It’s still only February, but here in my little patch of Norfolk there are signs of spring everywhere.
We’ve had a very mild, very wet winter. Often it doesn’t start to feel like spring here until the end of March, and occasionally it will even be May before it is really springlike.
I don’t think I’ve ever known it to be this early. There are snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils all blooming at the same time! There’s blossom everywhere and the sun, when it actually stops raining for long enough, is warm.
A friend of mine said that it might be a false spring and it could easily turn cold again, which it could.
But at the moment, it really feels like the beginning of spring.
With the arrival of spring, there has also been the arrival of Easter crafts and things for later in the spring that I apparently need to buy now, or I won’t be prepared and I’ll miss out somehow.
As I’ve said before, I don’t think there is anything wrong with looking ahead a bit. But focusing entirely on what is coming up months in advance instead of paying attention to what is happening now means that we’re likely to miss what is right there in front of us.
I don’t want to think about Easter yet. It’s still over a month away. That’s plenty of time to faff with Easter baskets and decorations, if I decide I want to. Which actually, I probably won’t! The summer flowers and warm weather will come in its own time. I don’t need to be prepared for it. In fact, if I’m not fussing about what’s coming up several months in advance, I’ll be all ready to notice what is there when the time comes.
This feeling that we are endlessly rushing but failing to catch up is not a good feeling. The only people it serves are the people who make money out of people buying tat months in advance to fill a need they’ve been told they have. And the people telling us that we have this need are the ones who make money out of it!
The changing seasons is one of the nicest things about living in a temperate climate. When it changes from winter to spring, it’s lovely. We feel ready for a change, and I want to enjoy it.
So here are some ideas for making the most out of early spring. We can worry about Easter and summer and whatever else later.
Ideas for Making the Most of Early Spring
Get out in it and go for a walk, even if it’s chilly. There’s a lot to be said for wellies and a warm coat.
While you are out, make a point of noticing signs of spring.
Plant things: in the garden a window box, even just a pot. It can really life your spirits to see primulas or daffodils out of the window or by your front door.
Take some time to immerse yourself in what’s around you. Notice what you can hear and what you can smell as well as what you see.
Spot spring colours. You might feel inspired to match them with yarn, thread, fabric, paint or coloured pencil.
Wear an outfit in spring colours.
Crochet granny squares in spring colours.
Put your wellies on and splash in puddles. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s always fun!
Put food out for birds. Food will be scarce for them at the moment and they’ll need their strength for their babies.
Make a point of feeling the wind on your face.
Collect things from outside that you could use in a creative project: bits for a wreath, an arrangement a vase, things that could be used for making rubbings or for printing, or things you might like to draw.
Are there things you like to do in early spring? If you’d like to, please share them in the comments below!
Leave a Reply