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| Dood at a nearby park the week he learned to walk. |
The lovely Jasmine Myers of EatMoveWrite.com asked the following questions at the end of this post:
What's your city's personality? Does it suit your style?
If you know me in real life or read this blog (thank you) often enough then you know I'm from Baltimore, MD. I've lived there up until 5 years ago. And I really lived there. Grew up there. Did my dirt there. And although I no longer pay taxes there, Baltimore is just as much a part of me as I am of it. It was written...on the side of a crab shanty...that also serves chicken boxes and half & halfs.
Anyway while reflecting on the above questions I had to ponder both my home city & my current city...town...ship (yes township) and I noticed a trend.
As a kid:
When I lived in East Baltimore City (the Eastside) I was a pumpkin seed eating, curse word learning, Salt & Pepa reciting, little hopper.
When I lived in Randallstown/Woodlawn/Windsor Mill (West Baltimore County) I was a bike riding, hop scotching, skate riding, cheerleading, pony tailed cutie.
As a teen:
When I lived in South West Baltimore City I was a chicken box eating, reckless, dysfunctional mess.
In Hampden aka the birthplace of the Jon Water's film Hairspray I was my most eclectic bohemian self. Au natural.
In Arbutus (a college town/ethnically diverse neighborhood) I was poetic & slightly militant. All black everything.
Early Adulthood:
I lived in mostly suburban, working to middle class, upwardly mobile neighborhoods. Towson. Pikesville. I also worked in corporate America & wore suits everyday.
Now:
I live in rural suburbia. Yes, this is a real place. There are a number of big box chain stores a stones throw in any direction yet people still don't lock their doors. There are also fruit stands not occupied by man. Seriously. There is fruit. And a cash box. You pick up your strawberries or pumpkins or corn and leave cash in the box. 21st century honor system. Crazy right?
And the parks. Just like the big box chain stores I live smack dead in the middle of 4 huge, beautiful, spacious, parks. Four! I can chose a different park to visit any day of the week. Lovely! Sometimes I walk the trails and can't believe this is my neighborhood. This place has softened me.
And this makes sense because I'm a mom of two wonderful little people. This neighborhood & its schools, & its trees were picked for them. I just reap the benefits.
But all of this brings me to this question.
Do our cities reflect us or do we reflect them? What does your neighborhood say about and vice versa?
The floor is open.
Thanks Jasmine for the inspiration and make sure to check out EatMoveWrite.com. Her blog is peaceful which is a weird way to describe a blog but is really accurate.
My neighborhood says, I just live here, I live in a vein that moving toward the heart of my city. The area is neglected, industrial, and close to everything. Yes there is a huge park, with a stream, or falls, and walking/bike trails less than a half mile away....just don't walk through by your self, actually it's okay...my neighborhood says, I'm old, yet I still have a lot of work to do...oh yeah my soil out back is really fertile!
ReplyDeleteI need to bring some of that soil up here. My soil says new construction grass.
ReplyDeleteI love that you say "it's softened you." I bet mommyhood has softened you as well. :)
ReplyDeleteThis Oregon move has been my second big move, and I find each time that I have to reevaluate myself, almost as if you have to recalibrate your internal compass. We talk all the time about changing the world around us without realizing how much that world around us is influencing US. We take on the personalities of where we live in so many ways. For good and for worse, I suppose, too. I think that's why it's very important to pay attention to the kind of environment you put yourself in and make sure it matches up with your ideals. I think I've found that, and it sounds like you have too. :)
Thank you for the shout out. I love that you called my blog "peaceful." A beautiful compliment. <3
Thanks Jasmine. So true.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good question! You know, I've been a all over and I've watched myself adjust to the styles and vibes of each place I've lived in, even though each time I moved was sure that I chose that particular place because it fit my style at the time. Go figure! I've never looked at it that way until right now, but it's fascinating once you do.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking maybe it's about a city's style vs. i'ts vibe. I chose the places I lived and went to school (as an adult) based on the vibe and offerings of the city or area. BUT, when I got there I was influenced by the place's style? (i.e. dress, foods, lingo, etc.) So I was still "me", and a place that was fitting for me, just dressed like "them". LOL!
I think it's a perfect balance of give & take. Influence & inspiration.
ReplyDelete