By MAGGIE ISHINO
“Four Seasons,” composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1723, is a set of four violin concerts. It is one of his better and well-known compositions written in the Baroque period. It is a beautiful composition depicting the winter, spring, summer and fall in music.
Here in California, there really are no “seasons” to speak of. I have lived in four major cities: San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. I have to admit, however, that Los Angeles does have four of the most “interesting” things, namely, bus schedules, car drivers, people and weather, if you know what I mean?!
Living in Washington, D.C., I have witnessed and enjoyed the four seasons as such:
WINTER
It is bitter cold, but the beauty of winter is the falling snow, making houses, buildings, cars, look as though they are covered with a white blanket and it is so quiet and peaceful when the snow is falling. It gives one a sense of true tranquility. The icicles hanging from the roof of the house seem to “protect” the house. The sleet on the ground is so slippery, one can slide down as on a sled. The wind blows hard and gives an eerie sound.
When one speaks, “smoke” seems to come out of the mouth, but even then, ice cream tastes so good, especially strawberry.
One sees children playing in the snow, making a snowman, having a snowball fight and enjoying themselves to the fullest degree.
Winter can be so dangerous, especially when driving, and chains on the tires are a must. One must be careful walking on the snow and/or sleet because slipping or falling can cause a serious injury.
Winter is a time to sit in front of a fireplace with a good book in one hand and an apple in the other, enjoying a warm atmosphere.
SPRING
Spring is a season where new birth seems to be everywhere. The cherry blossoms bloom among the Tidal Basin, as well as other spring flowers. There is purity and beauty in the air.
Everything feels and seems refreshing. You breathe in the air and say, “Ah, what wonderful feeling.”
The birds sing their songs of spring with their cheery chirps and seem to fly with more energy and love of flying.
Spring is the time to go sightseeing and enjoy the rare museums, buildings, arts and theaters that ONLY Washington, D.C. has.
One has the feeling that spring has really sprung.
SUMMER
Now summer is a season, not my favorite. The weather is so humid, it is difficult to breathe. You can just sit and/or stand there and do nothing and drip with perspiration. It is a time to “grin and bear it.”
Washington, D.C. does not have what you would call beaches, so that is another disadvantage of summer. However, there are many parks and trees where one can be in the shade.
Summer, however, is the only season when there are concerts, talent shows and other entertainment that people can enjoy while sitting in the park.
Many people do enjoy the summer because that is when school is out and families go on vacations to visit friends in other cities and/or states.
It gives them a change of environment and to get away from the terrible heat.
Summer is a time when it is time to slim down by eating more salads, less fatty food and more cooling and refreshing desserts such as ice cream and Jello.
AUTUMN (FALL)
The season autumn or fall is written in Japanese, “tree on fire.” Indeed, the maple trees appear that way. The leaves turn, golden, red, orange and beautifully vivid. The weather becomes so much cooler and tolerable and it is like a brush painting wherever there are trees and flowers.
It is a season that seems to be saying, “Enjoy the autumnal hues, the brightness of the season, the mild weather because soon there will no more colors as vivid and weather more delightful.”
Life can be compared to the four seasons. We have our cold moments, joyful moments, hot moments and bright moments. We can thank God for creating these wonderful four seasons and try to live according to His seasons and reasons.
AMEN and MEOW.
Maggie Ishino is a Rafu typist. She can be reached at mishino@rafu.com Opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Rafu Shimpo.