This past month has felt more like spring than winter. But at the time of writing, I’m being reminded that winter is still here. Our front cover captures one of spring’s earliest flowers; the prairie crocus. Although it typically blooms in April, I thought that giving it front page exposure this early season bloomer may paint our foothills in March!

Their bloom signifies that winter is transitioning to spring. Although winter weather can remain present well into the spring months, we need to remember that it isn’t permanent.

Like the prairie crocus, signs of spring can be small, hidden, and often overlooked. Too often we can remain in a “winter mindset” that hinders us from taking advantage of the opportunities that the season of spring provides.

The physical seasons are much more obvious than those of a personal nature. Recognizing the bloom of something new in our lives can be challenging. It can be hidden by past failures and hurts. We may even see it, but the fear of the unknown causes us to get our eye on the snowstorm rather than the new life that needs to be nourished.

The prairie crocus is a tough plant; it’s able to withstand the volatility of prairie weather. Yet it still blooms and flourishes regardless of the natural onslaught. We can view the external circumstances in our life as a sign to give up or change course. Alternatively, we may need to embrace the hardships and set our resolve to keep stepping forward. To have confidence that spring is on its way, to plant the seeds, and expect the harvest.

I encourage you to take part in the many activities and community events throughout the area. You can see many of them throughout the paper but also listed on the High Country News Community Calendar.

We want to thank the many people who write and contribute the various community updates and articles on a regular basis. As we don’t rely on any government funding, your financial support is and has been appreciated in order to provide the not-for-profit organizations an effective means of reaching their community.