Open the Windows!
I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I’M READY FOR SPRING BY FEBRUARY! But, alas, when you live in the Midwest, it just doesn’t show its pretty face that soon.
Growing up in Minnesota should have toughened me up, but after spending 34 years in Southern California, my recent move back to the plains has been a bit of an adjustment, to say the least.
I can laugh about it now, but after the first long, bitter winter, I was deeply longing for fresh air. At the chirp of the first bird, I excitedly flung open the curtains and prepared to lift the windows. However, Old Man Winter (and excess paint) had frozen them shut. In tears of frustration, I attacked them with paint scrapers, screwdrivers, warm water, WD-40—anything I could get my desperate hands on.
Finally, after many attempts, one window popped open. You’d think I’d been released from federal prison. I was free once more to breath in a new season!
My point is that fresh air and sunshine are so good for us; we need it— mind, body and soul.
In this issue, we’re focusing on ways to enhance outdoor life, whether it’s a floating picnic (page 92) an “egg-stra”-special Easter soirée (page 102 ) or refreshing the porch for a sunny get-together (page 96).
We also tour five bright and light homes and a kitchen that are just made for open-window breezes; this includes an introduction to our Project House for 2022 in Minden, Louisiana (pages 8 and 110). The Villas at Spanish Court is a unique and historic property that was once an apartment complex, but it was abandoned in the 1980s. With a heart for her small town and a passion for restoration, Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage had woefully watched the buildings slowly erode … until now.
We are thrilled to partner with her and our sister publication, American
Farmhouse Style, to save them. Follow along in each issue of both magazines all year long as we reveal our progress to bring this special property back to life.
We hope your spring brings nothing but fresh air, sunshine—and easily opened windows!
Warmly,