Patterson Park Patter

your moment of zen

2009-10-27T12:51:00.017-04:00

You all know how rad I think the Patterson Park Boat Lake is as a place to reflect and take a moment to get back in touch with nature. So what better way to unwind after THE busiest weekend of work and festival-ing than taking a loaf of (somewhat moldy) bread to the lake with N yesterday? The sun was slowly receding toward the horizon, but still emanating plenty of warmth on a beautiful fall afternoon.

Snagged my camera as I headed out the door so that I could capture a few shots as well as a video to help all you lovely people out on this dreary day - surely you'll find yourself smiling after a few seconds of duck-frenzy-feeding and looking at a gorgeous gorgeous sky over our lovely lake:

And if the photos are not enough...

love k

people on parade!

2009-10-27T11:44:00.007-04:00

Right as BARCStobefest was wrapping up, The Great Halloween Lantern Parade was kicking off! Also rescheduled due to rain, the Parade expanded to an afternoon-long affair this year, with a Magic Hat beer garden, lots of venders, street performers and food to get the crowd fired up for the post-sundown Parade. And what a sundown it was:

As the stilt-walkers and other crazy parade performers lined up, I snapped a few shots with that crazy sky behind:

There was Patterson Park pride with the neighborhood crew - check out these lanterns!

Finally, with a roll of drums and matches flaring, the parade was under way! We staked out a spot about half way around the Parade route and watched as the caterpillar of paraders headed toward us:

Hundreds and hundreds of paraders marched by, accompanied by drum bands and cheers. With fantastic lanterns showcasing amateur and professional artistic abilities all around, it was a true celebration of local creativity. Here's another video, just for good measure (and because I just figured out how to add them!)

What a great Parade, and so befitting for the Great Halloween Lantern Parade's TENTH anniversary! Congrats to the Creative Alliance for another successful year. And, once again, thank you to all those who came to my benefit to help make this event possible.

love k

dogs on parade

2009-10-27T11:43:00.000-04:00

BARCS annual fund raising festival, BARCStoberfest, was rescheduled for Sunday after being rained out two weeks ago, and boy did they luck out this time! Abundant sunshine, changing leaves, and warm weather made this a really fantastic day to "Strut Your Mutt." With vendors galore, doggy contests, and pets ready for adoption, it was a day all about dogs (and some cats!).

A coworker and I had a booth for our company and had the fortune of being right in the middle of things with a great vantage point for watching the contests and all the passing pooches. Here are a few photos from the day:

Our table had a bounty of furry-friend goodies!

Ravens' Cheer-dog - gotta love it :)

Remember that dog I found in the Park and returned? We had a reunion at the fest'!

The Mayor gave a great speech!

I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage people to consider adopting from BARCS or a similar local organization - our city is overwhelmed by homeless dogs brought to the shelter by those who find them or those who can no longer keep them. With today's housing crisis still a bleak reality for many, animals are being forfeited to shelters at alarming rates as owners lose their homes or are no longer able to care for their pets. Please take a moment to see if your heart and home have room for one more. Adopting an animal is rewarding and heart warming... just look at this face - how could I say no??

love k

benefit bonanza

2009-10-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

OH what a party it was! Friday night saw the culmination of two months of hard work for me, with my Masquerade Benefit taking place and raising about $1000 for the Creative Alliance! With cocktails, nibbles and masks galore, neighbors and friends celebrated until three in the morning.

Rather than prattle on, I think you'd all prefer a few pictures instead?

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came and donated so generously!  

love k

trains, planes and automobiles

2009-10-20T21:14:00.000-04:00

Last week, seven of us patterson parkers headed to Milwaukee for the annual NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute conference, paid for by Banner Neighborhoods (thanks Eric!). Four of us took the train to Chicago - a 17 hour trip in and of itself - to take in the countryside and remind ourselves just how darn HUGE and varied our country is.

The conference was fantastic, with workshops, fieldtrips, lectures and action planning. All in all, it taught us all new skills for community organizing and development as well as presented us with different viewpoints and challenges that communities across the nation are facing. It was so inspiring to hear about all the fantastic efforts by volunteers and individuals in hundreds of neighborhoods in America. Take Enderis Park, a neighborhood of 1200 households, that raised over $50,000 in a few years to help revitalize their park, with home tours and other simple endeavors.

Having completed the CLI's conference, our team is now able to earn a grant of $2,000 to help our neighborhood's ongoing efforts to continue growing in a positive direction. As of now, we will be applying for the funds to help us positively market our neighborhood, build a snazzy website, and enhance our home tour (the Enderis Park home tour brought in over $15,000 in three years! Wow!). 

