The Delights of Second City Springtime
Up here, there's something almost crystalline about it, as if the Spring is encased in a pure shell of timeless glory, like a still frame in a movie, trying not to move lest it disturb the just perfect balance.
Incredibly beautiful day in Chicago. Normally as a full timer, when you think about following the seasons, it's primarily to escape the winter and summer extremes. It had never occurred to me to travel to experience the several gradations of Springtime you find around the country.
The one I just left in Nashville was tumultuous, but gorgeous in a self-assured way that the South can be, knowing full well that it's never hurting for warmth. But up here, there's something almost crystalline about it, as if the Spring is encased in a pure shell of timeless glory, like a still frame in a movie, trying not to move lest it disturb the just perfect balance. It's like the beauty is pressing up against the sky, holding back the unknown - or the too well known.
Qualitatively it's completely different, like Spring in Northern California or Southwest Colorado. If the change weren't so ephemeral, it might be worth trying to plan a trip around it. As it was, I just got lucky to be in three or four distinct patches in the past month and a half.
But the springiness of Spring is there wherever you go, so if you're not out in your van, don't worry, you're basically still getting the idea. It's more like getting your favorite maki made by different sushi chefs rather than just going out for Greek or vegan tacos. Shades, rather than colors, but still an experiential delight.