A–Z: Spring
Dear reader,
A new season beigns and I feel like it has potential to be the best one in a long time.
A — Art history.
I’ve signed up for a course in Western art history, and I’m excited to follow the long thread of images and ideas that have shaped our understanding of the world.
B — Birthday in Helsinki.
I get the rare and wonderful privilege of showing one of my closest friends my favourite city while I celebrate another year around the sun.
C — Copenhagen.
I’m hoping to squeeze in a visit to see my cousin in Copenhagen. Crooked streets, good coffee, and long walks included.
D — Declutter and organise.
The spring-cleaning urge has rarely felt stronger. Perhaps because M and I have now lived in this apartment longer than anywhere else. It feels like time to let the space evolve with us.
E — Exhibition.
Hanna Vihriälä is exhibiting at Göteborgs konstmuseum later in May, and it looks too good to miss.
F — Fresh food.
After months of soups and stews, I find myself craving crisp vegetables, citrus, and anything green.
G — Growing.
Both metaphorically and on my balcony, where I imagine small tomato plants and climbing flowers are beginning their careful ascent.
H — Hormonal breakouts.
I came off the pill late last year, and it’s been a journey. I hardly dare say it, but I think things are slowly settling.
I — “It’s me, Kathy…”
I want to gather my girlfriends for a spring evening with Wuthering Heights.
J — J.R Thornton- Lucien.
I’m curious to read Lucien, a story of a gifted yet financially disadvantaged artist who falls victim to the manipulative control of his wealthy, enigmatic Harvard roommate.
K — Keep a journal.
This spring I want my notebook to hold more than words: pressed flowers, sketches, small fragments of days.
L — Loafers.
Soon it will be time again.
M — My birthday.
March is always a contradiction—half winter, half spring—which feels strangely fitting for my personality. I feel kinship with March.
N — New in (perhaps).
I’ve been admiring a cardigan from Almada Label. It may remain admiration or become a birthday gift to myself.
O — Open the windows.
Winter has been too cold for long airing rituals, but now I’m ready to let fresh air carry away any lingering heaviness.
P — Project pan.
A gentle reminder to finish what I already own especially within beauty and skincare.
Q — Quiet progress.
I’m continuing my drawing habit, a few lines at a time.
R — Return to Italy
M and I are very lucky to be able to visit Italy again this year to celebrate my in-laws' birthdays.
S — Skincare
On the note of hormonal breakouts, I've started to think more about what I put on my skin, and I'm looking for kind and gentle products.
T — Taking out my bike
No more cramming in on the bus in the morning. When spring returns, so does my bike rides to work.
U — Understated makeup
I'm looking forward to shredding a layer of makeup and letting my skin breathe more. But also to step away from the notion that I need new skincare and makeup all the time.
V — Visit flea markets.
Preferably outdoors to in the still chilly air. Browsing amongst posts and pans and little trinkets.
W — Whimsy.
Is it currently the internet's favourite word? Maybe, but I feel inspired by it. For me, it's an invitation to play and not take things too seriously.
X—x2 Museum trips
The Alvar Aalto exhibition at Millesgården and the Pablo Picasso exhibition at Moderna Museet before they close.
Y — Yoga.
A practice that keeps returning to me, season after season.
Z — Zest.
his winter has been gentle in some ways and heavier in others. So this spring, I want to lean toward joy, toward colour, movement, and small sparks of excitement wherever they appear.