It only took us 6 years to drive the 3 hours to NYC. In fact, if we hadn't been double checking everything off of our "While we're still here in Maryland Wanderlust Wishlist", we wouldn't have even thought twice about missing it. Seriously, New York is terrific if you're going to a show (we weren't), have a lot of money to spend (we didn't), or have any idea where you're going or a purpose for going there (we had zip). However, if you love Chicago (we do), are in a rush thinking about moving (we were) and have a wandering mind (that's us), New York feels like a 'been there, done that, ooh what was that?!' The sprinkling of flora amidst the metal and cement whispered sweet oxygen through the heavy, thick air. Climbing to the top of a department store just for a shot of the skyline. As opposed to the statue of liberty, we opted forcupcakeries, The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (because....unicorns) and the Met. So, after a 4 hour visit (that's about 11 hours total--7 hours driving to and from), we checked off the Big Apple from our Wishlist..... only to add it again to our new one.
A little over 6 years ago, we pointed to a map and landed on a little dot near Washington, DC. We were delighted as our best friends had moved to the area only one year prior. Together, the four of us were able to explore this beautiful hamlet nestled in the granite rocks where three rivers converge. For years we stayed enchanted by the cobblestones, rock towers, and quirky shoppes of Ellicott City. We fell in love with the creaky hardwoods and tiled fireplaces of our flat in the old hotel on Main Street. We watched from our windows as merchants came and went, fads and routines changed, and the community grew and shrunk like an accordion. The artists of the annual Plen Air festival captured how I choose to remember my time in this slice of Euro vibes amidst modern rush. First Fridays, festivals, and memorials welcomed us home each day. We will miss the commUNITY and its goals. And we know that, since July 29th, we aren't the only ones mourning the town and seeking memories of our time there. That evening, the Tiber River at the head of the Hudson branch spilled over into the town in a roaring flash. Most of these are borrowed photos lowlighting the immediate needs posed by rising and sudden water. Its so interesting that, in the aftermath, so many complained that the water had been shut off, while just days/moments earlier, water was the element causing fear and stealing lives. I was standing on the front porch (where this video lapse was caught on the security cameras), helpless, watching as my enchanting neighborhood became raging rapids. Until the cars started washing past, some containing their shocked drivers, I had no idea the magnitude of this flash flood. Thankfully, the town will rECover, eventually. I'm told that daily the barricades are shrinking as certain portions of the town can be reopened. I am sure that one day we will visit and see the town stronger and more charming than ever.
The beauty in tragedy is humanity. So many rivalries were, ironically, quenched by the steady rains. So many people came out to help and heal the community. Prayers were answered. This post has been transferred from my original blog. The past week has been a justifiable oxymoron, both hectic and soothing. No matter how long I lived there or how many times I return, something about the skyline of SLC still gives me butterflies. *A skyline so lovely that even an out-the-window-of-a-moving-car photo turns out* In fact...That weirdo slowing down to nearly nothing... on the fast-paced freeway... for this shot? Well, that was me. * Mid-1800's details and heading under the seagull arch. Why seagulls in the middle of a desert? Its really a cool story that many historians have agreed led the sea-faring bird to the meadows. As it is told, the Pioneers who actually made it through the beyond harsh conditions to settle the area were once again plagued by crickets, making it nearly impossible to plant,let alone harvest. Prayers led to miracles... in the form of seagulls. (Yeah, historians have agreed that, while miracles can't be proven, the California gulls came in the mid-late 1800's in search of crickets) * *Holy places make me happy.* That misty eyed girl strolling around as if she'd never been there before? That was also me. *Reminder that He is risen during Easter* I was the one not taking "selfies with the Saviour. *Tabernacles on the Square. We toured the Conference Center & were in awe.* That flower crazed person on the grounds checking the soil and rooting of the flowers... that was also not me. It was the him in my family, but it was totally not me. *Busy bees and the monuments honouring them* I am, however, that person still excited to ride Trax. *In the city... why not wear safety cones as hats, I say. * *Flavours of my youth in my favourite~ Trolley Square.* I am the creep, stalking out my old favourites, just to feel like home again. *Signs of a delicious trip!* We're those people who judge a vacation based on the food we eat. That crazy tourist, touring her own stomping grounds, that was me. I'm the one in love with vintage neon. *Some amazing art on the buidings' sides and a Banksy spotting* I'm that person who admires the nicely done vandalism. *I'm the one unsatisfied until we cross the causeway in hopes of seeing a buffalo.* *Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake.*
Of course, the finest parts of our trip are stored up in my heart. The peace & joy from visits with my best friend/sister & other family can't be conveyed through a blog post. I guess I always leave a part of my heart down in the valley. One of the great things about Baltimore is it is proud to be kooky. Festival kick off weekend always includes the kinetic sculpture race, which also happened to be Sheep & Wool Weekend, so clearly didn't get any attention when my bleeting heart was entwined with wool. Rock 'em Sock 'em, Baltimore, Rock 'em Sock 'em! The American Visionary Art Museum, along with various businesses, schools, and science centers, sponsor this spectacle that is uniquely B'More. A couple of the sculptures have survived for years and reside in the AVAM's barn.
You stay quirky, Baltimore. This post has been transferred from my original blog. As part of our urban hike this past weekend, we decided to venture into the National Zoo. I don't know if its the old architecture, the cultural hub buzzing, or the amount of money [I hear] gets raised as part of conservation efforts, but the DC zoo doesn't make me as sad as other zoos do. In fact, I love the Smithsonian zoo. Maybe its the vibrant, old-timey carousal... ...or the animals that roar... {Lions and Bears; the Tigers were sleeping, OH MY!} ...or being silly with that guy... {My badger faces make up for the lack of up close time with badgers while sloth bear wears my shades. This selfie epitomizes the tragedy of selfies, and I love it.} ...or the opportunity to travel deep into Amazonia, just by opening a door... {Monkeys hang out high in the canopy, near a cocoa tree} ....or maybe its the Lemurs... {yeah, its probably the lemurs, though the turtles ring a close second.} ...it could be the Ape who always has a new blankie... {or the Orangutan taking the O-Line across our path, or the Mongolian Horse} ...but most likely its strolling around the 'globe' with the guy... Meanwhile in Virginia Beach... We were the ones driving many hours just to see Neptune and his trident. Wading under the boardwalk was worth the traffic jams, I say.
Pictures from Wanderlusts Past... We were the ones driving 2 hours off our planned beaten path to climb Kansas. We were the ones wishing we'd brought a metal detector, sure that, if the legends of Coronado Heights are true, we'd be the ones to find out, but just as pleased to eat our PBJ's castle adjacent. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who visited central Kansas in 1541, looking for the Native American community of Quivira, where he was told "trees hung with golden bells and ... pots and pans were beaten gold." Poor guy didn't find his golden city, but professors have found chain-mail and Spanish coins on the site. The parks department added the castle, out of the Dakota Limestone, allowing the Yucca to grow wildly, and naming the peak for the gold-digger of old.
This post has been transferred from my original blog. Meanwhile in strange, wonderful Philli... This is the Wagner Free Institute of Science.... or taxidermy showcase.
Its bizarre. This post has been transferred from my original blog. We were the ones driving hours from village to village for pretzels and pickels. We were the ones delighted to travel to Intercourse, Bird in Hand, & Virginville (snickering like a teenage boy) We loved the chance to go to a mudsale outside of Lancaster, relishing in the hollering, "What am I bid?" A mudsale is an Amish auction. No mud is harmed (or sold) during a mudsale
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