I kid you not.....two years ago I used to cry and dreamed of moving out of this wretched place that is Dorchester, in particular Fields Corner.Ouch. That was harsh. Or just honest.  I had no idea what wonderful coffee they had in Balle, the convenience of having post office, library, banks, restaurants, open space amongst other amenities in a 1.5 mile stretch. I had no idea of the humans behind the titles at our many organizations and groups.

Just last week I celebrated two years of living in the Dot. Perhaps as a reminder of what my new home was, I had too many events, activities, initiatives etc going on to list them here. You see, the difference with how I felt two years ago has little to do with major changes to the Dot....I'm sure there have been some changes in this short time.Instead, it was me being conscious about my relationship with my space, after all, my fellow geography majors in college and I used to call our selves Spatial Engineers.  I made a decision to help define, and if not, at least participate in shaping my neighborhood.

Last night for example, I attended the Fields Corner Main Streets First annual fundraiser, Dancing with the Stars. Of course I had little to do with the planning of the stellar event, but I attended. I owned the event as my neighborhood fundraiser. Hey, that counts for something.Then there’s the City Spotlights at the center formerly called the Wang, tonight. There’s the Mother’s Walk for Peace on Sunday, [I usually don’t walk for anything]. But because I’m doing the whole, owning and support piece I’ll be there. Besides, if you’re not part of the solution – you’re part of the problem.

My point is, it’s easy to criticize and despise a place simply because you are not a part of the process. It s easier to blame them than it is to celebrate with us! Stand up, speak up and define your corner of the Dot!  

Tammyanka