Discover Joy This Spring: A Curated List of Good Things to See, Buy, Read, and Watch

Welcome to our monthly roundup, where we share a collection of delightful discoveries and experiences. Each month, we aim to bring you inspiration for things to see, buy, read, and watch, helping you find joy in the everyday.

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Spring in the Pacific Northwest always brings with it a delightful mix of surprises. One day, we’re basking in glorious sunshine with temperatures soaring to a balmy 70 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a sweet preview of summer. The very next day, however, can flip completely, ushering in brisk winds and chilly rain, with the mercury plummeting to a crisp 49 degrees. This ever-changing weather pattern keeps us on our toes, but there’s an undeniable excitement in this transition. It’s a constant reminder of the vibrant energy of the season and the promise of warmer days ahead. What delightful atmospheric adventures will April bring?

Despite the weather’s capriciousness, the early hints of spring are truly invigorating. The first warm, sunny days feel like a refreshing taste of what’s to come, awakening the senses and stirring a sense of anticipation. Our daffodils are already bursting forth with cheerful yellow blooms just outside our windows, and the delicate pink and white blossoms of cherry trees paint the landscape everywhere we drive. This annual display of natural beauty is something I cherish deeply.

In our garden, the preparations for a bountiful harvest are well underway. I’ve already transplanted the hardy spinach seedlings, lovingly nurtured through the milk jug winter sowing method, into their beds. The first tender lettuce plants and sturdy onion starts, initially pampered indoors, have also found their new homes in the garden soil. With these green shoots emerging, it truly feels like spring has officially arrived, bringing with it the renewed joy of growing our own food.

I sincerely hope that your own gardens are awakening, too, and that you’re finding enjoyment in whatever unique weather patterns this transitional month brings to your corner of the world. This month, I’m particularly thrilled to share some wonderful discoveries with you – from the awe-inspiring beauty that arises from spring weather swings to the glorious spectacle of fruit trees finally bursting into bloom. And, of course, there are THREE books that have already made such an impact that they’re highly likely to feature on my “Best of 2024” list!

Good Things List: Spring Edition

An Incredible Full Rainbow Experience

One of the most breathtaking sights this past month was this magnificent full rainbow, captured right from our porch using the panoramic setting on my phone. Isn’t it absolutely incredible? What the photo doesn’t quite convey is how much closer and intensely vibrant the main rainbow appeared to be in person. It truly felt as though we could almost reach out and touch it, radiating with spectacular color.

Before moving to our charming farmhouse, I rarely had the opportunity to witness a full rainbow, complete with both ends arching gracefully across the sky. Here, however, it’s a relatively common and cherished occurrence. We’ve affectionately dubbed this area “rainbow valley” because whenever the conditions are just right – a delicate balance of rain and sun – we are often treated to the spectacular sight of full, vivid rainbows. It’s a natural phenomenon that never ceases to amaze us and always brings a sense of wonder and calm to our farmhouse life.

Unlocking Blooms: How Fertilizing Transformed Our Fruit Trees

I am almost giddy with excitement over the explosion of blooms covering our plum tree this spring! This particular tree holds a special place in our hearts as it was the very first fruit tree we planted when we moved in. Now five years old, this spring marks a significant milestone: it’s the first time it has ever bloomed, not even a single blossom in previous years. For years, I watched it grow, sturdy and green, but without any hint of the fruit we so eagerly anticipated. Its consistent lack of flowers had become a source of quiet disappointment, making me wonder if it would ever truly thrive here.

I shared my frustration with my newsletter subscribers, hoping for some insights, and many wrote back with a common piece of advice: fertilize them! Now, this might sound like a “why didn’t she think of that?” moment, and it’s true, in hindsight, it seems obvious. However, having successfully grown fruit trees at two other homes in Oregon, where they bloomed and produced bountifully with nothing more than an annual topping of compost, I genuinely hadn’t considered it. Fruit trees, particularly plums, grow quite wild and prolifically here in the Willamette Valley, so I assumed our new trees would follow suit without much intervention. It just goes to show that every growing environment and even individual trees can have unique needs.

Taking their advice, I decided to give it a try. Last spring, I used a liquid fertilizer to give them an immediate boost, followed by slow-release stake fertilizers in the fall to provide sustained nourishment over the dormant months. And voilà! This spring, our plum tree is literally covered with blossoms. It’s a stunning sight, a testament to the power of targeted care. The transformation is truly remarkable, and it fills me with so much hope.

The big question now, of course, is whether these beautiful blossoms will translate into actual fruit. Will we finally harvest our own delicious plums this year? Stay tuned for updates on that exciting possibility!

The positive impact of fertilizing extends beyond just the plum tree. Our much younger peach tree, which produced a mere two blossoms last year, is now also adorned with a significantly greater number of delicate pink flowers. This further confirms that the targeted fertilization has made a tangible and beneficial difference across our orchard. We also have three apple trees, one of which is four years old. Apple trees typically bloom after they’ve started leafing out, so it’s still too early to tell if they, too, will be graced with blossoms this year. But after seeing the success with the plum and peach, my hopes are certainly high!

