Swanson Itís green, itís green, at last itís green. Glorious green, willow green, emerald green, green light green, fabulous green. How wonderful when warm spring rains fall and the world becomes one big paint-with-water page, you know, like the childrenís books that come to life when a wet brush is swept across the drawings. Green means spring and itís really here - the spring peepers are heralding its arrival. Brightly colored ducks are stopping by to rest in our lakes on their way up north. So beautiful are they, they seem unreal. Perky purple finches are dining at our feeders. Butter-yellow dandelions are popping up in our lawns. Even they are a welcome sight after the long, grey winter. Skies are bluer, clouds whiter and puffier. Cheeks are rosy-red as children and adults move about -running, walking, riding bikes. Even our clothing is prettier. Who can deny this after seeing the young women in their lovely prom dresses. And this spring, sportswear is arriving in fuchsia, lime green, and hot pink, and floral-print Hawaiian shirts are all the rage. Freshly-washed cars sparkle in the sunlight. Rainbows form in the misty spiderwebs at daybreak. Out in the yards, tulips, in a full palette of colors, are gleefully poking their heads out of the brown earth. By the side of the house, yellow daffodils are beaming up at us and azure crocus are ready to freshen the air with their delicate aroma. And, area gardeners are anxiously waiting to plant purple petunias, crimson geraniums, orange poppies and Black-eyed Susans. Fruit trees will soon don their pale spring gowns and dance gracefully in the gentle May breezes. And out in the woods, creamy little wildflowers will magically appear. To top this off, there is nothing more perfect than the multiple hues of the rising or setting sun, especially after weíve had so many gloomy mornings and nights. Webster defines color as ìa phenomenon of light...î and one definition he gives to phenomenon is ìa temporal or spatiotemporal object of sensory experience...î At this time of year, these colors of our lives touch our senses and bring us new hope, new life and new vigor. They are truly a phenomenon to behold. As winter wanes, its coat of white turns grey and bland and the sparkle has gone out of the crystal crispness of the cold season. I suppose the warm colors of spring make us appreciate our world all the more . . . now that winterís finally gone. ___________________________________________________ Saturday was the Kids Count Family Fun Day and was I overwhelmed and surprised to see the amount of effort that went into this enormous fundraiser. People from both Chisago and Isanti counties gathered for this spectacular event and I was informed Monday morning that the amount raised greatly exceeded expectations. Inside and out at the North Branch Middle School volunteers from all walks of life worked five hours to raise money for the Chisago/Isanti Crisis Nursery programs. It was inspiring to see such dedication and hard work in the name of children. Truly, kids count in these two counties. Hats off to all who participated, all who brought their families for a great day of fun, all who donated items for the silent auction and, most importantly, to the staff at the Crisis Nursery for their caring and persistent work in keeping our kids safe while helping parents cope with the many trials of our often difficult lives. As I have learned, the Crisis Nursery has really made a difference in the lives of many people in both Chisago and Isanti counties. Iím sure they join me in my resounding applause for this fine group of people. ©Post Review