Robin song issues in this spring day

If we all feel a bit giddy today, it's OK.

If we all take a tiny step back from the fray, it's OK.

The weight of many local issues have Ashland and Talent citizens choosing up sides, taking names, and actively pursuing what they think is right for our communities.

Ashlanders face a school budget crisis, affordable housing issues, growing pains, urban forest protection, the mountain's ski expansion, the Cascade Siskiyou Monument's contraction, Siskiyou Boulevard redesign and on it goes. Talentonians are staring at the glaring headlights of growth, with the building moratorium fading in the distance through the rearview mirror.

And, to add to the pressure cooker, there's an election broth brewing.

But it's also spring, and the weather has cooperated. The mercury will rise today to the highest mark of the year, warming the earth, and hopefully our hearts as well.

Let us take the breath of a new spring, and add a spring to our step. It's OK to be jaunty. It's OK to enjoy all that we have.

We're unusual people. We live in the great valley. And there's a robin on the wing.