The weather starts to get warmer, the sun shines a little brighter and life seems full of new beginnings. While it might be a bit hard to elaborate on the feeling you get when you hear the first cacophony of pinkletinks, spot the first crocus, see a seal pup sunning itself or smell the briny salt air the warm sun brings, it’s not hard to quietly enjoy these little pleasures.

Although the days are getting longer and the air warmer, it’s still hockey season. And lucky for West Tisbury kid Jack Rossi and Aquinnah kid Louie Ives because, with hockey in their blood, they were part of the under-eight team that won the Lobster Pot. Jack is the son of Ellen and Ryan Rossi. Louie’s parents are Sarah and Taylor Ives.

Aspiring gymnast, Estelle Mason, daughter of Jessica and Greg Mason, came home from a recent meet with a fabulous first place all-around. As an aside, she and her twin brother Anders celebrate their 10th birthday on March 23.

It’s the week of sports highlights. In addition to hockey and gymnastics, we’ve got high schooler Westley Wlodyka preparing to head out to Colorado for the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association’s national championships being hosted by Copper Mountain. Said to be “the best youth-centered freeski and snowboard events and organization on the planet,” the snowboard program at Vermont Academy, where Wes is a student, has guided him to the ready. Rip the corduroy. Shred the gnar. Send it. Stomp the landing. In other words, go Wes.

Beach walking, snorkeling and floating in the warm Caribbean waters might not be youth sports, but they’re a whole lot of fun. Carl Crocker and Suzy Crowley, after a few days touring San Juan, Puerto Rico, headed to the island of Culebra to do all that and other fun in the sun activities. A little R&R was just what the doctor ordered for this busy couple.

Ali Flanders has been doing some traveling, too. In honor of her knowledge of my desire to visit all of the national parks, she jotted off a postcard from Big Bend National Park bordering the Rio Grande River in western Texas. Like many others, it’s still on my list of parks to visit and, now, I look forward even more to checking it off. In the meantime, Ali’s thoughtful postcard will serve as a reminder that I need to continue reaching for my dream.

Irene Hungerford had a superb tour guide in Ireland when she teamed up with Janet Weidner — a seasoned visitor to the land of stunning landscapes, foot tapping music, and where friendly folks line the music filled pubs. They focused their efforts on the west coast spending time in Doolin and hopping a ferry to Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands. They viewed the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, traveled between Galway City, Westport, a town on the coast in County Mayo, and south to Limerick.

Irene, playing several instruments and being a member of several music groups around here, reveled in the joy the music-filled pubs brought. Janet was also taken in by the joy music brings, but her highlight was genealogically related. Janet’s previous trips have been focused on family history so this one could not let that topic fall by the wayside. Long story short, Janet connected with a local shopkeeper who knew the history of the estate where her great-great-grandfather worked in the 1870s. He was kind and knowledgeable and spent more than an hour with Janet and Irene, showing them what remained of the property including the ruins of an old Roman Catholic church, as well as a mausoleum, the main gates and more. After hearing the story, I feel as if I was in Ireland last week myself.

Back on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, how exciting it is that Caitlin Cook Martin’s new Body Snack Studio in West Tisbury, home to Pilates and Zero Balancing, is nearing completion. She promotes body consciousness, efficiency and ease of movement sending her clients off feeling aligned, grounded and completely energized. Check out her website for the full scoop at BodySnack.net.

In the spirit of spring I share a quote: “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”