transitioning to spring
a seasonal to-do list of practicalities
Welcome to mama eats, a twice-weekly newsletter inspired by a simple + seasonal home life. This week’s post, transitioning to spring, is free to all readers. I try to provide as much free content as possible, however, this newsletter is a labor of love. If you have the means, please consider becoming a paid subscriber, which also gives you access to the growing archive of posts older than a month.
Spring, spring, spring! A new season is just about here in our little town in northern California- almonds blossoming, bulbs beginning to bloom, longer days, watery sunlight returning to grace us and cause us to tilt up our faces to it, receiving benediction. Although it is still mostly rainy and dreary out, this small seasonal shift has got me dreaming of warmer days and feeling that familiar pull to refresh, clean and make changes. I am writing this post as a checklist and reminder for me, and sharing to hope it brings some inspiration to you. Some of these things won’t be needed for a while, but I like to try to think about it in advance, as I am an incorrigible procrastinator and this gives me time and space to get it completed. What are your rituals to prepare for spring? I’d love to know.
Change out Jame’s rotating picture books to reflect the season: Spring by Gerda Muller, Bustletown Spring, A New Beginning: Celebrating the Spring Equinox by Wendy Pfeffer, Spring Story by Jill Barklem, The Tale of Peter Rabbit and others by Beatrix Potter, Sonya’s Chickens by Phoebe Wahl, The Story of the Root Children by Sibylle von Olfers, Pelle’s New Suit by Elsa Beskow, Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel (Spring), The Whispering Rabbit by Margaret Wise Brown, Alfie Outdoors by Shirley Hughes, Flower Garden by Eve Bunting.
Nature table: this is a small side table which is at James’s height. I removed winter items and added spring items to reflect what’s happening in nature around us- a small bud vase for flowers and sprigs of blossoming branches, a wooden rabbit figure, a little bowl to hold found nature treasures from walks, a seasonal print (search for nature table seasonal postcard or paint one yourself) and small book.
James’ nature table and seasonal book area Freshen spaces: remove everything from James’ work/toy shelves and art station, wipe down, rearrange or update/refresh areas that he doesn’t use much. The same for around the house- clean out any areas that have gotten cluttered or stale and refresh them.
