Summary
It's been a long, cold winter. Let's start getting excited for spring, just a little.
Ah spring.
Or at least I think it’s spring?
It’s been a long, cold, white winter this year, hasn’t it? I’m not complaining too much because we barely had a winter the year before and it was nice to actually get a full season of ice and snow. But… let’s be real. It’s been a lot the past few weeks. Snow storms. Ice. Sub sub sub subzero temperatures. Closures. It was all a little much.
But… we’re starting to see the slightest signs that things are taking a turn for the better. The clocks have sprung forward. The sun has come out (a little). We’ve had a few days where the temperature has hit the teens. The spring equinox came and went yet again (March 20th at 5:01am). St. Patrick’s Day was this month. Subtle signs.
Now March is known for being a little indecisive when it comes to seasons. Is it spring? Is it still winter? Does it seem to change from day to day? Unfortunately we all just have to be patient as the seasons sort themselves out and spring officially makes a landing.
So what to do in the meantime? How about read books or watch movies or listen to music or whatever else to get us in the mood for sunshine and flowers and rain, and to remind yourself that winter is almost over. And of course, we have some things that may help with that.
I’ve seen this movie a few times, and it’s always a go-to for me when spring and holidays like Easter are upon us. Sporting a cast including Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Alfred Molina and Judi Dench, this period film is set in a small French village that soon becomes the home (for now) of an outsider named Vianne and her daughter. Vianne arrives just in time for Lent and immediately ruffles feathers when she opens a chocolate shop, getting on the bad side of the town’s count/mayor. The movie is a study on religion, tradition, shackles we put on ourselves and others, and what makes a home. Surprisingly deep for a small little film and a good watch for the season.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This one came up in a couple of lists recommending books for Spring, so definitely needs to be on our list too. And this one has time travel! This tale is set in a coffee shop in Tokyo, that offers coffee of course but also another feature; the chance to travel back in time. Four people use this opportunity for different reasons, but there are some rules to follow; they have to use the same seat, they cannot leave the café, and they have to come back to the present before the coffee gets cold (ah, there’s the title). Will each of them be able to find the closure they need and still make it back? You’ll have to read to find out.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This one got a lot of buzz when it first came out a few years ago, connecting to readers with themes of found family and elements of fantasy. In this story we meet Linus, who’s forty and leading a calm, simple life with his cat in a tiny house. But his job is a little unique; he’s a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His latest assignment sends him to an orphanage on an island where six orphans reside; “a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist”. Basically, Linus needs to decide if these kids are going to bring about the end of days, and things get more complicated when he meets their caretaker Arthur and learns about other secrets being hidden on the island. Give this one a try and see what all that buzz is about.
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichart
That cover alone is enough to give off Spring vibes. In this cozy paranormal romance, Sabrina has a lot on her plate at the moment. She’s moving back to her hometown, she needs a job… and she and her family are cursed to see and help spirits. Mostly Sabrina’s happy to pass the ghosts on to her mom, but Molly is one ghost who has stuck by Sabrina through a lot. Enter Ray, a restauranteur who invites Sabrina to his supper club. Since Molly’s a romcom fan she’ll be thrilled, but Sabrina just doesn’t have time for romance. Or does she? You might be able to guess the answer to that, but the fun is in the reading.
We also have gardening and cooking books to help you get in the spirit. Here’s to the changing of the seasons, the arrival of spring and to warmer weather (not too warm hopefully).