Spring is here
Spring brings about an immediate sensory trigger for me. I feel 10 years old, barefoot in the paradise that was my father’s garden. The weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Staying outside for longer is the aim of the game and boy did I win at this game.
Memories of spring themed songs being sung at school, the excitement and countdown of being allowed to change our winter uniforms and come to school in our summer uniforms, with maybe a sweater. The sweater decision relied heavily on a few quick emergency calls before school to take a quick fashion poll as to who will be wearing a sweater and who won’t. Only then do you know what your own sweater game is going to be.
I vividly remember the smell of jasmine filling the air, just as I left the house on my way to the car in the mornings. Even if I was late, I would walk a little slower to savor that beautiful smell. I was six when we moved into my childhood home and well into my thirties when my parents moved to a smaller place and the smell of that jasmine in the spring was never lost on me for all those years. Truth be told, I think of it often and the carefree time of my life it represents. A time with so many new experiences, falling in love for the first time, that first heartbreak, discovering your talents, pushing your first boundaries, standing up for yourself and using your voice, your first kiss, truly a time of many springs if you will.
Spring feels new, exciting. It brings change and excitement to all the things you can finally go and do again or maybe for the first time. And for the fashionista that I am, a wardrobe changes to boot.
Spring in Korea is wonderful. The weather is perfect all day long. I went for a walk one late Sunday spring afternoon, butterflies delightfully flying about town, the smell of fresh flowers filled the air, and this little sketch was born. I longed for this little girl who was barefoot, carefree and smelled like fresh jasmine. I longed for all the first springs of my life and rejoiced in the once yet to come.
May this springtime renew you and refresh your spirit in whatever way you need. And if you stumble upon the smell of jasmine or whatever flowers you love, walk a little slower and savor that spring moment. She is a fleeting beauty, one not to be missed.
Live, love, Laugh, Let go and Light up the world in your own unique way.
Love, Always
Ané