Of course we had some fun, too, with a train ride, a day in chicago, 4 days in Milwaukee:

Aaand I had to include the Victoria's Secret Runway wings portraits.. 

Funny how I'm making the same face in all three of these...I was just that excited!

The most important thing I took away from the conference was that we each do make a differece, that it is the accumulation of minor acts that bring us together in relationships of respect, reciprocity and trust. We can never see any act of kindness as too small, or any gesture of empathy as insignificant.

It all adds up to make our community, our neighborhood, our nation and our world a better place to live. 

love k

the doggy bloggy (aka puppy meets his twin)

2009-10-20T19:22:00.004-04:00

Oooooh what a day! As many of you probably saw on facebook and the yahoo group, I found a dog while stopping by home to take my dog (and yes, Puppy is his name) out for a quick walk, as I wouldn't be home from work til closer to 7. Long story short, I found a dog running wildly across the street and in to Patterson Park. But not just any dog - it was Puppy's TWIN in every way except being white instead of black...and painted teal toenails. They were instant friends, but I refused to even entertain the thought of keeping him - Puppy came to me in exactly the same way, so the odds were against me on that one.

So after checking with local vets, having him scanned for a chip, and following up a few local leads, I began the good ol' fashioned task of fliering the neighborhood and asking everyone I passed whether or not the dog was familiar. All to no avail. Somewhere along the way I passed a police officer waiting at a traffic light and gave him one as well, despite my friend's scoffing that it was a waste of a flier - what does a Baltimore City patrol officer care about an 11 pound lost poodle?

Within an hour I had a phone call from another officer inquiring about the dog and confirming that it was the same dog lost by the individual with whom he was currently meeting! Within half an hour the dog and I were in a cruiser heading 12 blocks NE to the owner (side note: by this time I'd named the dog Falcor after the flying dog-beast in The Never Ending Story - clearly my attachment level was reaching dangerous levels already!).

Nothing warms your heart like dog and owner literally writhing with happiness as they reunite - truly. After hugs and cheers all around, the owner and I agreed to reunite our pooches at this weekend's BARCStoberfest (blog to follow about this one soon).

A HUGE shout out to Officer Gabriel at the South East Police District - many would have thrown away the flier and forgotten it forever, but this officer took the time to call it in and have the information posted to the district. It is only because of his diligence that this had a happy ending.

Here are a couple of photos (taken by my laptop so not too great) of lil' Falcor and Puppy.

love k

a picture postcard for a post

2009-10-13T12:34:00.007-04:00

Today I am having a hard time concentrating because:

a. It's beautiful outside. But I am inside...lame

b. I am leaving for Chicago/Milwaukee tomorrow for the NeighborWorks conference with 8 other Patterson Park residents. I have not packed, or even thought about packing. Or done the laundry that needs to be done so I can think about packing.

c. We switched email platforms so life is in chaos at work. Ugh.

Luckily, I can share all the information I need to with two pictures of fliers from last night's PPNA monthly meeting:

I haven't gone a week without mentioning this coming up, but in case you need a visual to comprehend why I'm so obsessed, now you'll have one. As well as a schedule of events and lantern workshops! Hurrah!

Next up, there's going to be a Blessing Of The Animals in the park coming up! Also, take note of the weekly pick-up basketball that has been having a nice turn out:

Sooo, there's my lazy post for the day :) If I can scoot out of work early, do my laundry and organize my life I'm going to go take some fall foliage photos in the park so stay tuned!

love k

a stunning sunset and a carrot cake

2009-10-11T09:39:00.010-04:00

Did you see the sunset last night?

I raced home at about a zillion miles an hour from work to try to fanagle borrowing a camera and a roof deck to take a few photos - mission acccomplished:

Though, sunset photos never quite do the real thing justice, do they?

I was in such a good mood that I made this:

      
yum.
love k

up and at 'em!

2009-10-09T17:52:00.003-04:00

I know I spoke about this at length just the other day, but here's a lil' reminder that tomorrow is the Baltimore Marathon. Even if you aren't going to be running, you can still have a day fit for a champion, like this guy:

1. Park appropriate, unless an entire day trying to locate your car sounds like a FUN activity

2. Get yourself up and out of bed and come to the Marathon Party! Starting at 9 a.m. you'll find all the cool kids on the corner of Linwood and Baltimore with food and drinks and joy in our hearts and oranges in our palms.

3. Give up on driving anywhere in the city until mid afternoon - treat it like mandatory neighborhood bonding time. Oh, you don't know what to do? Well conveniently I made you a list just yesterday!

