It's (Technically) Spring

Winters are harsh in New York City. People burrow in their apartments as soon as their day is done. Clouds hide the sun and the wind chills you to the bone. Down-comforter coats cover your body from head to toe. Swing sets, like pendulums, sway back and forth, empty from the weight of laughing kids. Night comes early, as if persuading folks to just hop into bed and wait until the morning.

Winters are harsh. But now... it's (technically) spring.

Don't get me wrong. It's not warm here by any stretch of the imagination, but this weekend, people came out from their tiny apartments. Like sleepy children, they stretched with their eyes squinting from the light of the sun...And life commenced. Parks filled with the sound of music...and happiness seeped from people. Street fairs set up their tables, covered with crafts and delicious foods. Stores set out their brightest and best clothing choices for the season. People shed their "down-comforter" jackets for a lighter, more colorful option. Spring arrived this weekend.

I didn't even realize when I moved here, how much the city reacts to the seasons and weather. As a resident here, you walk everywhere. To the subway. To the grocery store. From work. To the museum. The city revolves around Mother Nature herself. And it seems, at times, as if She's not too fond of NYC- sending inches of snow, cruel winds and even, a hurricane.

But this weekend, just for Easter, She put the city under a springtime spell.

One of my roommate's friends from high school came to visit this weekend. And Easter was a great time to come visit for many reasons, including the Easter "Bonnet" Parade.

When I came to the city for the first time in 2011, I said the same thing: You have an awakening in this city. Everyone is so willing to put themselves out there in several ways, including sporting crazy hats, karaoking in the subway or dancing in the streets. Greatest of all awakenings is seeing the city through the lens of a camera.

Dave, is that you? 

"Wake on up from your slumber. Baby, open up your eyes." 

There are days when I'm crammed into what seems to be the smallest subway car. When my heart aches from the sight of seeing someone sleeping against the side of a building a cold night. When the heat and hot water go out of my apartment for several days on end. And I think to myself: Carrie, you're tired. Carrie, you miss your friends and family. Carrie, who are you trying to kid...living in this city?

But this weekend...this weekend felt a tiny bit different. Happier. The transition from winter to spring. Talks of future plans of things to do when the weather turns just a bit warmer. I'm ready.

Special shoutout to the Easter Bunny, who does in fact make USPS deliveries to New Yorkers. And to Marli "Meow" Eaton, for sending this hand-painted "New York Size" souvenir.

Happy Easter.

Good Night from the city.

Three-Year-Olds, Birthday Cake & Thank You

Three years ago I was at a St. Patrick's Day party when I got the call that I was an aunt. My friends and I cheered and toasted our drinks to the new baby boy. Today, that sweet baby has turned into an awesome, sweet little boy. A boy who goes, "I'm not a baby anymore, Aunt Carrie" whenever I call him one. "Aunt Carrie, that's enough," he says with his serious face on and his eye brows raised. Or, "Aunt Carrie is cross" when you make a silly, fake-mad face.



Now my dinosaur-loving, talkative, outgoing nephew is three years old. And a dino-themed party was in order for the weekend. I've been wanting to come home so badly and this was the perfect occasion.

Collin and his classmates did what three-year-olds do best: roared with masks, sang some jams with microphones, see-sawed (with help from the grown-ups) and ate lots of cake.
 

Later we celebrated with the family. A new tricycle made an appearance. 

As did the "dinosaur/Godzilla" unbreakable pinata...

Maybe it was the plastic bat that kept the Godzilla safe from destruction.

Collin took a shot at it, but then Papa J told Collin just where to find that candy without breaking it...

I finished off the seventy-degree, beautiful weekend at the beach. Because of a flight problem, I ended up staying a bit longer than predicted, but it was worth it to spend time in this beautiful place.

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Thank You. 

I am so passionate about fundraising. I love the idea of money turning into something that you can see makes a difference in others' lives. Most importantly, I feel humbled by how giving people can be and am constantly reminded that there really is good in the world. My friends and family are prime examples of those that endlessly give. Thank you to the many that gave to my fundraisers that are coming up soon. I am so thankful for each and every one of you!

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Three years go by fast. Happiest Birthday, Collin.