Brightening a Faded Valentine

Brightening a Faded Valentine

As a rule I refrain from pronouncing the word “spring” in January. My lips are sealed. My pen is prohibited. In February, however, I take liberty. Oh, I still keep the winter décor on the windowsill but I allow myself to daydream of spring - because spring is not as far off.

A New Flower to Anticipate

I believe in the elixir of anticipation. Back in autumn I planted some snowdrop bulbs. They are of the earliest spring flowers. Having grown familiar with gardening shortcomings, when planting bulbs I surrounded those of snowdrop with crocus. The crocus are my consolation when snowdrops won’t thrive. Snowdrops bulbs are so tiny and delicate I’ve begun to wonder if they dry-out in shops while on display.

In The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Edith Holden features snowdrops as a February flower. The winter I spent in England I couldn’t believe my eyes. When I observed what was taking place in a cement planter just outside the landlord’s French doors I was astonished. Flowers in February? I’ve been charmed by snowdrops ever since. Snowdrops will bloom in America’s northern states but somewhat later. This is fine with me because they would be buried deep in Pennsylvania’s snow otherwise. I am content to wait and anticipate.

A Winter-y Mix

Meanwhile, any-and-all combinations of what meteorologists call, “a winter-y mix” befall us. Roads are hazardous, appointments are rescheduled or “braved.”  Many are the days of gray skies, of wearing the same fuzzy sweater, of making yet another batch of hearty soup. Children have colds. But little ones can be peevish when indoors too much. (William prefers a romp outdoors in the snow.)

In such conditions it may become difficult for the homemaker to conquer and conceal the doldrums. To top it all, would I be singing out of tune if I questioned February as being the best month for feeling as bright and affectionate as a Valentine is expected to feel? Wouldn’t April be better suited?

A Change of Scenery

To rise to the challenge of February I’ve followed the advice of a change of scenery. Yes, a change of scenery can be had within the confines of four winter walls. It lies in a good story. With my shoulders wrapped in a wool shawl, knit primarily for winter reading, I will reach for something adventurous. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim, published in 1923 is on my list of favorites.

I found the film “Enchanted April” so inspiring, so uplifting, so unlike other films, that I sought after the story in print. Amidst last winter’s two blizzards I feasted. Turning a few pages of The Enchanted April at eventide fortified my emotions, piqued my wifely sympathies, and made me a new set of book friends.    

Page one sets the stage. It is February in London during the early 20^th century. On a miserable gray, cold and wet afternoon Mrs. Wilkins, running her listless eye down a newspaper column saw this:

To those who appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine. Small mediaeval Italian castle on the shore of the Mediterranean to be let furnished for the month of April. Necessary servants remain.  Z., Box 1000, The Times.   

She was entirely unaware at that moment that her April had been settled for her.

A Beautiful Story and a Beautiful Film

As the story unfolds Mrs. Wilkins and three other very different women (two wives who are faded Valentines) divide the cost of the Italian castle between them and look forward to their own private Ladies Retreat. In their exotic and serene surroundings they relax and are ponderous. The story is beautiful both in setting and sentiments. As the garden blossoms in the bright Italian sunshine so do the hearts of the characters.

A married woman who might be feeling a little faded will be affirmed and encouraged in her desire to be her husband’s bright Valentine.

WIP (work-in-progress) Update

Charlotte Bronte’s sampler is at the framers. I’m working on a pair of mittens with my homespun.

Post Script

The 1992 film stars Miranda Richardson, Josie Lawrence, Polly Walker and Joan Plowright. My DVD is decorated with faux lily-of-the-valley.

The pattern for the garter-stitch blue shawl can be found in my book, A Charlotte Mason Companion of all places. The photograph of the shawl is a candid shot taken on Christmas Day. I reserve the e-bay vintage Laura Ashley corduroy dress for home celebrations.

I was tickled to find hearts with snowdrops (above) in my old clip-art book. On the subject of flowers the Victorians had it covered.

  My Regards,
Karen Andreola