Dog Days of Spring

Spring 2010 Issue | Posted by Danielle Bean in Editor's Note

Spring is a long time coming here in New Hampshire. We northern types like to brag that we endure six months of winter each year while the other three seasons are relegated to just two months apiece.

While New England winter might not last quite six months, it sure does feel that way by late February, when gray snow banks still line the driveway and my children’s bodies seem near exploding with pent-up energy by the end of most days. Even the dog whines at the front door until I open it, takes one look at the snow-covered ground, and turns to head back into the house.

“I know just how you feel,” I tell him.

It’s at times like these that we sturdy types cheer ourselves by looking for ways to bring warmth, color, and sunshine into the final days of winter. And this spring issue of Faith & Family helps all of us do exactly that.

What better way to add warmth to dismal days than to heat up your marriage? Lisa Mladinich draws on personal experience and the wisdom of fellow Catholic moms to inspire us to be better wives in 7 Ways to Love Your Man (page 33). I challenge you to read it and not come away wanting to go give your guy a great big smooch. What could be wrong with that?

After the bleakness of winter, many of us are longing for natural beauty and splashes of color. In our What’s Cooking feature this issue, senior writer Kate Wicker shares tips and recipes for creating a feast for the eyes and the palate with a glorious Easter brunch (page 64). Our children’s book feature, Miss Rumphius (page 41), celebrates the beauty of the natural world, the Insider (page 20) showcases elegant pieces of Catholic jewelry, and Lori Hadacek Chaplin’s Guide to Easter Gifts and Traditions (page 79) inspires us to bring our families closer to Christ with seasonal traditions and faith-filled gifts.

I think it’s altogether fitting that we celebrate the Resurrection during a time of year when the natural world is just coming alive again after a long rest. We are seeking a Savior, looking for new life, and hoping for joy. All these gifts can be ours at Easter — if only we open our hearts to them.

From up here in the thawing North, I want to wish you and your family Lenten and Easter seasons filled with blessings and joy.

Christ is risen! Let every living thing rejoice! Even the dog.

Danielle Bean, Editorial Director

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