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.