Hope I see all your smiling cheering faces bright and early, and good luck all you runners! love k

haunting our 'hood

2009-10-08T15:08:00.012-04:00

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than partaking in some serious decorations? In Baltimore, certain neighborhoods become known as the place to go for holiday decorations. Hampden has become synonymous with Christmas cheer, with Miracle On 34th Street drawing hundreds of viewers a night, and now spreading to surrounding streets and businesses.

Mount Vernon is the place to go to welcome Spring with its large festival, FlowerMart, being the spot to pick out all the blooms and blossoms one could want for the growing season.

Not only do these holiday-themed neighborhood events bring fun and festivities, but they also bring new faces in to the community, showcasing the neighborhood as well as bringing neighbors together in a shared fun project.

Why not put our neighborhood on the map? What if we all made an effort to go ALL OUT this Halloween to decorate our houses leading up to the Great Halloween Lantern Parade on October 24th and Halloween the following week? Let's make Patterson Park the best Haunted 'Hood in Baltimore!
[Completely unrelated to this pots, I just read this blog entry about falling in love with Baltimore - I highly suggest you go read it RIGHT NOW, as it so perfectly encapsulates why our city is incredible, for natives and newbies alike]

love k

the treats of october

2009-10-08T12:46:00.009-04:00

I'll admit that I'm not Autumn's biggest fan - over are the long, carefree days of summer sun, and the twinge of chill in the air seems like a harbinger of winter's arctic frost to come. I am not a cold weather person, despite the lovely fashion opportunities it proffers; my teeth chatter relentlessly if the temperature dips below 65, no joke.

So it may come as some surprise to anyone who knows me that despite my scowls at the early setting sun there are a few things I absolutely adore about this time of year, ESPECIALLY in Patterson Park. I figured by sharing them it will help us all stay positive, along with suggestions for how to make the most of our park, found in italics:

Leaves! Who doesn't love the changing leaves that paint an almost gaudily bright canvas in our midst? Take an afternoon to gather some especially beautiful ones and use them to make home crafts, such as a season wreath or in a tall vase for a centerpiece - it's the Fall version of taking time to smell the roses

Birds! With birds starting their journey south, huge swooping flocks are a breath-taking surprise. Join one of Patterson Park Audubon's Bird Walks to learn about our regional and migrating species

Parade! I've spoken before about The Great Halloween Lantern Parade here, but I consider it our park's BEST event all year. Invite out of town friends and family to visit that weekend to showcase our beautiful park and fantastic community

Pumpkins! Seeing people's hand-carved pumpkins and other decorations out shows pride in our community. Invite some neighbors over for a BYOP (bring your own pumpkin!) carving party and let your creative side loose, accept your pumpkin might get smashed, and carve away [ I have an idea related to this I'll share in another post to come shortly!]

Apples! Oh, how this fruit makes me smile - delicious as is, perfect for pies, and ready to warm your soul and fingers in cider. Pick some up at the farmers market and make some fresh pies for your loved ones and a steaming cup of cider for your morning walk around the park

There are many more reasons to love early Fall, but these are my personal favorites. They're all little things, but I think that is what makes them so great and easy to share - going on a stroll with a friend to catch up and admire the gold and auburn leaves in Patterson Park with a hot cup of cider is a truly wonderful way to spend an hour appreciating what you have. We all should make sure to set aside time to do just that.

love k

ogle some opens

2009-10-07T12:49:00.006-04:00

Wonder what those big park front houses are like inside? Thinking you may be ready for a larger home with a view of the park? This Sunday you can satisfy your "nosy neighbor" inner voyeur with TWO of my park front listings open from 12-2 p.m.! You have no idea how long it took me to design this flier, so I'll give you a second to admire it appropriately ;-) :
You'll notice it's a touch hard to read the writing on an 8.5x11 page reduced to index card size, so... 2820 E Baltimore ($325,000) and 2802 E Baltimore ($359,000), open 12-2 on Sunday the 11th.

But on a more serious note, the time is right to think of a "move-up" purchase, as prices are low, inventory rocks, and who doesn't love low interest rates (set to stop being artificially suppressed in the next several months)?

Come to see them yourselves, or send that friend you've been nagging to move in to our neighborhood - I have a feeling it'll be love at first ogle.

love k

going the distance

2009-10-06T15:48:00.009-04:00

This Saturday, Baltimore is going to be completely overrun (ha!) by runners competing in the Baltimore Running Festival. Despite the city being thrown in to traffic mayhem due to street closures, marathon day is loads of fun, and we in Patterson Park know how to throw a party.

