It's lilac time again. How do I know this living on the sixth floor overlooking the tree tops? My exposure to lilacs is non-existent. An asphalt parking lot surrounds my building.

Don't get me  wrong. I love my apartment with its wall of windows facing north toward the lake. Unfortunately, living on an upper floor of an apartment building can sometimes blur the seasons. Clouds and the sky don't change that much from day to day.

I was recently reminded of the beauty of spring and the kindness of others at a writers group I attend at the Rocky River Senior Center. Carole Calladine, published author, director of the senior center and group mentor, remembered I had shared a story about loving lilacs.

At one time I had a yard filled with lilac bushes, one more beautiful than the next. However, after moving to my Bay Village apartment, I sometimes feel removed from spring. At a recent meeting, Carole brought a bouquet of lilacs from her yard and placed them on the table in front of me. I was touched and delighted.

That afternoon when I entered my building clutching a bouquet of lilacs people commented, "How beautiful. They smell so nice, where did you get them?"

"From a kind lady," I replied. It's amazing how flowers can spark conversation, even among strangers.

Lilacs are my flower. The vase of flowers on my desk fills my home with fragrance and beauty. Lilacs transport me back to another time, another place, yet gently remind me that right now I am fortunate, that life is good and I am blessed. Take time to smell the flowers this spring. Put cares and worries aside and just enjoy nature at its very best.

Many thanks to Carole Calladine for reminding me it is spring and lilac time again.

Dianne Borowski lives in Bay Village.