Last Saturday, I woke up feeling kind of eh. It was just one of those mornings. I spent some time in prayer (which always lifts me) and I realized something- I need to take the day to just enjoy life for ME. I work all through the week, giving time and energy to everyone and everything else, SURELY I deserve one day to play and have some fun. I think that’s something a lot of folks struggle with- BALANCE. But if God created the earth and everything in it (Psalm 24:1), why wouldn’t He want us to get out and enjoy it???? Now, I couldn’t find anyone to hangout with because my friends were busy, which is totally fine. One thing I’ve learned is sometimes we just gotta enjoy our own company. Those are often some of the best times!

So after prayer, I washed my fro’ (WHICH IS A DAUNTING TASK), got dressed, grabbed my camera (AKA Little Red) and backpack, hopped in my car, and hopped on 95-North toward my hometown, Baltimore, for ARTSCAPE 2017! I’ve been missing Artscape every year, so as someone who loves various art-forms, I was stoked to finally make it this year 🙂 I had the EDM jammin’ in my car as I drove. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of remixed worship songs and they give me LIFE! Check out the “You Make Me Brave” Reyer remix at the bottom 🙂

The entire way there I just kept thinking to myself, “I have a feeling this is going to be one of those amazing days”. I just felt eager and excited. The day turned out just as I had expected- well actually- even BETTER 🙂 When I arrived in town, I entered the Fitzgerald garage and drove all the way up to like the 6th floor. The view was incredible! It was basically an overlook of the entire Station North Arts and Entertainment District. I’m SUPER visual. I’m also very in love with various textures and urban landscapes. My creativity sparked BIG TIME. I broke out my camera and switched between lenses to capture a combination of wideshots and close-ups of the various urban elements- from train tracks to row homes adorned with graffiti (like the featured image above). It felt SO GOOD. I felt like I was right in my element. Actually- I WAS in my element- when passion and purpose collide 🙂

After I got finished snapping in the garage, I hit the rainy streets. I had my University of Baltimore umbrella so I didn’t care about it raining. I slowly walked by the various tents, admiring the multitude and variations of ART. I LOVED IT! There were so many creative forms of paintings, illustrations, jewelry, clothes, lamps- you name it! I saw plenty of items I’d love to decorate my home with. OH! And the food- so much to choose from! I enjoyed a smoked turkey sandwich followed by a non-alcohol Pina-Colada for lunch. It was definitely good…just kind of expensive lol…..but that’s to be expected at a festival, and it’s definitely worth it.

Around 5ish, I went to see a dear friend (who I haven’t seen in a while) conduct an assembly of young, gifted musicians and singers at the Meyerhoff (Symphony Hall) and it was incredible. As I watched the youth beautifully play their instruments, I thought back to when I was their age. Many don’t know this but I actually played the trombone in my school’s band during 4th grade. So, it brought joy to my heart to see these young kids so musically engaged. I was inspired.

My time at Artscape ended with a concert at the main stage followed by some free ice cream by Haagen Daz (the flavor was pineapple-coconut and it was EVERYTHING). It began raining heavily around 6:30ish and I had my fill of fun, so I chose to head back to my car. On the way, a sweet older lady asked me where I got the ice cream from. I told her they were freebies and I offered her some. She took some, smiled and said, “God is going to bless you for being so generous!” So heartwarming 🙂

To top everything off, parking was supposed to cost $15 BUT I only ended up paying $5 because I’m a University of Baltimore (UB) alumna 🙂 What a great way to end a perfect evening. Blessed.

So what is the message here? GET OUT AND LIVE! GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! ENJOY YOUR LIFE! Even if you can’t find anyone to hangout with, ENJOY YOUR OWN COMPANY! You won’t regret it! 🙂