A spring in my step

Catherine Amos
Published: March 12, 2008

Daylight savings time has begun, officially kicking off spring, at least in my book. My calendar says winter doesn't end until March 20, but I don't care. The days are longer, the temperature is rising - albeit slowly - and I can't wait until the plants wake up and blossoms bloom.

When I moved to Culpeper, my brother expressed sympathy for my new home, which to him seemed dark and dismal. It was an ugly day, yes, and the landscape wasn't too appealing during the bleak midwinter. But I had faith; I knew this town would perk up.

And it has.

But along with pleasant weather, spring welcomes American Idol, a show that I eagerly anticipate as soon as Ryan Seacrest announces the previous year's winner. I live vicariously through the contestants' journeys, wishing I was talented enough to sing in front of Simon, but thankful at the same time that I'm not. Although he's been fairly soft this season, don't you think-

But instead of auditioning for A.I., I prefer to roll my windows down, crank my music up and just drive, singing without an audience or judges. The warm air begs for aimless car trips, no destination necessary. With a hand out the window in the wind (compliments of Keith Urban), I drum my nails on the steering wheel, my mind in another place.

Thanks to the kick-start into spring Sunday morning, I gained some momentum on my "to do" list, opened a few windows and accomplished some major cleaning. Motivated by a pristine apartment, I switched gears to home improvements and ventured to Goodwill. I left with an armful of finds, including 75-cent champagne flutes, a few picture frames and a Riedel crystal wine decanter set for $5, normally $40 at Target. I love Goodwill.

I also stumbled upon a set of seven black metal trays with a bright, feminine floral pattern for $1 a piece.

"These are either hideous or charming," I thought to myself, and decided on the latter.

I'm not exactly sure what their intended purpose is, but I hung six in a grid on the wall in my barren, prison cell of a spare room. Inspired, I rearranged the area rugs in the apartment and spruced up the room with curtains and a throw pillow on my white wicker chaise lounge.

Still far from finished, the spare room at least has some personality and a focal point to build around. I may eventually develop it into a reading room, with bookshelves for a mini library, though I'll have to accumulate the furniture, and the books, gradually.

You've got to be creative when decorating on a budget, but you always find the coolest pieces in the strangest places.

With spring also comes yard sales, and I foresee more creative decorating and bargain hunting in the coming months.

Spring is like a new beginning. With winter's heavy curtain lifted, the warmth puts a bounce in my step, inspiring me to improve what is dreary and dull in my life. Who doesn't enjoy a balmier season, the fresh air pouring in through window screens- That of course also means more time spent outdoors, soaking in the company of a few good friends.

Which reminds me - I've got to find some furniture for my balcony.

Catherine Amos likes to experiment with color, whether it be her hair or her apartment furnishings. She can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .