Sometime when I was little, I was told that when you see a robin, that is the first sign that spring is coming. Winter lasts a long time here in Chicago, so when I start seeing robins in March, I know it is premature, but I can’t help getting spring fever. Every day as I walk to the train I inspect the mud and snow for signs of snowdrops popping up from the ground. I keep an eye on every tree branch for green buds. Since it is still cold and dreary and I can’t always linger outside too long, I often have to look elsewhere to get my spring fix.
On particularly bleak days, I will grab a quilt and a cup of tea and watch a movie that is sunny and cheerful, but in black & white, so I don’t get too depressed looking at all the fun people are having outside. I would highly recommend any movie starring Bonita Granville. She is fabulous and never fails to get me out of my wintery blues. She brings a contagious energy that makes the whole world feel like her playground. She is dressed in disguises, climbing out of windows, flying planes, getting trapped in secret passageways, and just causing mischief - a reminder of the inner child in us, which is the energy we probably all need on those gloomy days.
Other times when it's very gray, and I'm feeling starved of color and flowers, I will revisit one of my favorite artists, Josef Frank. I’m just wild about his pattern designs. They are so colorful and imaginative. I think the first time I saw them was at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and now I see his designs everywhere. In hotels, on the streets and sometimes on TV. I love it when that happens.
Cautiously seasonal,
Emery Kennett
From the Mail Room of Red Herring Factory