Good Morning, Baltimore!

“Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul.”  – Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Grey

As the seasons change, life follows suit. We molt, morph and move on with the rest of earth’s creatures. I cannot count the times I’ve had a steadfast and holistic vision of where my path was leading, only to end up somewhere I’d never given a second thought to. After months of bare trees and cold, cloudy days, we took to chasing the sun to Baltimore. A place I never thought I’d travel to, a place I never thought about at all.

Much to Cole’s delight, we took a Tesla for the hundred-mile trek. When we arrived, it was all sunshine and smiles in the city. After living in DC for a while, where pleasantries are a rarity, we were wary and made sure to keep an eye out for any Kool-Aid. But after a noticeable few people went out of their way to help us, compliment us, waive fees and offer guidance, we came to the conclusion that Baltimore must be the friendliest city in the world. Alas, as the sun set and we were glad to go home, we realized instead that after a long winter, the sun had simply spread its warmth to everyone that day.

I was inspired by this kindness, and it was contagious. With the sun to my face, and the wind to my back, it was hard not to feel blissful in each moment. Taking in the beauty of the day and exulting in new adventure, my soul was light as a feather, my mind calm as the Chesapeake, and every word that dripped from my mouth was sweeter than honey. Though the “live in the moment” sentiment might be exhausted beyond efficacy, reflecting on that day made me realize that our senses and our memories are all we have as moments pass. Rejoice in the good ones, remember the bad ones, look to the future, but above all be present and enjoy this moment and all the happiness that is existing for you. Wherever you are, be there, for you never know where your path will lead you next.