I need the spring

Georgia's working hard to get back in my good graces. After last week's weather nonsense, I'm glad to see that the rebellious state is coming to her senses and going back to what she does best-- blessing us with super fantastic weather that makes us happy to be alive.

The last few days have been in the low 70s and absolutely beautiful. Matt and I like to go walking around downtown Athens and the UGA campus during our lunch breaks. Yesterday we noticed for the first time that the daffodils are starting to bloom. It made me happy-- and also nervous, because a cold snap could be just around the corner. But I can't blame the daffodils for their optimism. I think I'm a lot like them. Overly enthusiastic at the first sign of happier times coming.

In honor of the early spring, I decided to wear a new necklace today. I got this necklace for my birthday in December, but I've felt like it's too springy to wear until now. But today? Bring on the spring necklace.

 The car selfies aren't really the best, but the necklace is cream, light peach, and a brighter peach color. I love it. It also inspired my eye makeup and shoe choices today. What can I say. I'm just pulled together like that. ;)

I got the new Ulta catalog in the mail yesterday and have been studiously poring over it. Spring beauty trends?? Do tell.

I don't know if my nails really count as 'springy,' but they are definitely making me happy this week. I painted them on Sunday with a fabulous gold theme...I told myself it was in honor of the Olympics. But possibly it's just because I really like shiny stuff. Either way, they're a bright spot in my day every time I notice them.

It's kind of hard to tell, but my ring finger(s) is an 'accent nail' and is glittery gold (OPI's Looks Like Rain, Dear) and the other four fingers are just a shiny gold (can't remember the name...it's a Sally Hansen from a few seasons ago). Anyway. The overall effect is still neutral but WAY FUN. I'm going to convince myself that it's a four seasons look because there's no way I'm retiring it anytime soon. 

I'm just happy it's getting warm. That a new thing is coming. This winter has felt so long, and not just because of the weather. All The Evil (haha, I know that's actually from Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I'm stealing the phrase and the sentiment-- it's easier than actually writing out what I mean) happened right as winter started and so the whole season has been tainted with sadness and brokenness. It was cold then and it's still cold and it's like things can't change until the weather does...or something. Or my wardrobe does. My memories of the three days we had with our daughter are attached to my clothes and there's nothing worse than pulling on an outfit for the day only to have a midday flashback to a few months ago when I was holding my daughter in that shirt. I even know (and avoid) which socks I was wearing the whole long day we spent waiting for her to be born...and I can't see them without remembering the hours I spent sitting cross-legged with her in my arms, the bright argyle socks peeking out from beneath her swaddle. I hate those socks now. 

So I need it to get warm so that I can put these clothes behind me. I need it to be spring so that I can start looking forward. I need to stop being reminded of my loss twelve thousand times a day. I need new distractions: a garden to plant, a bike to ride, a pool to lounge beside. The winter was sad and barren in every sense of the word and I'm ready for a new season. So thank you, weather and daffodils, for giving me hope that that could happen. 

On a much lighter note, I am in the market for an excellent new spring candle. We had some really great fall and winter ones and they were honestly some of the few high points in a really awful few months. Now I want something new to make me happy when I'm stuck indoors. I have a lot of fun summer candles, but they're fruity and beachy and like...that's just not spring. It's summer. Any ideas for spring candles??