Everything I'm Excited for This Spring
It's the little things 🌞
When it started snowing heavily a few days ago, I was really, deeply over it. On our way to return Marin’s skis we rented for the season, Craig remarked “funny how much we loved it all season long, even when it was freezing…now I shudder at the thought.” And I laughed, because it’s so true. There comes a time in spring usually right around the beginning or middle of April when seemingly everyone (at least in Vermont) is over it. All we want is some sunshine and warmth, to put away the wool socks and puffy coats, for good. It always takes a little longer than you’d like, and that stretch between winter and when it actually starts to feel like spring can feel eternal.
Every year during this in between, I like to think about (and plan for) all the things that make me excited for the season. It’s the bridge that brings me along from the despair of “this will never end” to “it’s almost over.” The tulips and daffodils are poking up from the ground, doing their work underneath the surface. A decent metaphor for the rest of us finding the strength to make it through this final stretch. Also, with everything else going on in the world, sometimes it’s nice to just take a beat, and find some comfort and hope in the simple things.
Here’s what I’m excited for this spring, flowers definitely included.
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Gardening. Looking out at my raised beds is like when my dogs spot a chipmunk sprinting through the backyard. I just can’t contain my excitement. Yesterday we put carrots, peas, arugula, and swiss chard in one of our raised beds, which, if you’re wondering, can all be planted together. They can also be planted earlier than many other vegetables, and typically do better when sown directly from seed.
⚡️ Creative energy. I’ve felt a huge surge of creative energy lately. Maybe because I’m finally following my instincts wherever they take me and not forcing things that aren’t working. My friend and I are launching a juice business and it has filled me with so much energy and excitement. I think this seasonal shift is ripe with opportunity for change, and welcoming whatever creative surges come with it.
The start of outdoor shower season. And seeing how long I can go without showering inside.
🌷 Tulips, daffodils and lupines. I can’t believe I ever said I didn’t like daffodils. I absolutely cherish the time when they start popping up, and planted a whole row of them in our front yard. There’s little patches all around our property too. We also have some tulips. This year we’re planting lupines (that symbolize “a hunger for life”) around the mailbox in honor of my cousin Seamus.
Hammock sunbathing. There’s one specific spot in our yard that bakes in the sun. It’s the best place to lay out and feel the warmth while reading a book or just closing your eyes and letting the sun melt away the tightness in your shoulders and the worries in your mind.
Spring cleaning. I love dedicating a weekend (or two) to cleaning and organizing. Putting away all the winter gear, emptying drawers and de-cluttering, tidying up garden beds, deep cleaning the couch, switching out the heavier bedding for light blankets and linens, wiping down the windows, and getting in all the little corners and crevices that need some attention.
🌈 Event pop-ups. We’re going to do some spring pop-ups at local events including Bookstock and Pride. I’m excited to test our set-up and bring some fresh fruit popsicles, cold-pressed juice and other goodies to events in town.
Baseball hats. When it’s time to break out the baseball hat again, it’s a good sign.
🫛 Grilling. I love when we fire up the grill and start cooking dinner outside again. Some of my favorite grilled vegetables in spring are asparagus, sugar snap peas, and chopped baby potatoes (so good in tacos!).
Outdoor dining. Whether it’s at home in our backyard or at a restaurant on the patio, there are few things I love more than eating outside once the weather warms up.
🖼️ Leaving the house without a down coat. A light jacket will do.
💜 Lilacs! There are lilacs everywhere in Vermont and the bloom season is short but so wonderful. That smell is heavenly.
Breaking out all of my linen clothing. The moment I can finally break out my linen button downs, tops, and pants is basically a spiritual experience.
🌸 Yoga in the flowers. My friend does a yoga class at a local flower farm and it’s as dreamy and amazing as it sounds.
Driving with the windows down. That short and sweet time of year when it’s not too cold and not too hot and the breeze with the windows down is just perfection.
🌞 Longer days, extra sunlight, more energy, lighter moods. Spring has a contagious energy that’s optimistic, excited, and hopeful.
What are you most excited about this spring?
It's remarkably refreshing to read a post that isn't selling me anything. Thank you!
Feeling every bit of this as it starts to warm up here in the NC mountains! Every year I’m shocked at what a stark difference a bit of warmth and sunlight makes to my overall disposition. I’m coming to terms with the fact that I am solar powered. We got an e-bike last Spring and toting my toddler around town on the bike as our primary mode of transportation makes all the various outings significantly more pleasant.