We have had such a beautiful weekend with SPRING blossoming forth its beauty, opening up opportunities that are helping to rejuvenate our spirits. Besides witnessing the beautiful color spectrum of spring, we are on the brink of celebrating many things in May. We show our LOVE to our mothers on Mother's Day. We also celebrate the many women who are taking office or committee chairs in our locals and at BPW/Michigan. We celebrate Memorial Day by honoring the lives and contributions of many women and men who have gone before us.

I attended a Sunday spring concert that incorporated seasoned singers who looked back on many musical contributions to entertain their audience. Many of these mature seasoned singers know they still have a lot of music waiting to be used and enjoy sharing their passion.  They joined the High School Chamber singers who are looking ahead with their talents who are literally just beginning to make their mark on society.  We can applaud their talents and wouldn't miss being a part of a community where the beauty of education is happening and be able to add those events to what is shaping our understanding. We even found out how healthy it is for singers because they are using proper breathing techniques.  

As you "look out over BPW's future" are you making your plans to get involved?  All that lies ahead involves POSSIBILITIES and it is up to us to provide the energy to make it happen.  I need to remind you that you won't have the energy for anything if you forget to take time to BREATHE. Give yourself permission to take the time to literally smell the roses. If you look at a rosebush, you are probably noticing that the leaves are bouncing back to what they do best. The warmth and energy in the earth is providing the vehicle for the leaves to go….ahhh as they spread out and grow in the sun's rays. Spring in Michigan is full of object lessons about the renewal and rebirth of nature's beauty.  After the leaves, comes the buds deeper growth leading us to the blossom of the beautiful flower that continues to strut its stuff.  WOW!     BPW can be a "springboard" of opportunities to get involved with all sorts of women's issues.   

What is in your Garden?  No matter what flower (program or issue) is your favorite, we can all relate that each flower is important in spreading BPW's message.  The seasoned BPW member has shared many stories but our work isn't done yet.  We need to partner with the younger woman to give encouragement, share our wisdom and maybe even a song.   To my oldest granddaughter, age 6, the dandelion that has turned white is a BLOWING FLOWER and something to be treasured.  I thought it a nuisance and something to destroy but I stepped back for a moment and witnessed a whole new world.  The concept of a BPW flower of information that is BLOWN while we hold it gently in our hands is a treasured opportunity and just might multiply in the same way.           

 See you at the Soo May 18-21.  

Great Lakes Thumb District Director, Joanne Niederhauser