For those of you looking to encourage similar vibrant blooms and healthy growth in your own fruit trees, here are the specific products I used:

• Dr. Jimz Tree Secret Liquid Plant Fertilizer: My sister initially recommended this fertilizer, raving about the noticeable difference it made to the growth and prolific blooming of both her trees and shrubs. I used this liquid formula in the spring for a quick and effective nutrient boost.
• Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes, Fruit and Citrus: For a slow-release option that would provide nutrients throughout the fall and winter, I opted for these spikes. They are incredibly convenient to use, simply hammered into the ground around the tree’s drip line. I am always on the lookout for organic alternatives for slow-release fertilizers; if you have any recommendations, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments below!

Charming Vintage-Style New Plates and Bowls

After more than a year of admiring these gorgeous green vintage-looking dishes from afar, I finally took the plunge and ordered a complete set of bowls, dessert plates, and bread plates. The anticipation built during their journey, and I’m thrilled to report that they are just as perfect and charming as I had imagined them to be. They truly exceeded my already high expectations.

While this delightful floral pattern is also available in blue, my heart was set on the green. Blue dishes, both genuinely vintage and newly produced, are relatively easy to come by in a myriad of styles and shades. However, finding elegant, truly green patterned dishes with a vintage aesthetic is a much rarer feat. This scarcity is precisely why I decided to splurge on this specific green pattern; it felt like a unique and special discovery that perfectly complements our home’s farmhouse-cottage style.

These new additions look absolutely wonderful when paired with my existing (and genuinely) vintage creamy Pope Gosser Rose Point dinner plates, creating a beautifully layered and cohesive table setting. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, I’ve noticed a delightful shift in presentation: food genuinely seems to look more appetizing and vibrant on these green plates compared to the red transferware I had been using previously. Moreover, their inherent vintage vibe and charming floral motifs simply bring a smile to my face every time I set the table. They add a touch of whimsy and elegance that truly makes me happy.

You can explore these green floral stoneware dishes at Zara Home here (and also discover them in blue, if that’s your preference).

Captivating March Reads

March was an incredibly fruitful month for reading, bringing a diverse array of stories into my life. From heartwarming romances to historical epics and thought-provoking literature, I delved into six distinct worlds. Here are my thoughts on each:

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid

Neanderthal Seeks Human is the inaugural book in Penny Reid’s popular Knitting in the City series, and it’s aptly categorized by the author as a “smart romance.” I was drawn in by the depth of its characters and the lighter, often humorous moments that punctuated the narrative. The romance itself is a “closed door” style, which I appreciate, focusing more on emotional connection and witty banter than explicit scenes. However, the heroine’s intense insecurities and her tendency towards “verbal diarrhea” were so exaggerated at times that it bordered on unbelievable. Despite this, I found myself relating to her internal monologue about not believing a cute guy would ever be interested in her – a feeling I distinctly remember from the early days of dating my husband, which elicited a chuckle. Overall, it served as a fun, diverting read, but I don’t feel compelled to continue with the rest of the series. (Interestingly, I tried another book by this author that was immediately “open door,” so this debut might be unique in its closed-door approach.)

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (Narrated by Meryl Streep)

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is a novel whose impact is significantly amplified by its narration, especially when performed by the incomparable Meryl Streep. It’s crucial to mention her role because I firmly believe her masterful delivery is one of the primary reasons this audiobook will undoubtedly secure a spot on my best-of list for 2024. It probably comes as no surprise that she is absolutely superb; her voice work is so evocative that I didn’t feel like I was listening to an audiobook, but rather directly experiencing the story as if the mother herself was intimately recounting her life to her daughters, and I was right there with them. The narrative, while quiet and at times rather slow-paced, maintained my interest with enough poignant revelations and unfolding mysteries to compel me to keep listening. If you’re considering this title, I wholeheartedly recommend the audiobook experience – it’s a masterclass in storytelling and narration.

The Boys in The Boat by Daniel James Brown

Wow, wow, wow. My husband Brian and I listened to The Boys in The Boat together, and we were absolutely gobsmacked by this incredible true story (I’ve always wanted to use that word, and it truly fits here!). Had this been a fictional account, we would have rolled our eyes at each other numerous times at how seemingly unbelievable the chain of events and achievements were. But it’s REAL. This is a meticulously researched historical narrative that grips you from start to finish. It didn’t even matter that we had previously seen the movie adaptation (which I still enjoy, despite its necessary omissions); the author, Daniel James Brown, did an amazing job of bringing the visceral excitement of the races and the profound emotional journey of the crew to life within the pages of the book. The narrative perfectly captures the grit, perseverance, and teamwork of these young men during a challenging era. This is unquestionably a top contender for my top 10 list of 2024 reads!

