Spring Is Upon Us

London has had a beautiful start to Spring this year. The kind that almost catches you off guard after months of grey skies and short days. Suddenly there is colour again. Blue skies stretch out above the city and blossoms begin to appear as if someone quitly flipped a switch overnight. I was out for a walk yesterday and it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't posted on Hive in a while. In fact, it's been over 40 days! Shocking.

Anyway, back to Spring. It never really feels like a gradual transition here. One moment it is cold, damp and uninspiring, and the next you are squinting slightly in the sunlight, wondering if you dressed a bit too warmly. Not that I am complaining; I love the sunshine. In fact, I'd rather have it sunny and cold, than dull and warm. Something about the light that I love.

The cherry blossoms in particular have been putting on a show. Soft pinks and whites lining streets and parks, drawing people in the way the always do. There is something about blossom season that makes everyone slow down a little. You see more people stopping, looking up, taking photos, or just standing there for a moment. It is one of the few times London collectively seems to pause.

I went out to take it in properly while it lasted. I have learned over the years that these moments are fleeting. You cannot assume the blossoms will still be there next week, or even in a few days.

And of course, London being London, the weather had its say.

We had a spell of strong winds that came through and shook a lot of the blossoms loose. You could see it on the ground the next day, petals scattered across pavements and roads like confetti after an event that ended too quickly. It is always a bit disappointing when that happens, but also strangely beautiful in its own way.

I still managed to catch some of what remained. Clusters of blossoms holding on, patches of colour still bright against the sky. In some places, the trees looked almost untouched. In others, they were already thinning out, giving you that subtle reminder that this season does not linger for long.

There is a particular kind of light that comes with early Spring here. It is softer than the harsh brightness of summer, but clearer than the dull winter light we are used to. It works well with the blossoms, makes everything feel just a bit more vivid without trying too hard.

Walking through the city during this time feels different. Even the usual busy streets seem lighter somehow. People are in better moods, smiling more and lighter on their feet; probably because they're wearing fewer articles of clothing on their bodies. Cafés spill out onto pavements again; especially the smokers. You start to hear more conversation, more laughter. It is as if the city itself is stretching after a long sleep.

It's not just the flowers showing their colour, but also some of veterans of late autumn and winter time. Various winter berries were still around, honestly I don't know what their names are, lol, but they seem to hang around through springtime and drying up in summer.

I did not go far or do anything particularly special. Just walked, stopped when something caught my eye, and took a few photos. Sometimes that is all you need. Spring in London does not arrive quietly, but it does not stay for long either. You have to catch it while you can.

Peace & Love,

Adé