I once ran into a friend on an early October day so warm it felt like summer. I complimented his fall finery: suede loafers, corduroy trousers, a tweedy jacket, and a sweater, all in earth tones.
Visibly sweating, he laughed and said, “Oh, I’m way too hot! The calendar says fall, but the weather says otherwise. I really rushed the season.”
I feel that impulse keenly when it’s officially springtime, but it still feels like winter. I want to put away my heavy coat, gloves, and turtleneck in favor of a snappy trench, ballet flats, and a t-shirt, but doing so risks miserable shivering.
Like a beautifully decorated cake that reveals itself to be stale upon first bite, spring always disappoints me, and I’ve long grumbled that it’s my least favorite season.
But I’ve finally found the trick to appreciating it: dropping my expectations and accepting that this is a two-steps-forward, three-steps-back season, during which there will be more warmth and daylight, birdsong, and flowers to savor, plus plenty of opportunities to maintain my favorite cozy winter habits.
Spring, I’ve realized, is a season that likes to hit the snooze button a few times before getting out of bed. It’s not lazy or infuriatingly unpredictable; it’s simply sensitive and shy.
The last thing spring wants is to be rushed! By graciously accepting spring’s (changeable) true nature, I’m more able to embrace it.
Here are the rituals that help…
1. Wear color, but don’t underdress. I’ve dusted off my bright cross-body bag and am wearing my winter coat, gloves, warm socks, and a hat when the weather calls for it.
2. Drop everything to go outside when the sun’s out, and keep the firewood basket stocked for roaring fires inside on cold, grey, wet days.
3. Eat light but keep it comforting. This clean and cozy chicken noodle soup, this plain risotto from The Art of Simple Food, and this slow-roasted chicken and green bean dish are all in my current rotation, and we’re grilling outside when the weather cooperates!
4. Appreciate the longer days, birdsong, and glorious sunset, but…
5. Keep the bed dressed in flannel sheets for maximum coziness!
On glorious spring afternoons, I love to sit outside by a fire, wrapped in blankets, my face turned to the sun.
How do you feel about springtime? Are you coping or thriving?!
Another new season mood booster? The proven pleasure of retail therapy! Here are some cheerful, cozy things for a guaranteed pick-me-up…
1. A silk/cashmere polo sweater in a jaunty stripe from one of my favorite brands.
2. The hand soap currently spicing up our powder room: fiery pink pepper! There’s body wash, too.
3. The well-priced cashmere joggers I’m living in.
4. A fun stripy crewneck and a matching hat!
5. The cozy flannel sheets I swear by.
6. These espadrilles/loafers are perfect for straddling two seasons.
Chilly spring evenings call for cozy, heartwarming books. Here are five to snuggle up with!
More Than Enough, Anna Quindlen’s latest novel, is a lovely meditation on friendship, love, and the true meaning of family. Set in Manhattan and Connecticut, with a main character named Polly, it reminded me of another favorite book…
Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin. This is the story of Polly, known by all as an appropriate, reliable, good daughter, wife, and mother until she begins to question the strict boundaries of her life and embarks upon an affair.
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. An engrossing, beautifully written saga of friendship, marriage, ambition, and everything else that makes a good life.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld. A delightfully witty (and sexy!) update of Pride and Prejudice, set in modern-day Cincinnati.
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. While billed as a story about time travel, this is a poignant love letter about the bond between a father and daughter. You may need tissues!
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