Spring is springing, at least in my corner of the world. With just under a week left until the official first day of spring, I'm already beginning to feel the effects of the warming weather, the shining sun, the singing birds, and the awakening foliage.
Something about the turning of the seasons makes me feel extra creative. It happens with every season; the blossoming of spring, the first hot day of summer, the changing of the leaves in autumn, and the first snowfall of winter. Of these, spring impacts me the most. I know I'm not the only one.
When the weather starts to change, I invariably think of Bambi (1942) and Friend Owl's speech about what happens to forest animals when spring arrives. "They're twitterpated," he confides to Bambi et al. The wise owl's words are of course referring to mating season and the stirring all creatures, including humans, feel in their loins when the weather changes. But it goes beyond sex.
Whose spirits aren't lifted on that first mild day after winter? The change of the season is obvious; pedestrian traffic increases, patios are put out, coats are stowed. All of a sudden folks aren't so hesitant to take their dogs for longer walks. People, in general, are in better spirits. Even these days, with all we have to deal with (I'm looking at you, COVID), it's obvious that spring weather makes us feel better in general.
Personally, I feel renewed and energized when the weather warms and spring shows its face. I want to be more active physically and look for excuses to get outside. My mind seems to thaw out as well. Not that I feel hampered emotionally or mentally by winter but there is certainly a cooling that comes with the weather. As I mentioned, I find all seasons inspiring in their own way, but spring really lights a fire under me.
These days I have a lot on my plate between being a parent, creative projects I have on the go, and general human responsibilities. When spring weather arrives, I feel ready and able to take on all of these things and more. It's little wonder we choose spring to get our major cleaning done.
This spring season I'll be wrapping up a screenplay we hope will go into production before too long, I'll be starting a new novel, continuing to query for representation for my first novel, and will be starting on at least one new project for the screen.
You might say spring is the official start of my creative year. I use the energy and enthusiasm of the season to start a bunch of projects to carry into summer, which is my favourite season to write during. Something about the heat makes me feel more like a writer. I picture Paul Kemp roasting on a beach in San Juan, typewriter across his lap, glass of rum sweating next to him. I imagine Barton Fink sweating in his Los Angeles hotel room. Autumn rolls around and the cooling air and the smell of the fallen leaves stir a creative melancholy in me while the Halloween season fans the flames of my horror projects. Then winter arrives and I lock myself in my office, grinding away at whatever project is on my plate, hibernating as much as life will allow me to. The first snowfall will often inspire thoughts of fantasy and science fiction settings; places like Hoth and Narnia. But by the time spring rolls around again I'm feeling a lot like Jack Torrance locked away in the Overlook.
In spring we find renewal and life. It's a season of positive change and new beginnings. With so much uncertainty these days, I hope you're able to find energy and inspiration this spring. May the longer days give you more time to spend doing what you love. May the warmer weather encourage you to get outside and experience the amazing things the world has to offer. And may the sun brighten every moment for you, especially those that are the toughest to get through.
What season inspires you the most? Are you feeling twitterpated these days? Drop me a line and let me know. Leave a comment or shoot me a message through the Contact page. You can also hit me up on Twitter if that's your thing: https://twitter.com/ThisChrisSweet
Thanks for reading and sharing!