2. LA: February 2007 Archives
I took this picture last wednesday, in front of the gym where I take Luka for his swimming lessons. It was a total surprise, not this particular tree, but all of a sudden I saw these trees in full bloom everywhere. I have been living in Southern California for 6 years now, and by now I know this is not really spring, just another blooming season. I have some trees and bushes in my yard that bloom twice a year, once in summer, once in winter, usually late January. The Summer bloom happens, I think, sometime in May - that's when I actually feel (and I think I can smell) Spring.
That is Spring the way I think about Spring, coming from 4 season climate. The funny thing is I have not lived in a 4 season climate for about 11 years now. From Croatia I moved to Atlanta, then to Austin and then LA. But even now, after all those years my body seems to steel be tuned into seasons, expecting them. For example, every September I feel like my body expects cooler temperatures, almost craving them, feeling restless when I (my body) realizes that Summer is here to stay.I also miss rain and gloomy weather. I think I might be one of very few people that do not feel depressed during gray weather (well, if it lasts too long...). I thought it was for the same reason, expecting rain in October, as well as that feeling of cozying with a book and a cup of tea... But the other day I was watching an episode of Northern Exposure (did I mention I love that show), when Chris mentioned something (during a rnt about something or other) that made me realize it is not the cold temperatures I expect, or rain, or gloomy weather (even though I still like the rain) - it is the slowing down that comes with Fall and Winter. I guess I am used to a certain schedule and rhythm that includes very active Summers. Summers mean vacation, spending time outside, having fun. When Fall takes over, you go back to work (or school), weather changes making you spend more time inside (how do you really focus when it's always sunny outside: I always feel I have to go outside or I am going to miss something), your activities change (more reading, less frolicking around)... Then Spring comes, everything smells fresh, hormones go wild, you know that vacation comes in a few months and you prepare for the fun. Is there rhythm in everlasting summer - I am sure there is I just cannot get in tune.
Please, don;t get me wrong - I am not complainin, at least that's not my inention. The tepmerature here was 72 F last week, while in Boston they had -18 F (with the windchill factor, but still!), so it might seem I am bitching and ungrateful. I am not, nothing can beat california weather, especially near the beach where we live. It is just the way my body feels.. I don;t know.
Wow, this is long. Well, just to show you how I appreciate the weather here, here is a sunset picture, taken on the same day as the picture above. I love sunsets here, especially in the winter when the air is clear...
