Spring is here, price and in New York City that means a lot. It means no more heavy coats, page gloves, ailment scarves, thermal underwear, layering several articles of clothing, runny noses, or simply running to the subway to get out of the cold. We spend on the average, six months bundled up and hustling to where we are headed. Every year winter seems to be longer and longer, while Spring seems to get shorter.
With the warmer seasons going by in a New York minute, we New Yorkers are slowing down. The leaves are returning to a bright green, blossoms are blooming with white, pink, yellow and purple flowers. Tulips and Daffodils are taking over every sidewalk garden. Pansies can be spotted in window boxes and we are stopping to smell the roses — well, the Dogwoods and all the many other fragrant flowers and trees in bloom.
Some people think New York is harsh, cold, abrasive and down right mean. I am talking about winter, not the people. But one thing all New Yorker’s can agree on is that Spring is one of, if not the best, seasons in this city. It’s when everything is new and the possibilities are endless. To some New Years Day is the start of a new year, but here, Spring is a celebration, our New Year. We live and breathe for it. It triggers a sense of accomplishment, a certain knowing that we all made it and will live to see the beauty that is starting to unfold. It means newness, a freshness and a big sigh of release. We come together and smile more, say hello more and treat each other like neighbors, not just another person trying to get somewhere.
Spring also means taking the longer way home from work or walking to do that errand or two. It means eating in back gardens, front restaurant patios, hitting happy hour before the sun sets or as it sets, especially if you can find a rooftop; finding a small garden by accident and taking it in while tourists buzz by in their must see everything confusion. We look forward to nighttime strolls by the rivers, accidentally meeting a friend on the street and taking the time to get a quick drink or bite, or just catching up.
We know we live in a great city. But in order to really appreciate it you must live through a winter and come out the other end. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes we New Yorkers rise from winter and with total abandon and glee we go running into the colorful world of Spring. Hello neighbor.