5.17-18.2014 Downtown Frederick and Middletown

Celebrating life by reconnecting with good friends. It was a birthday weekend up north in Maryland. 

It was too cold and after the flood rain from last week we decided not to go to the Monocacy River. We ended up going to Downtown Frederick for a few drinks. I had a limited time because I had to meet another friend for her celebration in her family home in Middletown. 

I had never had an opportunity to go to Downtown Frederick before. I would like to hang out more and explore the little streets and shop fronts. It was strange seeing people. I certainly felt like part of a type, a typical look of a generation. I felt young. I felt that I would be tattooed, pierced, and dressed in clever outfits. There were other types out and about too. Some stores were quirky. I bought a pair of Silver Sequin Shwings from Retro-Metro. I was a little confused by the store's packaging. They put my purchase in a Ziploc sandwich bag. I later realized that the sandwich bag had a sticker with their store logo on it. 

We went to two places while we were downtown. We went to Cafe Nola and tried some of their delicious concoctions. They create their own infused liquors. I tried the "Perodista" - an apricot infused rum, raw simple syrup, lime martini thing. It was yummy. I was amazed I managed to get back to my seat along the far wall from the bar counter with the drink in hand and not spilling a single drop. Skills. We were there pretty early on a Saturday afternoon and the kitchen wasn't open. Most of the workers fit into a type. I felt like it was a reflection and I was afraid that I could fall into that category. I really, REALLY appreciated the hand drawn signs and menus. There were encased tea cups and saucers along the seating area and local artwork on the walls. It was cute place. I wonder what it would look like during busy hours. Oh... and they grow and harvest their own organic produce. 

Afterwards, we walked over to Bushwaller's for a drink. I didn't get a chance to spend much time there. I am sure it would be a completely different atmosphere later in the day. We headed back for some pizza at home and then I was on to my next destination for the weekend. 

I went to my old room-mate's family home in Middletown. After knowing each other for nearly 5 years, living together and surviving grad school together, I finally had an opportunity to attend her family birthday celebration. It was my first time in that home. It was really nice to hang out with her and her family. I ate some delicious mac-and-cheese and birthday cake. I even was able to take a "take home" package of leftovers home. I enjoyed sitting around the bonfire in the back. Eventually we disappeared inside to sleep and awoke the next day and the fire was still going. I enjoyed sitting down wind and having the cool breeze send some of the warm air from the fire in my direction. I smelled entirely of smoke. I really hate being cold and completely embraced the warmth of the embers. We spent some time catching up and walked around the neighborhood. I wish I could have joined them on a birthday hike in the nearby Appalachian trails. Instead, I went back south with my smokey hair to Kizomba dance practice. My body needed to move. It had a been a long time since I danced. I need to straighten my posture and extend my steps. Relax. 

View from the back deck of the back yard. They had these super awesome wooden animal sculptures. 

I still don't quite understand geography but it will be amazing to put into context the idea of distance and space. I look forward to making my own discoveries and understanding concepts that so many before me have experienced and possibly mastered. I want to do things in the best, most healthy manner. Something resonates within me and my equilibrium. 

GyPSy I am thankful for the GPS. It helps though I hate having it on if I am staying on the route for a while. I think I am preparing for a long route soon. Life is taking me somewhere. I am doing everything in my power to cling to whatever is "safe" but this jump is coming. I am scared I am going to get pushed off but the funny thing is that I know that in its going to be me taking the jump from my own free will. 

Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. Just being me in the present moment. I signed up for 6 credits this summer. I will create a curriculum that connects to my travels this summer. EVERYTHING and ANYTHING connects. 

Jacques Greene - "Night Tracking" 

Retro-Metro - www.retro-metro.com

213 North Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301.698.8100