Tea with the Editor

Erin Hill
mail@bradfordvillebugle.com

February has always been my favorite month of the year. It is short, but it is full. Full of meaning, memories and small signs that something new is beginning.
One of my favorite memories from childhood is celebrating Black History Month. It was not just something marked on a calendar. It was an integral part of my upbringing. I remember learning about black leaders, inventors, artists and everyday people who made a difference. Those stories were shared at school, in church and throughout the community.
At school, Black History programs meant rehearsals, speeches, poems and songs. We learned names that were not always in our textbooks and heard stories that reflected who we were and where we came from. In church, Black History Month often blended faith and history, reminding us of strength, perseverance and hope. In the community, it showed up in programs, parades, guest speakers and events that brought people together. Those experiences shaped how I see myself and how I understand the world. Even now, February brings back that sense of pride and connection.
February is also when I start to notice the first signs of spring, especially here in Leon County. The air feels a little lighter. The days slowly stretch longer. There is a quiet shift that happens, almost without noticing, and it always lifts my spirit. This is the time of year when I love visiting Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.
Walking the trails at Maclay Gardens is one of my favorite ways to enjoy February. The weather is still cool and crisp, but just warm enough to need a light jacket at the most. The paths are peaceful, lined with tall trees and open views that invite you to slow down. The sound of gravel underfoot and birds moving through the branches makes it easy to forget about rushing from place to place. I enjoy strolling through the ornamental gardens, taking in the symmetry of the landscape and the care that goes into maintaining it.It reminds me of The Secret Garden, one of my favorite childhood movies.
The flowers are what draw me in the most. Camellias bloom in shades of pink, red and white, adding color after the muted tones of winter. Azaleas begin to hint at what is coming next, with soft pinks and brighter hues peeking through the greenery. The reflection of the flowers in the water features makes the gardens feel almost painted. It is one of those places that reminds you to look closely and appreciate the details.
Speaking of pinks, February also brings Valentine’s Day, and that happens to be my favorite color. I love seeing pink (with a splash of red) decorations appear in stores, windows and homes. From heart shaped displays to simple touches of pink and red, it adds a cheerful warmth to an otherwise quiet month. It feels playful and light.
Beyond the decorations, I enjoy the feeling of love that seems to be in the air. Valentine’s Day is often associated with romance, but I like to think of it more broadly. It is a reminder to show care for friends, family and neighbors. A kind word, a thoughtful note or a small gesture can mean a lot, especially during this time of year.
February may be the shortest month, but for me it holds some of the deepest meaning. It carries the legacy of Black history, the promise of spring and the simple joy of love and color. Every year, it arrives quietly and leaves quickly, but it always leaves an impression.