Inspiration : February 2010

Happy Groundhog Day, everyone! Did the groundhog see his shadow this morning or no? I actually haven’t checked yet. Either way, I feel like we’re heading into the final month(s) of winter here in Toronto. But still, there’s nary a snowdrift to be found. It’s been a cold winter here, but a dry one. It was a cold autumn too, almost as though we’ve been holding in this weather pattern since September. So if that groundhog really didn’t see his shadow then I am happy. Knowing that spring is right around the corner is what Groundhog Day is all about.

Because change is good, right? Right. So on that note, let me introduce you to a new monthly blog feature:

My Inspiration of the Month.

love note

February’s inspiration is this lovely card that I got from Dave on the occasion of our 4-year Date-aversary. It seems odd somehow, celebrating our “anniversary” in January when we’re already knee-deep in October wedding plans. I guess this was the last time we would celebrate January 19th as our official anniversary. And so what better piece of loveliness to inspire me for the month ahead.

February Inspiration Close-up

So, what do you think? It’s a little bit romance, a little bit whimsy, a little bit luxe. It’s royal purple and cool silver and the deep red of Valentine’s Day. It’s quiet mornings and sweet treats. It’s a great big pop of colour in this still dreary month of winter.

February Inspiration

Hope you like it! I’m sure it’ll inspire me all month long as we head into February. And if you’d like to see a close-up of the board to catch all the little bits and pieces, you can find it here.

Persian New Year

The Persian New Year Table

The first day of spring is also Nowruz, Persian New Year. So on Sunday, Dave and I went to Ram & Shima’s pad for a festive get-together! There were cookies, and sweet treats, wine and mimosas. We chatted and laughed and had dinner. It was a lot of fun and a great way to welcome the new season.

The best thing, though, (you know, besides all the sweets) was the New Year’s Table that Ram & Shima had set up. Each item on the table had a different symbolic meaning, whether it be life (goldfish), patience (vinegar), or wealth (coins). It was very cool. I like symbolism, it speaks to the deeper meanings of life and the emotional needs of the soul. But that’s a post for another day.

So Happy Spring, everyone! If your March came in like a lion, may it go out like a lamb.

Sprung

Almost Here
Happy Spring Equinox, everyone!

I love spring. Not as much as I love autumn, but it’s definitely a close second. Tiny little buds unfurl, bright sunshine means warmer temperatures instead of colder, and the days slowly begin to get longer again. While it may not yet be perfectly spring-like up here in these northern climes, there have been several warm days already and all but the most stubborn of snow piles has long melted.

This morning was chilly but I could smell spring in the air when I took Daisy for a walk. (You know, that “growing” smell. The smell that comes after the dog-poop-like sent of soggy ground has gone, but before the perfume of pollen has a chance to fill the air.) And the birds are singing again. They’ve come back and right now I can hear them chirping up a storm outside my window.

Yup, spring is definitely here and in another month I’ll start seeing sights like these lovely blue flowers popping up all around my neighbourhood! Yay!

P.S. : Happy Persian New Year, Shima!