Color. Is. Coming.
Color. Is. Coming.
April Miles for Vermont Update
130 miles + (one run to go)
Whether you've been following along—or just joining—Miles for Vermont, please consider donating $0.01–$1 per mile, split between the causes below.
Vermont Foodbank : https://fundraise.vtfoodbank.org/fundraiser/6850956
Vermont Public : https://www.vermontpublic.org
Scrolling through my camera roll, for the past decade or so I can reliably find, almost every year, some version of this picture.
These flowers are something I stumbled upon on a rainy April morning a handful of years ago, out on a run on one of our favorite local 8-mile loops. It doesn't seem like the kind of memory that would have left much of an impression, especially given that remembering things has never been a strength of mine. But I can so clearly remember that day.
Everything was brown. It was rainy, but that pleasant, warm spring rain we sometimes get in April. Suddenly I stumbled upon this flash of stark purple and sweet smell, so out of place amongst the mud and the sticks.
I recall thinking, maybe someone had abandoned a houseplant, or set up a memorial, that's how out of place these seemed. It was only about a week later, when I stumbled upon another purple bunch in a separate location, that it occurred to me these were naturally occurring (or at least somewhat; I still have no idea what kind of flower they are, as in, are they indigenous? If you know, tell me, because every year I spend at least one run thinking about it).
But I digress.
Ever since then, they are one of the things I look forward to most during my April runs. When everything is brown, it's still pretty cold, and honestly there's probably at least one more snowstorm in store. I look for it. That burst of color is exactly the "you've almost made it" cheer that I always seem to need. And even looking for it, they still somehow surprise me when they finally arrive.
Year after year, this same image, and not exactly on purpose. I'm not trying to keep a yearly record or anything like that. I really think it's the timing of the color. We're so starved for it by April that these small reminders that another summer is almost here are just what we need to pull us through those last cold mornings. Those dreary rainy April days.
The rhyme reminds us the flowers need it, after all.
There were some hard things in the personal world this month. So the color? I like to believe that's helping pull us all through those challenges too.
One of the most delightful things about these late April days is the sunshine and the lack of bugs. Enjoy it, because the weather's about to turn, the color is coming back and the bugs are coming to enjoy it too!
Kasandra Reid is an Investment Adviser Representative of Greenhill Financial Partners, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser in Vermont. Greenhill Financial Partners, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser located in Vermont. This material is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or investment advisory services. Advisory services are offered only to clients or prospective clients where Greenhill Financial Partners, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. References to organizations—including Vermont Foodbank, and Vermont Public—are for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these entities, and we receive no compensation from any organizations referenced. Trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Donation links are provided for convenience only. For guidance specific to your situation, consult your financial, tax, or legal professional.
