The first warm days of Spring and  the beginning of planting are very special. Most of my days are spent in my windowless subterranean studio, so being outside in summer is a real gift. I spend as many of my non-working hours outdoors as possible.

Back in the 70’s when I was young and newly married, Steven Schwartz’s Rock Opera “Godspell” was a hit. I was involved in a local theatrical production of the show at St. Hubert’s, our parish at that time. We used some of the songs at mass, as everyone scrambled for music in the vernacular in those early post Vatican II days when contemporary liturgical music composers were still looking for their voice. Natalie and I were fortunate to see the play on Broadway,  in New York — as a matter of fact it was the only play I’ve ever seen on Broadway in New York.

Schwartz’s “All Good Gifts” is still engraved in my memory and plays loudly when I get my hands in the warm garden soil for the first time each spring.

               We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land..
               But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand..
               He sends us snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain…
               The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain…

              All good gifts around us
              Are sent from Heaven above
              Then thank the Lord, thank the Lord for all his love…