By Charlotte K. Jarmy

It seems that the world moves faster as spring approaches. The trees hurry to put out their flowers and leaves, while bulbs push their delightful colors through the earth in lonely glory. What we want to hold onto hurries us as if giving a warning, “Enjoy me now for soon I’ll be gone.” Why does nature rush us forward into summer? “Seventy degrees,” said the weatherman. I can’t believe him; we still turn on our electric blanket at bedtime.

False springs are part of this month in other ways. The Middle East holds its breath when the leaders shake hands and proclaim a tentative peace. Two days later, a young fanatic blows himself up and takes many people with him. It’s strange out there: Martha Stewart smiles and comes out of jail, while Michael Jackson hurries into a courtroom flashing a victory sign to his fans. President Bush flies around the country advocating a new Social Security plan while his constituents feel the pain of this year’s tax demands.

Children practically smell the freedom of summer, while parents plan their children’s participation in sports, camps and swim classes. I would be happy if time stood still for a short while.

We are two authors in the throes of a new book, marketing and sweating over the new-for-us technology of a fax machine. Just one more piece of motorized equipment that I don’t understand. Already my computer feels out of step with a world that is spinning too fast.

I am venturing into a new arena: doing a local book tour and getting caught up in new possibilities. Organizations I never noticed before welcome me into their busy ranks. I am now a member of the Federated Woman’s Club of Los Altos, learning names of friendly people who work hard to help worthy causes.

The Red Hat Society, however, has no room for an eager author. I can’t believe I’m contemplating starting a new chapter. But I have a red hat and a purple T-shirt with red flowers. I can’t let them go to waste. Perhaps some of you might want to join me.

There is one group I am looking forward to: the Storytellers who gather once a month to “listen and tell.” Their rules say I can’t read from my book, but I’ve been trying to decide which experience I can develop into a story to interest an audience full of strangers. (Sort of like the way I used to feel when I faced a class the first day of school.) What a challenge, no more than 15 minutes to capture each mind. I can hardly wait.

Another opportunity for a different challenge will come next month when I speak to the Widows and Widowers group. I called and received a warm reception from a woman who shared many of my former experiences in coping with the loss of a dear one. It is a part of my life, but I am happy to let it go. My message will be one of hope, something we all need.

All of these activities energize me. I will have the pleasure of meeting new people in our community and discovering more ways to reach out to others who enrich Los Altos with their good will and generous spirit. In that way, spring will contribute to our lovely new beginning.