Unmistakable Arrival of Kefalonia's Native Season

Snow-defying Spring colors in late February, Kefalonia

In nature, as in life, patience is definitely a virtue—and certainly rewarded!

St. Irene's Chapel at Xenopoulo, Kefalonia

A Light Exists in Spring

(Emily Dickinson)  

 A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —
When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.

It waits upon the Lawn,
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope you know

It almost speaks to you.   

Reeling Them in Against the Tide

Against the tide, against all odds!
It was a rough week for this island because it has been an extremely rough week for this country. 

Avythos Beach, Kefalonia

I've captured many colors, shapes and textures this past week—aided by the moody weather, wind, and clouds. But none as symbolic as the scenes of the lone fisherman matching wits with the fish swimming against the tide.

Winter's catch (Avythos)

Don't ask which is which in the symbolism. Suffice it to say that, despite the outcome, both will have had their moment of triumph under the caressing sun rays, which serve to deceitfully compensate for the rough seas and turbulent times.

It is a game of patience, perseverance, and the will to survive. Time will tell.
It may even turn out that the tide is cathartic for both man and fish.

Lourdas Beach, Kefalonia

The Countdown Must Go On

Agios Thomas, Kefalonia with snow-capped Mt. Aenos in the background

When I set my countdown to Spring into motion a few days ago, I had no idea that Mother Nature would be so offended by my impetuous action. Her reaction was disproportionately violent compared to my humble wish for the arrival of her prettiest season.

She responded with howling winds, torrential rain, turbulent seas, sweeping waves, freezing temperatures, and billions of snow flurries piling on each other—for no apparent reason other than to annoy me and so many others.

Snow on Mt. Aenos, Kefalonia (background), blossoming almond trees in Karavados (foreground)

 But for all her wickedness, the countdown continues.

As long as the snow is framed against pink almond tree blossoms, Spring is just around the corner. It may be delayed a bit but all this rain and melting snows will help her make a debut with extravagant flora and colors.

The Sweeping White of a Lady Angered

A sea swell exploding on breakwaters at Pessada, Kefalonia

It is a lady's prerogative to be unpredictable, and the sea is definitely a lady.

As such,  she is flattered by flamboyant descriptions as to her virtues; she even tolerates wish-washy praises about her character.

Her natural state is absolute calmness, dressed in stunning shades of blue.
But just when you think you've got her all figured out, she'll remind you that she can be capricious, moody, vain, and fierce.

She'll rise, darken, and send out her signals in waves. At times, though, her vices are overwhelmingly deceitful.

Like when she seems calm on the surface but swells and crashes with a sweeping roar, staying just as beautiful when unleashing her fury.

That is the time to stand back in humble admiration.
Give her time, it will pass.

In Denial

Almond tree blossoms,  Kefalonia

Ignoring the howling wind, the snow blizzard, and the subfreezing temperatures outside, I reaffirm my commitment to the Spring Countdown.

So, instead of pictures of snow flurries and trees bent in the wind, here are some sweet almond tree blossoms - framed against blue, late February skies.

After all, it is only a matter of time...