The Sunshine Report A Spring in Your Step! Karen and Jay celebrate the joyous feeling that ‘spring is in the air!' There’s a certain optimism that comes around this time of year. Spring arrives and suddenly everything comes alive. Flowers begin to blossom. We begin to emerge from the long winter and connect with friends. Once again, we begin to enjoy the great outdoors. And most of all, we experience an unmistakable feeling that good things lie ahead. A positive energy that puts a spring in every step! When we say, "spring is in the air," it captures the feeling of excitement and anticipation that comes with the arrival of spring. It suggests that there is a noticeable change in the atmosphere as nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber. With the warmer temperatures, we’re able to trade our winter coats for lighter clothing, and the fresh blooms fill the air with the smell of new growth that contributes to the feeling of freshness and renewal. Spring marks a time of new beginnings, where each of us can begin new projects or make changes in our lives we may have been waiting to make in the spring. Spring can inspire us to live our lives to the fullest. After a long, dark winter, the arrival of spring brings warmer temperatures and the sight of new life bursting forth from the earth. Throughout the world and in many cultures, spring is also associated with the idea of rebirth, resurrection, and renewal. For example, in Christian traditions, Easter was recently celebrated, symbolizing the triumph of life over death. Spring is also the time when many plants begin to bud and blossom, animals emerge from hibernation, and longer days give each of us a sense of hope and optimism for the future, the signal of a fresh start and a new beginning. And with this new season of renewal and hope, how can we capitalize on such an unprecedented moment? While winter presents us with its challenges, spring brings opportunity. We’d be remiss if we didn’t utilize spring as a chance to take all that we’ve learned from the past year and begin transforming these lessons into a positive force for ourselves, our family, our friends, or our community. I’m reminded of a story someone once shared with me about a young artist who had lost a collection of her favorite paintings during a very difficult winter that set her career back. Spring had finally arrived, and though still feeling saddened, she decided one day to try to brighten her mood by picking up a brush again near a local stream. As she painted the natural landscape, she noticed an older man sitting not too far from her and invited him to sit next to her as she painted. She worked tirelessly for days, using vibrant colors and intricate brushstrokes to bring her vision to life, and every day, the old man would come and join her. When she finally finished the painting, she gifted it to the old man to his delight. The joy and pride she felt knowing the paintings she created that spring brought similar joy to another person inspired her to continue painting, hoping that it might also inspire others. Sure enough, years later, she became a well-known artist, selling her paintings the world over. But it was that spring, and the old man’s joy, that had inspired her to create something beautiful and meaningful even in the face of a difficult moment.  Put a spring in your step and enjoy this wonderful season to the fullest! Read The Report It’s Mud Season!   Read More Spring Cleaning – New Hampshire Tradition and Beyond Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Augusta Petrone This week we are delighted to highlight a wonderful friend, a truly optimistic spirit and an American leader in so very many ways, the one and only Augusta Petrone. There is no one more kind, considerate and upbeat than Augusta. She exudes a positive energy. If you have ever been fortunate enough to be in her presence, you know exactly what I am talking about. Moreover, she has a deep caring and supportive nature. Augusta’s commitment to seeing people succeed is a big part of who she is and somehow, she finds time to do it again and again. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Augusta worked hard and become an extremely accomplished American educator. She studied and taught all over the world including Paris and Korea. After her years abroad, she would find herself back stateside and with her late husband Joseph, dedicating their energies to help advance our national interests. Involved in politics, supporting our veterans and devoted to a positive future for America. Augusta’s involvement in politics actually began in Iowa where she served as the Marshall County Chair for Ronald Reagan for both his ‘76 and ‘80 campaigns. In the ‘84 re-election, Augusta served as the state’s co-chair for the Reagan-Bush campaign. She and her husband Ambassador Joseph Petrone, then went on to represent the United States in Geneva during the Reagan Administration. Today, Augusta proudly resides in her family home in Dublin, New Hampshire. Known as the Knollwood Farm, it was built in 1899. This one-of-a-kind home has amazing views and every mud season you will find Augusta opening rooms, getting ready for warmer weather, and checking on the property’s vineyard. In case you didn't know, Augusta is also a wine expert and takes matters into her own hands by making her own wine. Her home is full of so much of the history that has shaped American politics over the years. Knollwood Farm was owned by the U.S. Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh who once hosted President William Howard Taft. During the presidential cycle, leaders from across the country continue to be welcomed and to experience ‘the New Hampshire test’ as Augusta hosts candidate after candidate for events and town halls with her fellow Republicans and neighbors. Augusta has a heart of gold and there is no one more committed to seeing others succeed. She defines the human spirit of helping thy neighbor and is someone Karen and I to cherish as one of our very dearest friends! Quote of the Week "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" - Robin Williams     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]