Spring preview, courtesy of geography – FIT IS A FEMINIST ISSUE

Spring preview, courtesy of geography – FIT IS A FEMINIST ISSUE


Hi folks– as I write this post, it’s 37F/2.7C at home near Boston. But I’m not there. I’m in South Carolina, visiting my sister and her kids and my mom and other relatives for a week. And there (well, here from my perspective), the temperature is much nicer.

Today's temperature is 76F/24.4C and sunny. Oh my.
Today’s temperature is 76F/24.4C and sunny. Oh my.

Yes, there is some rain in the forecast for the coming week, but also some nice days in the upper 70s. I’ve lived in New England for 40 years now, but the southern-born parts of me still grouse when it’s March and cold and damp, with nothing blooming or green (yet). Of course the spring, when it does come, is glorious. And the summers– my, oh my!

But it’s not summer yet. It’s early March. So I scampered south to get an early preview of what spring might be in a couple of months. And I wasn’t disappointed. The sun is out, along with all kinds of people enjoying what the day has to offer. And what it offered us was a local art/craft festival.

Perfect! I love me some local outdoor arts/crafts festivals. They’ve got everything you need: dogs, kids, food trucks, local musicians and DJs, and artistic creations ranging from pottery vases to Robot acrylics to finely decorated miscellaneous objects. To wit:

Because I was so caught up in the art and the scene and the people, I didn’t take photos of the sunny day. But you can see the light in the photos. And this was the day before the time change!

I love the creative courage it takes to listen to yourself, do what moves you, and then put it out there on the street for others to see and buy. Several of the artists we met talked fondly about finding new homes for their pieces. I felt their sincerity, and appreciated the marketing approach.

One of my favorite pieces of the day was this pottery creation– a vase fail, but also a stand against oppressive practicality.

A petite green pottery tower with circular holes in the side. Clearly not water-safe, but very fun.
A petite green pottery tower with circular holes in the side. Clearly not water-safe, but very fun.

Just walking around the streets in this funky neighborhood of Columbia, SC with loads of other people was a tonic for winter weariness. And I got in a lot of steps, too!

Plans for the week with fambly include more activities in the spirit of exploring spring– some coastal forays, walking in my favorite cypress swamp park, floral and sculpture hunting in a lovely botanical garden, and renting bikes for a day if the weather cooperates. I think/hope I’ll be fortified to take on the rest of March and also April in New England, which we have to get through in order to make it to May, glorious May.

Readers, how are you managing March? Is it easy-breezy where you live? Are you still hunkering down in your wool sweaters, eating squash-and-kale soup by the hearth? Let me know what you’re up to.



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