There's a Spring in my step

One for sorrow, two for joy... 
Spring has finally sprung, the sun has deigned to grace us with some shine, and the world seems a better and brighter place than this time yesterday as a result. Who'd've thought, eh?! Just turning up the sky wattage has coaxed us out of shells and coats alike here in Madrid, and although there is a lingering chill from the vestiges of winter (it was only yesterday, after all...), sleeves are already getting shorter, and the sunglasses are most definitely out. Bravo.
Nature, too, is reveling in this joyous occasion: a birdsong soundtrack and cherry blossom backdrop enhance the scenery; buds bloom offstage, waiting for their chance to burst forth with colour; magpies are but one of the birds taking to the stage of courtship, with glossy wing and gleaming eye belying their romantic intent... Nudge nudge wink wink say no more.  
But my absolute favourite moment of this first springtime day was the glow of sunset's caress as it made the buildings blush... That pure Mediterranean radiance as the fading light strikes facades for one last hurrah, windows winking and twilight blowing kisses from the horizon. The orange aura never fails to impress, tracing steps of contentment across the day's end, setting it to rights just nicely. The dusky violet haze left behind in its wake reflects the serenity of the evening, and the intensity of the clear night sky to follow can inspire even the mildest of star-gazers to level up in their philosophy, and ponder some deep thought or other. Possibly. But let's just say that either way it looks darn pretty. 

Now I'm not saying that all this is hereon out a guarantee: nay, I would not dare to be so naive - chances are we'll be back to drizzle before we know it. It is, however, a rather nice little trailer for the season ahead, and my appetite for warmer weather and balmy breezes has been well and truly whetted, to say the least. Bring it on. And in other news, thank goodness the seasons are finally changing, because I really fancy a picnic. 

Spring also brings with it the wonderful opportunity for change. Spring cleaning, as one of our adopted seasonal traditions, can be the perfect excuse to begin a new chapter in life: habits are easier to keep without the overhanging gloom of winter; outdoor exercise becomes a probability rather than vague possibility (and just as well!); new pastimes are dreamt up (usually involving the park, it seems); and moods are generally inclined to be as light and bright as the weather. Pathetic fallacy eat your heart out. 

So I say this: decide how you want your spring to go, and do your utmost to at least start it off that way, with as positive an attitude as can be dredged up from the dinge of the wintery blues. Your sunshine may be hiding just around the corner, or it may well play hide-and-seek for a little while - or if you're in my beloved Britain, well, then, who knows if it will ever stick around, so good luck ! - but you can still make the most of the shift in your world's emotional kilter and work it to your advantage. Go forth, be merry, frolic like a fieldful of lambs, or just take a second to appreciate whatever side of it floats your boat... From hot crossed buns to daffodils to the fluffiest chicks you ever did see, spring is indeed a wonderful thing.