Spring’s ABC
Dear reader,
I've always considered March one of the spring months. Which in reality probably isn't true. However, I've also always considered spring entering first as a state of mind.
A- Afternoon tea. Tea culture is something I miss from my time living in England. In spring I hope there will be chances for afternoon tea at Tjolöholm Castle but also at home with friends.
B- Barre. Since I saw The Nutcracker during Christmas, I've been obsessed with the thought of trying ballet. However, I also know my limits but perhaps Barre could be a bit more accessible for me.
C- Camera. I'm very self-conscious photographing with my Fuji camera when I'm out and about. So, I've dug up my small Sony camera to see if it'll spark some new creative energy.
D- Drawing. I have taken up drawing again. I used to sketch all the time when I was younger but then for some reason I stopped. It's been a bit of a journey back but now I can't get enough of looking and questioning what I'm looking at.
E- Exhibition. If you happen to be in Stockholm in early spring, lucky you! Liljevachs is hosting Vårsalongen, it is usually a great time.
F- Fresh flowers. I rarely buy fresh flowers due to their environmental impact but I like passing a flower shop and taking in all the beautiful colours.
G- Gravel. The truest sign of spring is when the gravel is swept off the roads. I can't wait!
H- Hair. I have a tricky relationship with my hair. The main issue is that I don't have much of it which makes it difficult to style. But this spring I dream of styling it in low ponytails.
I- Italy. M and I are going to Italy for our honeymoon. It is a cliché, I know. I've dreamed of visiting Florence for several years and we'll also go to Milan.
J- Jeans. I'm gazing longingly at my light and white denim and can't wait to style them.
K- Keeping up traditions. In early autumn I wrote that my friend and I decided to have breakfast at a café before work. We have done that almost every second Friday during autumn and winter.
L- Lighter shoes. I'm so tired of winter boots. I long for my loafers and slingback heels.
M- Mumford & Sons. 28th of March, finally a new album from my favourite band. M and I walked into Guiding Light in the church when we married.
N—New medium. I want to try learning to paint with acrylic paint. I'm inherently impatient, so I think it will be a better option than oil. I long for the rich colour and texture you don't get with watercolour.
O- Oyster hunt. As a wedding gift, M and I are going hunting for oysters with one of our friends. However, "hunting" is probably not the correct term.
P- Polish dumplings. I have a colleague from Poland who told me about his all-time comfort food: Polish dumplings. I plan to fill them with potato, leek and some cheese.
Q- Quality time. I've felt a little lost during this side of winter. Hopefully, spring brings on a lot of quality time with my favourite people.
R- Resting. I struggle with seasonal depression during spring. It takes its form in a racing anxious mind and inexplicable tiredness which makes me want to shy away from people and the sun. It's been much better in recent years as I've learned more about it but I still need to remember to rest even though the rest of the world is bursting with energy.
S- Silk scarves. The perfect accessory in spring when it's time for lighter fabrics but you still might need to cover your neck during the chilly mornings.
T- Thirty. I'm turning 30 this year. In all honesty, I approach it with both great anticipation and some dread.
U- Unpack the spring wardrobe. I store away my spring/summer items during winter and only a few things excite me more than unpacking them from their resting place.
V- Virginia Woolf. I'm committed to reading more of Virginia Woolf's writing. Last year, I read Orlando, and this year, I finished The Waves. I'm not going to lie; it was a challenge to follow her poetic language for someone who always seeks the meaning of things. My copy of The Waves has some great annotations on how certain phrases relate to letters written by Woolf or excerpts from her diary.
W- Window of severe misjudgement. What I love about Swedes is that as soon as we see a thread of sunlight we think it's spring. We sit outside at cafés and bars and bring out our trench coats and ballerina shoes, only to discover it's still freezing. That's why I feel like entering spring there's always a window of severe misjudgement.
X- Xlash. Until the sun has brought some life to my face, eye patches are best for remediating tiredness.
Y- Year of crisis. So, I signed up for a half marathon. I think I've officially entered my life crisis. However, the dread has now passed and I'm now actually a bit excited.
Z- Zendaya. I watched Challengers a few weeks ago and it was so good. I feel like it has gotten too little attention. It has everything I adore; love, morally grey characters, friendship, tennis and, Zendaya, who plays one of the main characters is a true queen.