« February 2014 | Main | April 2014 »
Last day of March, first day of the holidays for us. I'm looking forward to the next three weeks - a bit of downtime, some adventuring, a whole lot more outdoors.
I've really noticed Spring this year - it was never a season which did much for me growing up. Easter was the poor relation to Christmas in my book and the self-flagellation of Lent was just too depressing.
But I think in recent years, that Spring's charms are winning me over. It's the most optimistic of seasons, don't you think?
Hiding from the rain, writing a list and marshalling my thoughts, I overheard a conversation at the next table which made me feel sad.
At what age do we stop describing one another in perjorative terms as 'immature'. As if maturity is a quality to strive for rather than a state of mind thrust upon us by jobs, responsibilities, children and so forth.
I would love to be immature this morning, but I can't even picture what it would look like. I briefly dallied with the idea of a daytime cinema trip, but even that struck me as the most middle aged of rebellions.
Seeing the newness of nature bursting out all over always feels like a call to action. Time to fling open the doors and emerge from winter hibernation. There has been much junk purging from the house, with a dozen or so bags heading off to the charity shop and the textile recycling place. Feels like we have space to breathe a little easier.
Mental clutter is somewhat harder to shed. I've been desperate to just achieve some clear headspace and so I did a very brave thing and booked my first ever facial. What a revelation that was - how have I wasted all these years being intimidated at the thought of going? It was bliss on a heated water mattress. I'm going back again. As frequently as possible.
But although relaxation and pampering is wonderful, it is an interlude in the stuff of daily life. It can't become life (well, not on planet me, anyway). There needed to be something absorbing to focus on to take my mind off the other stuff. Making things is usually the trick, but I was in a bit of a creative lull. Knitting didn't appeal - leaves too much time for thought. Nothing needed to be made.
And then I came across the line drawing with Lisa Congdon course on Creativebug. It was only $10 to subscribe for a month and you can take as many classes as you like during your subscription period. Drawing has proven to be the perfect thing for achieving flow. Relaxing, yet absorbing enough to stop the intrusion of unwanted thoughts. And while I've been browsing the other courses on there, I've learned how to make a rope bowl and done some packing tape transfers as well as practicing my drawing. I'd say that was $10 pretty well spent.
And I am feeling a little more tranquil and optimistic. In honour of the temperature reaching 15 degrees, I ordered sandals - silver saltwaters. The mere thought of wearing them makes me happy.
The silver loo downstairs is full of pussy willow from last weekend's tree pruning. I read that if you put in in a vase without any water, it enters a form of suspended animation and will last indefinitely. We shall see.
I'm hoping my lighter mood is also here to stay. A bit of sushine and some making are always good medicine.
March - yaaay! You are most welcome - especially when you begin with a sunny St David's day.
Is there an unwrutten rule that the first day which feels like Spring must be devoted to gardening? Our neighbourhood got the memo. Much activity in progress.
And the washing line got its first workout of the season.
Making the most of it yesterday looks to have been a very wise move though. Today, the climatically appropriate pastime was finishing off a pair of mitts for a friend's birthday.
Spring - you are so fickle. But I'm still pleased you're here.
