Welcome March!
a quick update and publication announcement
Hello Friends!
The spring thaw has begun here in the northeast USA, and everywhere mountains of snow are transforming into silvery rivers in the bright sunlight, trickling down hills of asphalt and creating parking lot puddles and splashing streets. The nearby streams have overflowed their banks, and birds drink leisurely from birdbaths and buckets, where cool water collects from dripping roofs and trees.
Even though the days are longer by mere minutes, my cat has noticed, and meows at the back door, longing to lie outside and warm her belly on the deck. Spring will arrive officially in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20th, the Spring Equinox. But I anticipate its arrival by discovering snowdrops on the damp forest ground, preparing seeds for planting, and buying primroses in the supermarket to place on my windowsills. It’s time to awaken the spirit, the creativity that flows within each of us, a time to celebrate life. I hope you all are feeling the energy of spring, and planning what comes next for you this year!
I’d also like to announce that my folktale, “Winter’s Dance” has been published in the new magazine Eucatastrophe! The theme for the inaugural issue is, fittingly, renewal, and I’m so honored to be included. Thank you to editor-in-chief Caitlin Gemmell for publishing my story. Caitlin is an extremely talented poet and craftsperson, who writes two of my favorite Substacks, the Ink-Stained Compass and Kith and Kin Poetry. Check them out if you haven’t already.
Here is an excerpt of “Winter’s Dance”:
“High on a mountain top in the tallest pine sat the Spirit of Winter, gazing at the town below. In the darkness, the town glowed like a distant star.
Brooding, Winter said, “Look at all the light. The people don’t need our dance. I think I’ll keep things the way they are, and postpone my invitation to Spring.”
The pine swayed in the breeze and sighed, dreaming of warmer days, which, now, would be further away.
Winter settled in. From his robe he drew out a long, white pipe and smoked, puffing clouds into the air until they became so heavy it began to snow. Soft flurries laced the breeze, and the townspeople marveled at the beautiful miracle, how it made everything sparkle. But the flurries soon multiplied until a steady snow covered the roofs, lawns, and streets, sending the townspeople inside.
While Winter sulked, time turned and the season grew old, so old, and cold. But beneath the snow, bears, rabbits, and mice felt a stirring of new life. Crocuses and grasses stretched in their beds, knowing their season approached.
Still, Winter did not invite Spring to dance.
Waking, Spring caressed her belly. In her womb, a seed of warmth and light grew, even though the world was gilded with frost and robed in white. She waited, wondering what kept Winter’s invitation—by now she should have received it.”
Thanks so much for reading, and please check out the full story here.
Welcome March!
Your entrance is a blustery guise,
breath full of frost and storm.
Cold days soon turn temperate,
your fickle heart grows warm.
Your winter mask belies
a secret
beneath your thundery form:
you’d rather spend your days
reposed—
and spring is your confederate.
Until next time,
—Jan
*All writing on this Substack is original by Jan M. Alexander © 2026. All rights reserved. *All posts written without the aid of AI.
*“Primroses” and ”Winter Stream” photos © 2026 by Jan M. Alexander, all rights reserved.
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Congratulations on having your “Winter’s Dance” published!!! ❤️