Today's Reasons to Love Living in Boston

Despite the loveliness of fall, and the (initially charming and truly abundant) snow of winter, I think that spring, particularly April, is shaping up to be my favorite time of year in Boston. Hmmm...maybe I just love whatever season I'm in. I tend to feel that way about wherever I live. But I am LOVING the spring weather. I say this after months of bitter cold weather, including inside my house, where utility costs are such that we couldn't keep the heat above 55, and even a not-so-warm spring, to date. But all the cold sure does make the warm spring breeze all that much more invigorating and appreciated!

Now, let us remember that spring means end of the semester, which, of course, means high (really high at the moment) levels of stress. But the stress of tomorrow just can't overpower the beauty and joy of today - and I mean that literally, not just figuratively. There is nothing like walking the lovely streets of Boston in the spring. They really are picturesque! And I'm not speaking with the tourist gaze anymore (but maybe still with the wonder of an out-of-towner).

So, picture this (my afternoon): driving home from church, windows down, warm breeze blowing in. Stopped briefly at a rotary (turn-about - Boston's full of 'em), and the breeze carries in the sound of penny whistle and snare drums. A glance to the right reveals the source: up on the hill of the lit

tle Powder House Square park is a small group of coloni

al militia-men practicing their demonstration for the upcoming Patriot's Day celebrations. You ignore the grumbling tummy and pull over to climb the hill and take a closer look. You talk with some of the reenactors, wearing period clothing, who explain various aspects of colonial life, particularly that leading up to the Revolution.

That's part A. Part B: After a quick meal of yesterday's leftovers, it's time for a Sabbath stroll with a good friend. Again, gentle breeze, trees budding, some blooming. Any walk in Boston is full of classical architecture, lovely (usually historic homes), and often small lakes the locals call ponds. Today is no exception. You join up with Minuteman Trail and bask in the sunshine. Down the trail a bit is Spy Pond.

You sit for a bit on some granite steps next to the water (granite is everywhere in Boston - steps, curbs, fence posts). Light scatters every direction from the tiny waves, and in the middle of the lake some canoers glide along silently. On the way back, you are passed by 2 or 3 different groups of unicyclists. The trees are lovely.

Finally, Part C: You've been invited to enjoy a dinner of Boston-baked Beans with some friends at a family's home. Boston-baked beans! And good company - and both were delightful.

Sometimes I ponder on things, and I wonder why I am so blessed. Really, I don't deserve it. And I've been truly blessed lately. Not just today, but really, almost every day. (I need to pick up a small journal for me to carry around and write down all my little blessings along the way, because they're so many!) On Friday, I went to Harvard Hillel (for those of you who, like myself until Friday, don't know what Hillel is, it's an organization named after a 2nd-century rabbi, Hillel; it's the Jewish college student organization, on most campuses all over the states) for their Sabbath meal, and then a meeting with Mark Paredes. He is basically a self-proclaimed Mormon-Jewish ambassador who works to strengthen ties with Mormons and Jews. He spoke about the relationship between Mormons and Jews, and it was fantastic. Later I was able to speak a bit with him, and he is a great person for me to know. And I found out where I can attend a Seder dinner (for Passover), and made some great Jewish friends. What a great night! The Lord keeps putting experiences and people in my life that inspire me, and open doors. I suppose I'll just keep walking through until I stumble upon what He has prepared for me.

Those, my friends, are my thoughts. I'm so undeserving of these blessings, but I am truly grateful for them. As this school year winds down, I can hardly believe that a year ago I was grappling with the decision to come here. It was a tough one. But the right one. Now I am here - driving places without a GPS (sometimes), and loving life, in between the tough days of school. I love Boston. I do. I love the passion for life, and for their heritage, that New Englanders share. I love the woods, and the culture, and the history, and SPRING! And now, I'm going to bed. I will probably not feel this sense of well-being in a few days - it's going to be a tough few weeks of paper writing and studying and overall sleeplessness, but today was the blessing. Today is spring.

p.s. The picture to the right, of the blooming tree framing the statue of Mary - that was taken last year at this time. By myself.