The course goes right through the heart of our neighborhood, heading north on Linwood from O'Donnell up to Madison. The intersection of Linwood and Baltimore is mid-way between mile 16 and 17 - right around the time runners really have to dig in and some start pulling well in to the lead.

For those who attended last year, you know what a great vibe we had going on the corner, with refreshments for runners and cheerers alike! This year, the neighborhood association received a generous grant to help fund our marathon party and make it even more rockin', so it is just not to be missed.

We have quite a few runners in our neighborhood who will be running the full- or half-marathon, so cheering is a must - last year our neighborhood racers said it gave them a big boost to see their friends and neighbors out on the sidewalk cheering and encouraging them as they slogged through their 17th mile. I mean, look what they've already been through when they get to us...and what they still have to face:

While I personally find the idea of RUNNING 26 miles a strange form of voluntary torture, it's a total blast to eat, drink and be merry while others do it. Picture drinking a mimosa and munching on snacks while jumping around with a noisemaker and slinging orange slices to runners...what's not to love about that? Good luck to all the runners out there, and keep your eyes peeled for Patterson Parkers cheering you on from the NW corner of Linwood and Baltimore. All you non-runners make sure you come out for the fun, starting at 9 a.m.

Oh, and make sure you move your car if you're on Linwood... I learned THAT the hard way my first year here, but that is a story for another day!

love k

our patter is getting chatter!

2009-10-06T11:57:00.007-04:00

Soooo...I meant to tell you all about this last weekend but I'm horrendous at self promotion, clearly:

I got a lovely email from the Baltimore Sun telling me that Patterson Park Patter got a mobbie nomination! The Baltimore Sun is holding a competition for Maryland's Outstanding Blogs and Patterson Park Patter is nominated so go vote! You can do so once a day so let's show those blogsters out there how rockin' our community is :)

To whomever nominated this here blog, a big THANK YOU - it's great to know people are reading and smiling.

love k

Patterson Park Real Estate Newsletter

2009-10-02T11:35:00.004-04:00

Each month I put together a newsletter for Patterson Park with recent listings, sales and contracts, a featured real estate article, as well as neighborhood news and events. A strong, healthy community is an informed community so I do what I can to help make that possible!

To read this month's issue head to the yahoo group, the ning group, the facebook group, or online here. Or make your life easier and email me to join the mailing list.

Anyways, have a look and see what's been happening and what to do this month!

love k

bso bloggers

2009-09-25T22:17:00.001-04:00

It was with much surprise and excitement that I received two seemingly unrelated emails on Wednesday, with only the common thread of this blog!I'll tell you about one for now...

I was given two free tickets to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from their PR Manager as part of their "bloggers night." As part of the evening, there were speakers from various media writers, such as Tim Smith(Baltimore Sun), Anne Midgette (Post) and Chalres Downey (IonArts blog), who presented a casual presentation/Q&A session preceding the concert.

And, oh the concert! This being my first trip to the BSO and really my first symphony experience, I really had NO idea what to expect. Would I be bored? Would I be dressed appropriately (once again, a black cocktail dress is always a good call)?

Turns out I LOVED it. For starters, the concert hall at the Myerhoff is just gorgeous:

And the music! I loved it! The trio Time for Three opened with the symphony, playing an awesome fusion of classical, jazz, bluegrass...just all around awesome energy that everyone couldn't help byt get in to. Watch this - while not from the concert I saw you'll get a feel for the vibe and how totally adorable they are.

Here are a few more photos:

Anyway, I had a grand old time and I definitely would like to go on the reg'. There were definitely plenty of empty seats which was a little saddening - tickets are far from expensive ($25-$80) considering this is truly top notch music in the heart of our city. Talk to your neighborhood friends and plan to carpool over for a concert sometime. No matter what your normal musical predilections may be, I just know you'll love it.

Other good news to follow - I'm at the beach for the next few days so will finally have some time to relax and catch up :)

love k

my perfect (theoretical) roof deck

2009-09-24T13:38:00.016-04:00

When I purchased and rehabbed (a.k.a. essentially gutted..) my parkfront house 4 years ago, I discussed the option of a roof-top deck with my contractor. At the time he dissuaded me from spending my money on a roof deck due to the general lack of use that they get. Advising me to cruise around town on a beautiful roof-deck-perfect day and see how many people were using them, he was proven totally right - the fact of the matter is, people just don't tend to use outdoor space that isn't on a visual eye-level with daily indoor space.

