A Letter For Spring
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April
A LETTER FOR SPRING
Welcome to the second edition of a Winter's Tale. March has been something of a whirlwind here. Launching my own business felt like a huge milestone, as did my daughter turning 21- which feels almost impossible to believe. It was also my birthday at the beginning of the month, so there has been plenty of celebrating.... and a lot of cake.
And now we are in April. The light is lingering a little longer in the evenings, although it is still chilly enough for a fire and a blanket. There is blossom on the trees and the birds are singing their hearts out- Spring has properly arrived.
So pull up a chair, the kettle is on.
You are very welcome here.
Heidi x
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The Almanac
🌕 Full moon: (Pink Moon) 2 April
♈ Aries: until 19 April
♉ Taurus: from 20 April
✨ Constellation: Ursa Major - also look out for the Lyrid Meteor Shower which peaks on the 21-22
🌼 Flower: Bluebell - humility
🐑 Animal: Lamb - innocence
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April's full moon takes its name, not from the colour of the moon itself, but from the wild ground flox, a carpet of pink blooms.
Aries begins the month with fire and forward motion. Taurus follows, slower and steadier, rooting us back into the earth.
In the language of flowers, the bluebell represents humility, constancy and gratitude. In old English folklore, bluebell woods were considered fairy territory - to hear the bells ring was said to summon mischief and to pick them carelessly was to risk being led astray.
In old English countryside tradition, spotting the first lamb of Spring was considered a fortunate sign, much like the first cuckoo or swallow, a small sign that the season had truly turned.
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In The Hedgerow
Things to spot this month:
- Bluebells beginning to flower in woodland
- Blossom petals scattered on the ground
- Bumblebees buzzing between early Spring flowers
- Lambs in the fields, often spotted resting in the afternoon sun
Things to listen for this month:
- The first cuckoo calling across the countryside
- Birds in the early morning, especially blackbirds and robins
- Lawn mowers starting up on the sunny days
- The gentle patter of sudden April showers
Seasonal Table
Easter Cornflake Cakes
A childhood classic!
100g Cornflakes
200g Milk chocolate
2 tbsp Golden syrup
50g Unsalted butter
36 Mini eggs (plus extra for snacking)
Instructions:
Gently melt the chocolate, golden syrup & butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Don't let the bowl touch the water.
Remove from the heat & fold in the cornflakes until every flake is coated.
Spoon into 12 paper cases, press a small dip in the centre with the back of a spoon. Decorate with 3 eggs per cake.
Refrigerate until firm. YUM!
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Until next month
Thank you for being here for this second issue. I hope April is generous with its beauty, I hope you find a bluebell wood to walk through & I hope the evenings grow long & warm enough to sit outside with a cornflake cake & maybe, somewhere, not too far away, you hear the first lamb of the year.
Heidi x