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

The Other Bennet Sister, a novel focusing on Mary Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, had been on my radar since its release in 2020. However, after reading several underwhelming Austen retellings, I hadn’t prioritized it. Then, a trusted blogger I follow raved about it, and I quickly secured a copy from the library. And what a fantastic discovery it was! The book is skillfully divided: the first third delves into Mary’s life before the events of Pride and Prejudice, while the second third unfolds concurrently with Austen’s original narrative. To be honest, these initial two sections were challenging to read due to Mary’s often harsh treatment, particularly from her own father (though Lizzy and Jane were consistently kind). I found myself much more engaged and uplifted by the last third of the book, where Mary truly begins to come into her own, stepping out from the formidable shadow of her family. We gain a deep understanding of her motivations and witness her profound growth and maturity. And, in a truly satisfying conclusion, she finds her own well-deserved happy ending. This marks the third book in a single month that I anticipate will make my year-end best books list – a truly remarkable achievement!

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

When Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow first appeared on countless social media feeds in 2022, I went back and forth on whether to read it. My primary hesitation stemmed from the significant gaming aspect of the story, as I’ve never been much of a video game player myself (unless you count the preloaded Bugdom game on 1990s Macs, which hardly counts!). However, another compelling review convinced me, and I placed a hold at the library, finally getting my hands on it after a three-month wait. Annnd… it was just okay. While much of the detailed discussions about games and gaming mechanics admittedly went over my head, I genuinely enjoyed the core story of the two main characters – how they met as children and how their intricate friendship and creative partnership ebbed and flowed in spurts over many years. There were elements I found harder to believe, particularly a years-long estrangement where the heroine seemed to blame the hero for her own poor choices in not leaving an abusive lover. The twist near the end felt somewhat out of left field, almost as if it was introduced purely to generate conflict and grief. The ending, while serviceable, left me feeling a bit indifferent. Despite these reservations, I did overall enjoy the narrative journey of their complex relationship.

A Newlyweds Guide to Fortune and Murder by Diane Freeman

A Newlyweds Guide to Fortune and Murder is the sixth installment in the charming Countess of Harleigh light mystery series, which I particularly enjoy in audiobook format. The narration by Sarah Zimmerman, one of my favorite performers, makes these stories an absolute delight to listen to. In this particular book, the central mystery revolves around a character’s perplexing illness, which appears to be caused by an excessive administration of laudanum without her knowledge. I once again found myself thoroughly enjoying the playful and intelligent relationship between the hero and heroine, as well as the richly detailed Victorian setting. The mystery itself kept me guessing, as I tried to unravel who might be subtly using a drug, either to commit murder or to keep someone dependent in order to exploit their wealth. It’s a wonderfully entertaining series for anyone seeking a lighthearted yet engaging historical mystery to enjoy.

Engaging Visuals: What We’re Watching

When it’s time to unwind, my family and I enjoy diving into engaging stories on the big screen or from the comfort of our living room. Here’s what captured our attention recently:

Dune Part 2 (In Theaters)

Dune Part 2, seen in theaters, masterfully continues the epic saga of Dune (obviously!). It’s truly an exceptional film that excels in clarifying elements of what can sometimes be a complex and confusing book, making the narrative more accessible without sacrificing depth. The visuals are absolutely stunning, transporting you to the vast and desolate landscapes of Arrakis with incredible detail and immersive cinematography. Austin Butler’s performance in particular is phenomenal; he utterly transforms into his character, delivering a portrayal that is both chilling and captivating – truly, wow.

Resident Alien (Netflix)

Resident Alien on Netflix is a hilariously quirky series inspired by comic books. The premise immediately hooks you: an alien crash-lands on Earth and, in a desperate bid to assume a human identity, kills a man. However, that initial act of violence marks the last time the alien resorts to killing. The rest of the series unfolds as a remarkably funny and heartwarming journey, with the alien protagonist attempting to navigate human customs and emotions while covertly searching for the scattered pieces of his crashed spacecraft. The actor who portrays the alien is simply amazing, demonstrating an incredible range of facial expressions and physical comedy. The ensemble cast of characters in the small town setting are all wonderfully eccentric and contribute to the show’s unique charm. We’ve enjoyed this series immensely, often finding ourselves laughing out loud at its clever humor and heartfelt moments.

The Tender Bar (Amazon Prime Video)

I had heard about The Tender Bar, a movie based on a poignant memoir, some time ago, and it proved to be a genuinely moving and compelling story. What makes it particularly resonant is its authenticity; it doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities and difficult moments that life can bring. Yet, at its core, it’s a beautiful narrative about resilience, found family, and the profound impact of connection. The way the characters band together, and especially how the boy’s uncle steps into a pivotal father figure role, guiding him as he grows up to eventually write the very memoir this film is based on, is truly special. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, appreciating its raw honesty and its celebration of human connection. (It’s directed by George Clooney and features a stellar performance by Ben Affleck, adding another layer of quality to the production.)

That concludes another delightful edition of our Good Things List!

If you’re curious to explore more of my favorite discoveries and recommendations, you can check out all the previous Good Things Lists here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself, or if you have wonderful suggestions of your own to share. Please leave a comment below with your insights and recommendations!

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