I’ve been living in Baltimore for over a month now. Contrary to what people warned me about when I decided to live here for a while, it’s nothing like The Wire.
Before I moved to Baltimore, my experience of the city had been mostly through a cultural lens. I would drive up from DC or Virginia with friends for festivals, concerts, plays or art shows. This is still my experience of the city, as the room I’m renting is in a townhouse near the Maryland Institute College of Art (or MICA, as the locals call it). My experience with Baltimore so far has been good food, friendly people and a vibrant arts scene.
Today, I had a fun lunch at City Cafe with GG and Kim, the lovely ladies behind Peace, Love and Pretty Things. It is today that I had my very first crab cake sandwich in Baltimore! It was tasty – with much more crab than cake, which is the way it should be. For dessert, I enjoyed their Heath Bar bread pudding, which was divine. We talked about blogging and working and loving and living a good life. GG and Kim are rays of light in person, just as they are online. I hope to see them again soon!
Yesterday, I went looking for a carryout place where I could try what seems to be a Baltimore staple: fried lake trout. No frills – just some greasy, crispy fish and a piece of white bread in a styrofoam box. I found it over the bridge at Sterling Seafood. The woman behind the counter could have been any of the women in my family. I felt at home when I walked in, nodding my head to the old school jams blaring from the radio.
Over the weekend, I tried Miss Shirley’s Cafe with my girl Vivrant Thang. The blackened salmon I had was delicious, though I was more than a bit disappointed that Miss Shirley doesn’t have a dessert menu! Afterward, we walked over to the Reginald Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture to see their latest exhibition, Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity. A photographer we know had a piece in the exhibit, so it was fun to see his work on the wall. It was a fantastic collection – all of the photographs were amazing. Elegant, just like the beautiful black men in the pictures. Overall, I just loved learning more of the history behind the “dandy” fashion and style – which I would describe as part metrosexual, part Harlem Renaissance sophistication, part swagger. I realized that one of my exes would definitely be considered a “dandy” and now I get the reasons behind his style and overall vibe more now than I did when we were dating. But I digress . . .
This is my life right now.
I don’t know how it will be this time next month, or even where I’ll be, location-wise. Some of you have left comments or sent emails saying that you envy or admire the way I’m living, but to tell you the truth, this is probably not a long-term lifestyle for most people. And it will not likely be a long-term lifestyle for me.
But right now?
Right now, I am a nomad.
I am wandering and exploring and trying new things. I am connecting to the kinds of people that make me happy. I am traveling and doing work that I love. I am learning how to stay open to possibility.
I am discovering that right now is all there is.
And I’m grateful for every moment of it.
What are you doing right now? Where are you living and what is your life like?
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Aww Rosetta, thanks so much for the kind words! We thoroughly enjoyed having lunch with you. My only regret is that I was having a bad stomach day and couldn’t indulge in the bread pudding!
No matter how long this “nomad” part of your journey lasts, the wisdom and self-knowledge you gain from it will be priceless. And how awesome is it that along the way you get to inspire other folks to follow their hearts’ desires! Definitely a win-win.
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As always, I love your perspective. Happy to have met you on the journey
I really enjoy reading your blog, Rosetta; you have a lot of helpful and entertaining posts.
Right now in my life, I’m just focusing on making ends meet and saving money. I was laid off from my full-time academic advising job last summer and now I’m working two part-time jobs to pay my bills. I’ve been looking for full-time work (mainly in academic advising since I have a few years of experience with that) but haven’t had any luck. I’m starting to feel like I need to create my own opportunities instead of waiting on someone to give them to me. I’ve always been curious about self-employment and have even had a few clients (I do editing), but I haven’t been consistent with it (as far as getting more clients, creating a business plan, etc.). I definitely need to work on this.
Baltimore — How I love thee! I used to live in Crofton, MD and we would visit my grandpa down at the harbor. I miss those days. I did get a chance to visit a few years, back and the African American museum is great!
Right now, I’ve been in Long Beach for the past 5 years. Wow! Didn’t realize it has been so long. I feel like I’m going through the motions. But, I do have an idea of what I want in life and am slowly working to achieve it. Never thought I would be here for so long, but a last – I am. Every journey begins with a small step though!
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Are you ready to leave LB? If so, where would you like to go next?
I have no plans as of yet. But, it is a thought in my head — I’m still working on the boyfriend.
I lived in West Africa for 2 years. So, I wouldn’t mind going abroad again. I’m thinking Asia.
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I admire what you’re doing. I have been reading your blog for a few months and feel inspired to focus more on what makes me happy. I’m only 25 years old but so many of my decisions are based on what will make others happy. It was just this weekend that I chose to put my feelings first. I only have one chance at life and I want to be as happy as possible.
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Really enjoyed reading this Rosetta. Its funny! I considered moving to Baltimore, MD. I used to live in Takoma Park when my family and I migrated from Nigeria in the late 80s. After being in Texas all these years, I considered and almost relocated to Baltimore but I think reading about racial tensions and just comments on city-data.com discouraged me a bit. It sounds like its a perfect fit for you. An intimate artsy community which sounds ideal.
Now I’m in Chicago. Chicago right now feels like a good fit, I’m looking forward to the winter passing and checking this great summer everyone raves about and then i’ll be curious to see what I get into and where I explore next. The food here is great and can’t wait to try Garrets popcorn. I also can’t wait to delve into the creatives here…art, music, culture, etc as it adds depth and richness to one’s character. I do wish people took more pride in how they dressed and presented themselves here.
By the way, I feel if I could live anywhere right now, I’d love to live in London.
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