March 9, 2024:

A puzzle for you – how is it that, during winter, time seems to simultaneously fly by, yet also drag its heels interminably?

Every year without fail, I find myself saying, how are we in March already? It seems we’re no sooner ushering in the new year than we’re seeing the first of the daffodils pop up, and savouring those tantalising, albeit still infrequent, signs of  spring weather. January and February have whizzed by in a flash, and good riddance to them. And yet…. didn’t they somehow seem to go on forever? Dark and bleak, shorn of the pre-Christmas glow and colour, the months when winter truly takes its grip.

In our bid to bring some cheer to these grey days, we asked –

“what does the word ‘warm’ mean to you. The roar of a fire, a cosy blanket, a favourite jumper or a mug of your preferred hot drink? The daring story of a kitten rescue from a chimney top by the local fire brigade? Snuggling up to a loved one, or closing your eyes, dreaming of warmer climes and pretending it’s not winter?!”

For me it’s light. During February each year, Bristol hosts a festival in which public buildings are lit up in bright colours, with light-based art installations all over the city. The glow this brings to chilly, dark nights always gives me a lift and feeling of warmth. A few pics I’ve taken at the festival over the years are on the right and below.

A few selections are here, but until spring officially dawns it’s still not too late to submit your entries; whether it be through poetry, prose, arts, crafts, sounds, film or food, we’d love to hear from you!’

David Mitchell, RF Create