One recent night after work during the blizzard Chris and I were longing for warmer and
longer days and I asked him to name his favorite part of Spring in the city. He simply
replied "The Divas!" When I inquired who they were he said, "Not who, but what." You
see, the Divas are the flowering trees that bloom in the Spring all over New York. "They
are everywhere," said Chris. "They scream for attention and we give them whatever
they want!"
Although it’s still winter here, I’m already dreaming of this season’s Divas Live 03. I
have total cabin fever and have decided to cure it by planning my new Spring look and
all my Spring flings! Here’s my own fred’s 5, where I’ll outline where you’ll find me,
once March’s lion and lamb have come and gone:
1) Bryant Park
Famous for Fashion Week, this is one of the most pleasant places to sit, especially if you
can claim one of the park’s folding chairs. There is always an ice cream truck out front,
just in case you need a treat. The Library is right there, too, and it’s fun to stop by the
Reading Room and people watch.
2) Gramercy Park
One of the loveliest spaces in the Spring, this park feels like it should be in Paris. Since
admission is restricted to residents – which I think adds to the mystique – it’s fun to walk
the perimeter, peer through the gates and dream.
3) Central Park
This is definitely an oasis. I can’t believe everything you can see here! There are swans
in the lake, little boats, tons of people, flowers, critters, birds, a zoo and, of course,
the "Divas!"
4) Union Square Market
A sure sign of Spring is all the delicious fruit! Union Square has the best open-air
market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It’s there all year round but it’s a sure
sign of Spring when I actually go there.
5) Times Square
I know this seems like an unlikely choice but I enjoy being there anytime of the year. I
guess it gives me that "Oh my God, I live in New York" feeling. I love the glitter, the
electric colors and zipping message boards. I stroll everywhere in the Spring and find I
pay more attention, not just to nature but also to architecture.
So there you have it. I can’t wait for Spring! I’m ready to throw off the hat and scarf
and leave the legwarmers at home. It’s the silliest thing but I’m even looking forward to
some Spring rain. Keith just got me the cutest new pink umbrella with ruffles and a
snow globe handle that I’ve been talking about since last Spring. (A little perk you get
when you work at fred flare.) Does anyone know a shortcut to those April showers?
