This Weekend: Make a Tradition
I've been in southern California less than two years now and I've already realized that I need to make some seasonal traditions for myself, otherwise all this beautiful weather day after day makes me feel like time is passing both very slowly and very quickly at once. I miss the built-in routine that the four seasons gave me in the Midwest. Things like raking leaves and shoveling snow from sidewalks and deciding it was the first day of spring warm enough that you didn't have have to wear a coat.
It wasn't so much the individual events I loved as the fact that I knew they were coming. So I've decided to make an effort to create and keep my own seasonal traditions here in L.A. and wherever else I may end up living. Here's what I have so far:
- Every year around New Year's Day, one of my best friends and I get together and make not resolutions, but New Year's predictions for ourselves, our friends, and our current romantic interests. We write down the predictions using animal code names for everybody. It's an incredibly juvenile thing to do and I hope we never stop.
- Every year Maddy gets something special to eat and a new toy on her birthday (which is coming up on February 1st, by the way. She'll be nine.) I know she doesn't know what a birthday is, but she does like the celebrating of them.
- The day after Valentine's Day I always buy myself a deeply discounted box of gourmet chocolates in a heart box. I often scope them out at the store ahead of time.
- Less than an hour's drive from Los Angeles there's fresh snow in the mountains after every rain. As long as I live here I'll have to go to the snow at least twice each winter. Maddy gets excited when she sees the snow outside the car windows. And she makes up crazy games to play in the show until she's exhausted, games like "The more I dig and snort, the more I think I can smell something hiding under the snow right here" and "Something large and scary is chasing me so I have to tuck my tail under myself while I run so it doesn't bite me."
I want more things like these. There is a comfort in the cadence of them, comfort in creating patterns that you can look back on and forward to and feel like where you are now is exactly where you need to be. Like you're creating one beat a of rhythm that would only be recognizable from very far away. Add rhythm to any sound, and it changes from noise to music.
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Comments
Lauren K Friday, January 29, 2010
Brigitte, you never fail to make me smile (:
James Knauff Friday, January 29, 2010
Great idea BD! You might consider getting real tuned in to the sea. It goes through changes seasonally and is affected by weather patterns thousands of miles away. Check out some of the local organizations that exist to keep the sea and beaches healthy. Another thing is to get more in touch with the geologic conditions beneath your feet. You are living on moving ground! Take time to "own" the Southland and become its child. It is very cool to realize that snow is just a short drive away. Snow is best when you get to visit it! And hey,you will know when it is Spring because it will be time for Dodger blue.
Brigitte Friday, January 29, 2010
James - thanks for the tip about the seasonal changes of the ocean - I didn't know much about that but I'm looking into it now and thinking this will definitely be one of my favorite ways to define the seasons here.
Blargal D. Alien Friday, January 29, 2010
Hello,Brigitte.
Seasonal changes may keep us sane. Look at all the crazys in Los Angeles and the rest of the coast. Just looking at the ocean daioy can show changes,the effect of wind on the waves. Tday was windy,and there were incredible whitcaps on the waves of the bay. Just seeing that change made me happy.
Joe436 Saturday, January 30, 2010
The start and end of Daylight Saving Time is a good way to celebrate something twice a year. You can use those two days for more than just changing the time on your clocks and putting new batteries in your smoke detector. The possibilities are endless.
romeo Saturday, January 30, 2010
the legacy of considerably knowing how sooner or later that you have consciously or fairly inconspicuously made someone fall in love or smile upon every moment and span of your entire existence as a sentient being :)
romeo Saturday, January 30, 2010
howl at the full moon in january
Marie M.C. Sunday, January 31, 2010
You said what I was feeling. Exactly.
I've lived in Northern California for many, many years. I do feel the seasons change. Not in the drastic Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall of the North East -- more of the Wet followed by the Dry season. But we all need markers for the seasons of our hearts.
Dan Sunday, January 31, 2010
Hi Brigitte,
The temperature today was 9 degrees. Just another balmy January day in Massachusetts. The tradition I'm going with today is called, "Grabbing another blanket from the linen closet". By the way, Maddy looks real cute in that photo.
Chad Monday, February 01, 2010
BD,
You need to include a annual trip to Vegas (It's only 4 hours away). Whenever I do mine, I do my best to not go to the Casino floor. Only the shows and Red Rocks.
Rayan Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The world needs more people like you..
James Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Wow, Great post Brigitte!!
I moved from Iowa to South Carolina last March, so I know what you mean. I'm wearing shorts and everyone back home is freezing, it's odd. But still, it's nice not driving on ice!! :)