Recent Spring Joys

Quietly joyful moments of my spring so far.

May 06, 2026

May is finally here and what a special month it is. Beginning with Beltane, the ancient Gaelic festival marking the midway point between the spring solstice and summer equinox, and ending with my birthday, May always feels like a month of celebration and joy. The trees are blooming, the weather is in that perfect sweet spot where I can pretty much wear whatever I’d like, and things are feeling just a little bit lighter — cause for celebration indeed!

Inspired by a similar edition of this letter that I penned this time last year, I wanted to share a few moments of quiet joy from the first half of the season.

Recent Joys for Spring

Shedding the heavy layers of winter and relishing in the lightness that spring brings.
The flowerbeds full of daffodils and tulips all throughout my neighbourhood.
My annual springtime rewatches of Emma (2020) and Pride & Prejudice (2005).
The longer hours of sunlight allowing for a bright evening walk after work to reset for the evening.
White cotton skirts and dresses that flow in the breeze and make me want to frolic in a meadow. Bonus points for delicate embroidery.
Bringing my cotton quilt out of storage and the bedroom feeling light and crisp again.
Watching the tree outside our window wake for the season, each day a little closer to its full leafy glory.
Solidifying plans for my birthday trip to London, and seeing little notes app ideas turn into a real itinerary (turning 30 in my favourite place — pinch me!).
Sleeping with the windows cracked open, and waking to the sound of birdsong and the curtains billowing in the breeze.
Those first warm, sunny days of the season after months of winter, and feeling like you’ve been jump-started (although that’s probably just the vitamin D hitting my bloodstream).
All of my outfits suddenly feeling very Jane Birkin-esque, with frilly tops, denim, and basket bags on heavy rotation.
Returning to my favourite springtime recipes, like asparagus & pea pasta and carrot cake.
Having the pleasure of seeing Ichiko Aoba in concert, and experiencing the absolute magic that she is able to conjure through her guitar.
Checking in on my favourite blossoming trees until they hit peak bloom, like checking in on a friend.
The first outdoor farmers’ markets of the season and returning home with an arm-full of beautiful produce.
Rhubarb everything, all the time.
Cozy rainy days in my Barbour with my duck umbrella in tow, when the city smells of damp concrete and grass.
Reuniting with Studied by Liis as my daily fragrance, which always reminds me of the first weeks of spring.
A Saturday morning stroll to the recently renovated White Squirrel for a coffee, while watching crowds gather at Trinity Bellwoods to take their cherry blossom photos.
The sensation that actually, everything is going to be okay.