Spring and New Beginnings

I am more of a winter person. I love blankets, a roaring fireplace, reading and baking. I guess in social media speak I’d fit the cottagecore or dark academia vibe. In other words, sedentary. But this year I am making an effort to embrace spring and all that the blooming season promises. I am mentally and physically ready for new beginnings. I read recently that our traditional calendar which has the New Year on January 1st isn’t really biologically correct. Like animals, we are supposed to hibernate in the winter…not make a lot of resolutions, drastic changes or begin heavy duty workouts. Spring should be our actual New Year with its warmer weather and growth potential. Perhaps there is something to this philosophy — making spring the spiritual New Year.

Admittedly, my spirit needs a lift. Social media has become rife with political opinions and mean spirited comments. I am trying to readjust my algorithm to a more cheerful and uplifting tone. I still want to be informed about what’s going on in the world, but I also need to see cute animals, pretty tea sandwiches, sunsets and ballet dancers (a nod to Timothee Chalamet, IYKYK). The key word is balance. I am also making an effort to reduce my cell phone usage. A lofty goal, as we all know it is nearly impossible and improbable to eliminate it all together.

Along those same lines, I have seen more people seeking an old-fashioned analog lifestyle. Hand writing letters, knitting, baking bread, playing board games and listening to record albums are making a comeback. My husband and I often play a game of cribbage after dinner (despite the fact that I am a very sore loser, lol). I love and embrace this trend! Technology is necessary, but making time to be screen free is important, as well.

Here at my house — Casa Turquesa I call it — March has delivered spring wholeheartedly. I’ve got two hummingbird nests with two birds each. The fact that my home is contributing four cute birds to the world brings me great joy! On the flip side, however, squirrels are wreaking havoc. Creation and destruction all at once over here. Yin and yang.

Speaking of seasons, I just finished watching six seasons of All Creatures Great and Small (a seventh season is now being filmed — I can’t wait!). I loved it soooo much that I bought the first of James Herriot’s books. I can’t get enough of Darrowby — its people and its animals. This story, based on the memoirs of veterinarian Herriot, is set in the late 1930s in the beautiful English countryside. It has been a tonic to my soul. Both the Masterpiece series and the book are incredibly well written. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve felt overwhelmed by social media…this story with its charm, humor and innocence has reminded me of life’s simpler pleasures. There are some heavy moments, as well, with WWII in the backdrop, and of course, sick animals. The acting is also superb. No lie — this book and series has helped to reset my over taxed nervous system.

Over here in Santa Clarita, winter quickly turns into summer. After all, we are in the high desert. This week is a great example of that, with temperatures in the high 90s already! I’m not ready for this! My garden is keeping up with the change by growing weeds at a rate that defies gravity. This morning I started pulling them out before it got too hot outside. As I write this blog, my air conditioner just turned on. Spring, while bringing abundance and growth, is also unpredictable. I’ve seen weather reports of snow one minute, tornadoes the next. So though we are in a heat wave this week, who knows what is in store for us?

Do you have any rituals or traditions with the Spring Solstice? Aside from weed pulling, I am making a list of all the plants that need to be repotted and other work I need to do in the garden. From October through February I barely lift a finger outside my home. Now, I will be busy for the next six or seven months…watering, tending, potting. I will also make more time to sit outside and enjoy my garden and the fruits of my labor. Since I will be off my phone more, I will have the time to watch the birds, the bees, and all the creatures great and small. Oh, and have a cat on my lap.