Events and Festivals

I really want to take advantage of all the festivals and farmers markets during the spring and summer. Maybe I'm still a bit cabin fever-ish from the "snowpocalypse" and just want to get outside. Here is a list of all the events I want to go to. Let me know if you have any interest as well!

Towsontown Spring Festival - May 1st (10-7pm) and 2nd (1-7pm) in Towson
KarmaFest - May 22nd and 23rd in Baltimore
Handmade Mart - May 23rd (10am-5pm) in Silver Spring
Tea Party Festival - May 28th-31st in Chestertown
Hometown Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival - May 29th-31st in Rockville
Charles Village Festival - June 5th (11am-9pm) and 6th (11am-6pm) in Baltimore
Colonial Days - June 5th (10am-4pm) and 6th (12pm-4pm) in Frederick
HonFest - June 12th and 13th in Bawlmer (Baltimore)
Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ - June 18th and 19th at the National Harbor
Asian Festival - TBD in Reston, VA

I love spending the day outside with friends, family, and great weather! I've also discovered the joy of taking in the night sky and view of the city on a cool evening. I may not be able to see stars, but it sure does shine. Thank goodness for spring! (and as I type this... its snowing in New England... go figure!)

Reading List - not just for the Summer

I always used to dread the "reading lists" given out before summer vacation during elementary, middle, and high school. Reading was always a bit challenging for me. I'd mix up words, lose my place, or I would realized that my mind had been wandering for the past 3 pages and I'd have to start over.

When I was in college, I started to love the idea of reading during my down time. However, I wished I had time to read for fun but my time was spent memorizing text book after text book. I'd find myself going into the library or into a Borders just to take it in. I loved looking at shelf after shelf; pile after pile of books surrounding me. I flipped the pages of an unread book at the store, taking in the sounds and smell of it. I knew the book was yearning to have its pages "dog eared," crinkled, and have the occasional mystery stain from whatever the reader was snacking on.

I have tons of books in my room. My sister even commented "If I didn't know you better, after seeing this room, I'd think you were a reader." So yesterday, after a 2 mile walk with my dogs and after making dinner, I laid out a few books the books on my bed. I couldn't decide which I wanted to read first. Do I want to laugh with Bill Bryson in "A Walk in the Woods," do I want to rediscover a classic with "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," or do I want to be inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert in "Eat, Pray, Love?" I wanted to be inspired.

Here is my working reading list. Please feel free to make suggestions.


And of course, my sister's book when she finishes it!

The early bird...

Dear little bird outside my window,

I love that you like to hang around my house. I am sure you will get just as much enjoyment out of my new garden as I will when it arrives. I finally decided on salvia and blushing bride tradescantia. I will be picking another flower for the front of my yard soon as well. How do you feel about a yellow flower?










I love how the little old man next door throws pieces of bread out in his yard for you each morning. And I'm sorry my dogs jump over the wall into their yard and eat about half of it before you get the chance to.

I love watching you hop around and I loved listening to you chirp. However, when it is 5:00 in the morning and you are chirping your little head off... it wakes me up. Since our A/C isn't working, I really enjoy sleeping with the windows open. I kindly ask that you shut it until at least 6am on the weekdays and 8am on the weekends.

Thank you for understanding and for your cooperation.