A List of Reasons to Not Wish Away Spring
In all its ephemeral glory.
I often find myself wishing away grey, rainy days for warm, sun-soaked ones, but I don’t mean to wish away spring. It’s too fleeting as is, a sliver of time wedged between a long stretch of short, cold days and another of sweltering heat and AC unit-reprieve.
But spring is full of gems! Balmy days. Rainy nights. Reinvigorated stalls at the farmers’ market. It’s a season that invites restlessness—then rewards it. You feel antsy and can’t help but take action. You get outside. Invite people over. Pick up a new hobby. (I’m hoping to put my tennis skirt to good use soon.)
Below, five (plus one) reasons to celebrate spring in all its ephemeral glory.
1. Cherry Blossoms
My first spring in New York, I dragged Brett to the New York Botanical Garden in early April, determined to see the cherry blossom trees I’d heard so much about. It was a gross, cold day and, instead of seeing picturesque pink trees, we were met with barren lands and an indoor exhibit. Fellow exhibit goers nodded at us in somber solidarity; they too had paid the price of impatience. You can’t rush spring!
Since then, I’ve learned a bit about patience, and to always check Instagram first. Brooklyn Botanic Garden also has a “CherryWatch” feature on their site, an interactive map tracking the bloom status of their trees. Some people livestream Coachella; I frequently refresh this.
2. Spring Produce
Like ramps—a wild garlic/onion of sorts. This year, I plan to make ramp butter with the leaves and serve it with some crunchy radishes, flaky sea salt, and sourdough.
Other spring staples I’m stocking up on: Asparagus (great in a savory galette), peas, artichokes, and rhubarb. (This checkered rhubarb tart from Natasha Pickowicz’s “More Than Cake” lives rent-free in my head.)
3. The Resurgence of Outdoor Seating
It’s still a bit too cold to dine al fresco once the sun goes down, but in the daylight? Ecstasy. A coffee and pastry outside is particularly satisfying because just when a chill starts to creep in, you’re up and moving once again.
4. New York City Ballet’s Spring Season
A few years ago, I did “The Artist’s Way”—a 12-week course to nurture creativity. I took away two things: the magic of Morning Pages (30 minutes of stream-of-consciousness journaling) and Artist Dates, solo excursions to refill your creative cup. Since, my favorite solo venture has become going to the ballet.
Thanks to the 30 for $30 Program, I’m able to snag a cheap ticket, put on something a little fancy-schmancy, and head to Lincoln Center. Here, I savor my Girl Dinner of wine and M&M’s and witness beautiful dance. The people-watching is also top-tier—with both chic, grey-haired couples dressed to the nines and young, willowy dancers straight from rehearsal, leotards peeking out from beneath their evening wear.
The NYCB Spring Season starts back up this week and I’m especially excited for their rendition of Midsummer’s Night Dream.
5. Transition Jackets
I overindex on jackets that are only functional for five weeks a year—but they’re my favorites. You know the kind: not too thick, easy to run around in without ever freezing or overheating, probably bought at a sample sale in a manic moment… Dust ‘em off because it’s showtime!
6. EASTER BONUS: Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs
As a peanut butter lover, I maintain that these seasonal specialties take a perfect candy and make it even better, nudging the peanut butter-to-chocolate ever so slightly in the right direction.
That’s all for now. Enjoy spring while it lasts! And, as always, thank you for reading and subscribing. Xx