Calling BS on an Age-Old Proverb
The one about March coming in like a lion, that is.
Who remembers that sing-songy (and sort of nauseating) proverb, “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb?”
TBH, I really didn’t remember it until working on this newsletter during this weekend’s snowstorm.
So, I googled, “What is the saying about March coming in like a lion?” and got about a million answers/links. But I thought the Farmer’s Almanac sounded like the most trustworthy, so I checked out their thoughts on the matter.
What I learned, other than the fact that the proverb is #wrong if you live in Wisconsin (I’m not seeing any lambs running around in my snowy front yard), it’s actually not about the weather.
According to the farmers, the saying points to a deeper idea:
There should be a balance between weather and life. So, if a month came in bad (roaring like a lion), it should go out good and calm (docile, like a lamb).
They went on to explain that March is a very up-and-down kind of month. It can feel like spring one day, and a polar vortex the next. That got me thinking, “Hmm… what else is very up and down, going between roaring and calm?”
Hello, life.
This leads to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
March resembles life - unpredictable, sometimes frustrating… yet hopeful.
Consider that.
In other words, we need to look at life like we look at March - realizing that when we get walloped with snow one day in late March, that snow WILL melt and flowers (and brighter days) are right around the corner.
So, let’s focus on those flowers.
April, let’s do this.
Abbey
LISTEN
Maybe you’re headed into spring with visions of tulips and…quitting your job. If this is you, listen to “How to Quit Your Job with Amy Porterfield” on the SoMoney podcast.
Or perhaps you’re thinking, before I think about quitting my job, I need to file my taxes! Get last-minute answers to tax questions from HerMoney in this episode.
If you just want something that helps you get a handle on decluttering your home and life, here are two options: ClutterBug Podcast – Organize, Clean and Transform your Home or this podcast I checked out entirely based on its fun name, A Slob Comes Clean.
WATCH
I like fries. And I like chickpeas. Did you ever think of making chickpea fries, though? Seriously. See my vegan friends Derek and Crystal whip these treats up.
Looking for a quick way to “Feel Styled, Not Contrived” when you pick out daily outfits? Alyssa shows us the way.
And would it be a newsletter if I didn’t mention House of Valentina? Here Valentina and Jack show us some Lux (and very cool) Amazon finds under $50.
Want to know what’s streaming in April? Check the Netflix lineup, Apple TV coming attractions, Amazon Prime (with OMG a documentary about the legendary Judy Blume on the 23rd), and Hulu (don’t forget to watch tiny beautiful things on April 7!)
PS re Apple TV… who else is praying for Season 2 of Dear Edward?
READ & POSSIBLY BUY
Nothing says spring like new clothes. Right? A former Nordstrom stylist offers some thoughts on 2023 spring fashion finds, and here are more spring clothes I’d actually wear (most of them, anyway).
Maybe your closet is fine, but your patio needs some help. Check out these great outdoor dining and furniture deals.
Book rec from my friend Liz - What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall. One, the title sounds intriguing. But, more importantly, according to Liz, the book is “well written, an easy read, suspenseful & unpredictable.” BAM. (Plus, sidenote, Liz posts books all the time, so to have her specify one, in particular, means #it’slegit.)
PONDER:
If you’re looking for some inspo to have on in the background for yourself (or maybe your kid!)… David Goggins tells it like it is in this motivational YouTube.
Random, but I think you might like this Sound Bath if you’re looking for help relaxing or getting to sleep. A sound bath is a great way to “spring clean the body, mind, and spirit.” (I just made that up, but it’s true.)
ON A SERIOUS NOTE:
I hate to break it to you, but the idea that March resembles life - unpredictable, sometimes frustrating… yet hopeful… also applies to April. And May. And… I think you get the idea.
Every day can be unpredictable and sometimes frustrating YET hopeful. So as we all get ready to face the “April Showers,” remember that life is about balance.
May flowers are around the corner.
Stay dry and hopeful friends.
Abbey