This past winter, to me, seemed to be the longest winter ever. Vallejo has great weather, but the endless cold gave me a different perspective on things altogether. I always wanted to live near the water, but somehow since last November it just seemed to make the nights colder, and the ferry ride to work seem very uninviting. Until a week or so ago, all I thought about was getting home and under the warm covers with socks on. And I hate wearing socks.

Last weekend I cranked up the weed trimmer and slowly manicured the backyard. I didn’t realize how much I missed all the greenery, even though it had overgrown and was making my nose itch. The day was windy enough for me to not have to run from wasps and other flying friends, and although all of that raking was making my arms ache, my creative mind began to slowly unfreeze.

A little over a month ago multiple shootings, murders and other modes of violence made me want to stay indoors more than any cold day ever could. The gray skies matched the mood in our city. I began to wonder how I ever considered living in such a place. I had seriously declared Vallejo no-man’s land until day light saving’s time sort of snuck up on me. It’s amazing what a little light can do for your outlook.

I walked out of my home on Saturday morning and looked at the plant in this picture. This was the first shrub I planted when I moved to this house, and as many others have withered and died, this one continues to grow and amaze me with its beauty in the bright morning sunlight.

I believe that Vallejo has seen its winter. But just like all living things, it will surely see its spring. My block was once littered with vacant homes which now have occupants. Despite the fact that we are cash-strapped, we are still moving forward with transit expansion and small businesses that find the means to not only stay open but find time to plant flowers outside their doors.

What will you plant? How will you invite spring to your doorstep?

Chandra Adams