The jacaranda have begun to bloom. The events brings me nostalgic joy when I see the purple blossoms littering the roadway.
In May 1984, after a particularly depressing winter, I noticed the flowers on the expanse of lawn on the UCRiverside Campus. I was ready to be happy, ready to enjoy spring, to be alive, and to be hopeful. The purple patterns of petals against the green blades of grass were heady to me. It made an impact on my memory.
Flash forward to 1999 in Santa Barbara when I found that a local bike path traveled under dozens of jacaranda trees. I discovered that when I rode over the blossoms with my bike, they made an audible pop!
Riding to work, I listen for the happy pop of the flowers breaking under my wheels. This is spring, this is simple pleasure.
