March has a mind of its own. A few more cold days, maybe even a touch of snow, while we quietly count down to March 20. Between winter’s chill and the first hints of spring, we look for warmth, inspiration and renewed energy. 🌱
Between winter’s chill and the promise of spring
In the Netherlands, we have a saying: “March wags its tail.”
It means that just when you think winter is leaving, March surprises you. And it certainly did. Just as we felt ready to put away our scarves, a few icy days returned. Unexpected snow. Frozen windows in the early morning.
And yet, something feels different from February.
The light is changing.
The days are stretching.
And somewhere beneath the soil, spring is preparing quietly.
We’re gently counting down to March 20, the official start of spring. As if that date gives us permission to look ahead again.
Gathering warmth a little longer
Until then, we still find each other indoors.
Warm homes. Candlelight on the table. Coats casually draped over chairs.
Last month, around Valentine’s Day, we chose to keep things small and local. Instead of a busy restaurant, we visited a nearby delicatessen. Carefully prepared vegetable dishes, seasonal flavours, ingredients sourced close to home. Everything wrapped with care.
Back home, we set the table. Opened a bottle of natural wine. Took our time. Tasted. Shared.
Nothing extravagant, but exactly right.
Honest food, locally prepared, enjoyed together. Sometimes romance lives in simplicity.
Focus in the cold
March also brought a surprisingly beautiful activity with friends. Because it was still so cold outside, we looked for something creative to do indoors. We ended up painting ceramics.
What started as a social outing became almost meditative. We were so focused that long silences filled the room. Only the soft sound of brushes moving across clay. Each of us immersed in her own design.
Sometimes being together isn’t about talking, it’s about sharing quiet concentration.
Mindful, without even calling it that.
The Year of the Fire Horse
On February 17, the Chinese New Year began, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse.
The Horse symbolises energy, freedom, speed and perseverance. Combined with the element of Fire, 2026 carries an extra powerful momentum. This is a year for doing. Not hesitating. Not endlessly planning. But taking action.
Perhaps that’s why March feels slightly restless.
The urge to open the windows wide.
To order seeds.
To finally start what we’ve been thinking about for months.
Nature is moving and we move with it.
Gently looking ahead
Even though March can still surprise us with wintery moods, signs of change are everywhere. The first buds on branches. Small green tips appearing in pots on the windowsill.
This is the month of preparation.
Of intentions taking root.
Of ideas slowly forming.
Indoors, we can already begin. Sowing herbs in a mini greenhouse. Planning a balcony filled with green. Taking small steps toward a lighter season.
Because spring doesn’t start only on March 20.
Spring begins the moment you decide to look forward.
March may wag its tail.
But beneath the surface, something new is growing. 🌱
