Welp, it’s FINALLY here. Seriously, I tried to ignore the fact that winter outside of Texas existed, let alone lasted SO LONG. It’s MAY for Pete’s sake. (I know I will bite my tongue when I’m constantly complaining in the dead of summer sweating on the subway.) We have been hibernating all winter, trying to make it from our apartment to the subway to the next building without freezing or stepping in what used to be white snow that has just turned into gray slush mixed with trash. The days are short. This, also, didn’t happen in Texas as dramatically. The sun sets much earlier here in the winter. You get sleepy earlier and don’t want to wake up in the morning. It’s freezing and windy out. I know I’m being a little dramatic, but come on--I have not experienced this before!
Then, something happens. The sun comes out one day. A leaf sprouts on a tree. Grass pokes out between the sidewalk cracks. The days become a little bit longer. You come home from work and the sun is still out. Ice cream trucks are playing their tune, kids are playing, restaurant patios are opening and everything is blooming. Everyone sheds their all-black clothes and smiles and talks and walks. The tree in front of our apartment is full and green. Oliver can't get away from the window since he's too busy pretend-hunting all the birds outside. From that point on, it’s all any of us can talk about: how beautiful this city really is.
For me and Zack, we know it’s officially spring when all the neighborhood Italian women have brought their fold-up chairs to sit in front of our apartment. “There’s a nice breeze here since you’re on the cornah!” They sit out there every night for hours, gossiping, laughing, telling the same stories over and over, and oogling at any baby that passes in a stroller. They love me and Zack, and are always telling us to check out a restaurant down the street for a date night. “The porkchops ova there are cut this thick I swear on my motha!” as they hold up their fingers to show a gap 3 inches thick.
We kicked off the season by visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden during the Sakura Matsuri festival. First of all, beautiful! Cherry blossoms! Grass! Trees! Secondly, I tell you what, New Yorkers know how to attend an event. There were people dressed as Ninjas, Geishas, Anime characters, Pokémon, Harajaku girls, and even plenty of others dressed up as things that have absolutely nothing to do with Japanese culture. Ain’t New York the best? There’s certainly something very special about being surrounded by hundreds of people who are all trying to take in any nature the city has to offer. Looking at trees and flowers and birds with city buildings behind them provides a strong contrast that makes you appreciate both individually.
We even had some friends pop in to stay. It’s a wonderful feeling to shake off the cold of winter with those close to you. Spring in New York is the time for farmer’s markets and street fairs, for baseball games, for late night barbecues on Travis’s rooftop and for the anticipation of summer’s fast approach. To be honest, there are times when I don’t fully appreciate this city I’ve come to call home, but as soon as I have my doubts, something happens that lifts my spirits right back up, and I realize, again, that New York City is wonderful. Even with its sometimes stinky air, its cold winters and cranky commuters trying to get to work, it’ll always provide you with just what you’re looking for right when you need it most. Plus, everyone else is going through the same thing, and it makes me welcome the warmth of spring that much more. Nothing says New Yorkers are over winter and ready for spring more than seeing all of us pour into Prospect Park on the first warm day with our picnic blankets trying to claim some real estate on the lawn.
Now, time to hunt for a good margarita in this city! ‘Til next time!
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| Photo By Travis Tips |
