The First Hints of Spring
Yesterday was 67 degrees here in South Carolina, and today is 74! The birds are chirping, and I have been listening to the Canadian geese talking all morning. I have struggled so much with having any kind of energy the past few weeks, and basically want to spend all my time with hot tea and my heated throw and a book. Getting chores complete and laundry put away has been a big struggle, and I stare at everything through a bit of a fog. With this unexpected warmth, my energy instantaneously returned! Yesterday I was cleaning the front and back doors, the back porch tables and chairs, sweeping porches, and had a kick in my step. As much as I thoroughly enjoy cold weather and the hibernation that comes with that, I need warmth to get me moving.
I pulled down the winter scene I had hanging in my kitchen yesterday, and am starting a grouping of items that speak Spring to me. I found a green metal tray with birds on it (made in England!) at a local thrift store yesterday for $1 along with a pretty J. & G. Meakin Staffordshire plate. It was actually a very serendipitous stop at this particular shop. I only find good things there once in a while, but when I do, they are wonderful treasures. I found 8 sparkling crystal (not glass!) goblets for $8! I have been wanting some for a while, but it’s hard to find eight of anything when you thrift. As I checked their book section, I found Gladys Taber’s Stillmeadow Album for a dollar. I love her writings and only own one of her books which I had purchased online a few years ago. What a joy to find it sitting right there on a shelf just a mile from my home! I was about to leave but glanced over to a shelf and noticed a white Harmony House Ironstone teapot. So lovely. White ironstone is the simplest and prettiest way to decorate for spring. Pop some tulips or daffodils into an ironstone pitcher, tureen, or even a creamer, and you have beauty. I follow a few women on Instagram who have said that these faux tulips are incredible, and you can easily bend and move them. I ordered some yesterday and can’t wait for them to come in!
When a new season is coming, I transition very slowly. I find great joy in decorating seasonally; it uplifts my mood, breathes life into my spaces, and is creatively satisfying. When winter is making its slow exit, I begin by lightening one or two spots in a room, usually my dining room. Fresh art, floral plates, lighter tablecloths and centerpieces. I won’t touch my living room until the end of March. We still need all the heavier throws and pillows. I will replace some darker, woodsier vignettes with lighter, garden-inspired layers. Green books are a go-to, white ceramic bunnies, ironstone pieces, a new plant or two, less candles and more fresh flowers.
Most of you are probably still dealing with snow and deeply cold temperatures, so it probably feels a bit early to talk about Spring. But March will be here in just a few days, and maybe it would help all of our mental health to take some slight shifts in our homes. Small transitions to welcome the warmer days that will come, the flowers that will bloom, the gentle breezes that will blow. The beauty of the seasons is that we can always count on them.
With joy and tulips,
Aimee