for a SPRING in your step
A handful of recommendations for the coming Spring, expectation of new life.
The days keep getting longer, the temperatures more moderate, and soon the earth will “laugh in flowers.”
Since I believe every season is a reason for a hot cup, I’ll continue the habit of starting a recommendations post off with tea. Bergamot feels very befitting of spring. Currently loving Harney & Son’s Paris blend.
Hearth Songs by Brian Sauvé is an album about home and homemaking. Warning, listening may inspire you to conquer dragons and bake bread.
Springtime Tongue Twisters:
Six sick sparrows sang seven sad spring songs.
Beautiful blossom buds bloom behind the blue barn.
Sweet showers soaked the sun showers.
The bright palette distinct to Van Gogh’s work evokes the feeling of spring.
Through his struggle with rejection and mental health, this vibrancy is often understood as resistance.
I particularly like the story behind Almond Blossom.
“Almond trees flower early in the spring making them a symbol of new life. Van Gogh borrowed the subject, the bold outlines and the positioning of the tree in the picture plane from Japanese printmaking. The painting was a gift for his brother Theo and sister-in-law Jo, who had just had a baby son, Vincent Willem. In the letter announcing the new arrival, Theo wrote: ‘As we told you, we’ll name him after you, and I’m making the wish that he may be as determined and as courageous as you.’ Unsurprisingly, it was this work that remained closest to the hearts of the Van Gogh family. Vincent Willem went on to found the Van Gogh Museum.”
Explore the more of the collection at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam online.
Almond Blossom. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, February 1890. Oil Painting by Vincent Van Gogh.
From my bathroom counter,
Face: In the morning, Pan Oxyl’s Acne Foaming Wash & CeraVe - AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (SPF 30). In the evening, Burt’s Deep Cleaning Cream (evening) & Prescription Tretinoin (Going to the Derm is cheaper than Sephora guesswork). Often, Bag Balm for lips (made with lanolin).
Hands: Essie (color, nail the grade) & Burt’s Hand Salve
Supplements: Folic Acid (I take daily to balance side effects of a medication); not pictured: Vitamin C, D, & Magnesium
Seasonal:
- Eye Drops (for dry eyes after windy walks - always from a reputable brand, check for recall information before using ophthalmic drug products… my eye dr. shared some horror stories at my last appointment.)
- Xlear Nasal Spray (unmedicated, saline nasal with xylitol); not pictured: Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief Spray when heavy pollen arrives (look for the light blue lid).
Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson is full of tips for a creative life. Focused on writing, Wilson gives personal guidance for becoming more observant and productive in your craft. (Also available on Audible)
“As comes the breath of spring”
by David Lakie Ritchie (1864-1951)
As comes the breath of spring,
with light and mirth and song,
so does your Spirit bring
new days brave, free and strong.
You come with thrill of life
to chase hence winter's breath,
to hush to peace the strife
of sin that ends in death.
You come like dawning day,
with flaming truth and love,
to chase all glooms away,
to brace our wills to prove
how wise, how good to choose
the truth and its brave fight;
to prize it, win or lose,
and live on God's delight.
You come like songs at morn
that fill the earth with joy,
till we in Christ newborn
new strength in praise employ.
You come to rouse the heart
from drifting to despair,
through high hope to impart
life with an ampler air.
You breathe, and there is health;
you move, and there is power;
you whisper, there is wealth
of love, your richest dower.
Your presence is to us
like summer in the soul;
your joy shines forth, and then
life blossoms to its goal.
Wishing you a happy Springtime.
P.S. “Take an umbrella, it's raining.”
