February Monthly Round Up
The temptress that is February, and when will it ever stop raining?
Many sing the praises of February as it finally means we have have made it to the end of January, the looonnngggest month of the year. I’m not a fan. February teases us more than any other month. She gifts us with a day of mild temperatures and brave snowdrops, daffodil buds and lengthening light, tempting us to believe spring is just around the corner, only to plunge us into endless rain and grey skies the following day. A clear reminder that winter still has us firmly us in it’s icy grip. Or at least that is how it has been in London so far.
I know that there is something beautiful to be found in all the months, it is just that in February, I have to look a bit harder to find the glimmers, moments which bring a smile or lighten the day and lift the mood.
From my desk where I write I overlook our garden. This week a tiny wren has taken to visiting. His compact, round, brown body, small enough to fit neatly in the palm of my hand, is almost invisible against the soggy brown earth, as he bows to the ground in search of food—a glimmer.
Our neighbours have a new kitten, twice I have seen him sitting at the window ias I have closed my front door. Inquisitive eyes watching me as I watch him. Another glimmer.
My favourite local coffee shop, which for so long has been a place to retreat and write or to grab a takeaway before work, is temporarily closed, and I miss it dreadfully. However, they have been doing home deliveries of their delicious ground coffee and beans. The moment I open the bag and get the delicious aroma of fresh coffee is a daily glimmer.
As I write with the rain falling in stair rods outside my window, I am reminding myself that as much as I long for warmer days and for spring to come, there are always glimmers to be found. Of course, I have so much to be thankful for. I am warm, I have a comfortable home, I have work I enjoy, and I’m paid to do. I have a husband, family and friends who I love and love me and I live in what I consider to be the most wonderful city in the world. I have immense privilege, and even a cursory glance at world news is an important reminder of this. Onwards and upwards.
Cultural Highlights in Recent Weeks
Theatre: Ballet Shoes at The National Theatre
Each year, I tell myself I’m going to go to the theatre more, and each year the eyewateringly expensive London theatre tickets mean I often don’t! Just this week, though, I did go to see Ballet Shoes at The National Theatre. It is coming to the end of its winter run, and I was determined to see it before it ended. It was pure delight and exuberance, joyful performances, fabulous characters and a lovely interpretation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book.
Cinema: Hamnet
Like so many, I adored Maggie O’Farrell’s book Hamnet and could not wait for the film. I went a couple of weeks ago with some fear and trepidation as I had heard so much about uncontrolled sobbing, and people openly weeping into their popcorn due to the film’s desperate sadness. I am someone who cries at films, sometimes in messy gulps, and I was anxious about being distraught during this one. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. There were tears, but not as many as I had feared! There is so much hype surrounding this film, which can often skew expectation and enjoyment. I think it is the same with books. However, I loved this. Jessie Buckley, as everyone says, is magnificent. Her stillness and intensity are mesmerising, and she deserves all the accolades.
Gallery: Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists
This was such a treat on a gloomy day. Neo-Impressionist paintings from artists such as Seurat, Van Gogh, Signac and Pissarro collected together by Helene Kröller-Müller, one of the first great women art patrons of the 20th century. Swathes of colour made up of tiny dots, creating the most beautiful light-filled and often luminous paintings. There are some beautiful interiors paintings of domestic scenes and a number which show women reading or creating, which I adored. This was a favourite.
London
As always, there is much to lift the gloom in London this month
Space by Luxmuralis at St Martin’s in the Fields
St Martin’s in the Fields is the perfect venue for this sound and light experience. I went in 2023 and it was fabulous. Have a look at this video on YouTube for a preview of what to expect.
The annual orchid festival this year is inspired by China. A glorious saturation of colour and beauty.
Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans at The British Museum
I was privileged to visit Hawaii a few years ago and I think this looks fascinating.
I think I will save my reading and writing updates for later in the month as this already feels quite long….and I now need to get to work on the job I’m paid to do!
Have a lovely weekend, whatever you are doing. We are going for an early fixed price dinner at Langans Brasserie (a February treat), and we’re going to watch H is for Hawk at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. I haven’t read the book, but I love Claire Foy, who stars in this, and the trailers look great.
As I put the finishing touches to this, I notice the sky has lightened and the rain has stopped. Hurrah.
Thank you for reading my mumblings.
Until next week,
So many lovely things to do this month, and it is short. Seeing daffodils and snowdrops just peeking out, whilst walking the dog, is a favourite February’glimmer’.
London might be dreary this time of year, but the opportunities it provides to entertain and enlighten must make up for the weather. I consider you very lucky indeed! The Neo-Impressionist exhibit sounds amazing!!! Thanks for a wonderful post full of glimmers.