baltimore

the painted ladies

located in one of the oldest sections of the city a competition was held to help spruce up these rowhouses.  the owners were encouraged to painted and decorate their homes and porches, the brighter and more colorful the better!  thus, the painted ladies were born.  it was quite a treat to be walking through this simple, old victorian neighborhood and happen upon these little gems.  as you'll see most people participated but some surely did not.  

charles village, the painted ladies neighborhood is seen as

rather revolutionary as it is one of the more

racially diverse in a city that for decades was extremely segregated.

i was unaware of this fact until after snapping this photo.  mostly

i loved the color and texture i saw as i passed by.

the local firehouse door

murals

as i continued wondering past the painted ladies i was surprised with more painted gems in the form of murals.  these were just a few of my favorites.

sit 'n pretty huh!

a trio of favorites

i've finally caved

i've finally caved and am officially starting a blog.  as i find myself preparing to head off to many far away places i figure this will be the best way for me to stay in touch with all of you as that is what your blogs do for me.  isn't it strange how we don't even have to talk to each other anymore.  we can stay updated on each others lives by simply clicking a few buttons.  i have to admit this is part of the reason i have resisted joining the blogging world, i guess i prefer catching up in person.  but as i prepare to embark i realize i will be in different time zones and without cell phone use for awhile so this is the next best alternative.  at least with "comments" we can exchange dialogue!  i'll try to update as often as possible and will probably post mostly photos.  if you have any questions or want more details just comment and i will reply.  as i have not yet left i want to start posting things from my past travels.  hope you all enjoy and i look forward to keeping connected!