Then there was the issue of access. My second-floor back bedroom has a small balcony, but not enough room for a spiral (plus I LOATHE spiral stairs - how on earth am I to bring up trays of delicious cocktails and hors d'oeurves while teetering on the brink of death?!?). My 3rd floor isn't full-depth, but there's 2 feet of vertical wall space from my 3rd floor floor to the 2nd floor roof level (is this confusing you yet? I'd take a photo but my camera is broken!). I can hardly have people climbing out a window to make it all feasible. Zoning and permits would practically slaughter me for trying. Long story short, the plan was nixed and I moved on, still coming in way over budget.

But lately I've been showing dozens of houses with roof decks all over the good ol' 21224. And my boyfriend's house has not one, but three levels of decks ---->

And so, dear friends, I've got roof deck fever. After consulting with the Canton roof deck king, Victor Kocent, I've found a few options and a general price range to mull over. So the next step is obviously roving the internet for beautiful versions of what I want to do.

I could go straight up over the stairs up to the deck but there isn't enough room for a normal stair. But one of these would work....

While against a million codes in the US I'm sure, they're totally fine in the UK for accessing loft spaces and the like, as you get half the run of a normal stair because each step is twice the rise. I particularly loved this one, coupling fantastic storage of books and records/cds with beautiful design:

Ideally, I'd like to have two levels of deck, however - one off my 3rd floor and then outdoor stairs up to the roof. I like the idea of having a large space to grill 'n chill that is virtually "eye-level" with the third floor to promote regular use. Something along the lines of...

Note the normal staircase leading up and away, NOT a spiral! I also really like this upper deck design, especially since it would face the park. The incorporation of natural elements of wood and grass (though surely fake...) are really appealing to me:

Soo...yeah, basically I have to figure out how to make a window a door without creating major structural issues or potential water incursion. I think I have a workable idea. Now I just need to squirrel away $12,000 to make my outdoor roof top wonder. HA! With my design wish-list I think I shall be looking at around $2 million...

love k

pagoda photoga(rapher)

2009-09-23T17:48:00.006-04:00

[Yes, I realize that title is beyond ridiculous. I can't help it]

I absolutely love when you see someone take an unfortunate turn of events and flip the script to make it an opening to a new opportunity. With the recent surge of job losses throughout our region, many young professionals have found themselves thrown into a tailspin when they're laid off. Some people, however, rise like a pheonix from the ashes of their former job to do something way more rockin'.

Take my former client and now friend Meghan Vince, who lives just a few blocks outside our neighborhood in Canton. After being laid off with dozens of her coworkers, Meghan started the frustrating task of job-hunting. Rather than fall into a spell of cabin fever, she picked up her old hobby of photography. Within a matter of weeks she was turning this passion professional, exposing a true talent for portrait photography. I mean, heck, just look at her website, people! These photos are amazing!

I was probably the worst model anyone could ever want, but even with a total lack of talent on MY end, Meghan definitely brought out the fun of being photographed. Which got me thinking... what a great backdrop we have in our midst - what better place to have some portraits of you, your loved ones, your pets, or your partner than around Patterson Park? Heck, now that I think about it... I have a hankering to have my business photo retaken with the pagoda behind me!

So if you need some awesome photos taken by a fantastic local lady who has found the silver lining in a tough lil' rain cloud, Meghan is your girl. You'll find yourself laughing and having a grand old time, and have some sweet portraits to admire and share. Remember, supporting local talent helps us all.

love kimi

a befitting benefit for halloween

2009-09-23T15:14:00.004-04:00

Have I mentioned the neighborhood benefit masquerade cocktail party (aka NBMCP) that I'm planning? I haven't? How rude of me! I'm practically bursting at the seam with excitement, friends. It's all my favorite things rolled in to one event - shall we break it down?

NEIGHBORHOOD! As though you need me to tell you how much I love Patterson Park and it's awesome residents
BENEFIT! The Creative Alliance, like so many local non-profits, has faced the loss of donor funding to support their fantastic events which keep local art and creativity thriving. The Great Halloween Lantern Parade is an annual event beloved by children and adults from within and outside of our neighborhood boundary. Donations from this event go directly to supporting the Parade's continued success
MASQUERADE! Oh, the mysteries of the masquerade just add such an element of old school class, don't they? I, for one, purchased my mask weeks ago, while others are making their own.
COCKTAIL! What better way to start your weekend that cocktails and hors d'oeurves?
PARTY! Decorations, food, drinks, candy, masks, cocktail dresses....need I say more?

Excited doesn't even begin to portray what I feel about this. Truly, the opportunity to help support one of my favorite neighborhood (nay, city!) events is one I welcome wholeheartedly. Hosting a worthy benefit with my favorite friends in attendance while dressing up with a mask is just about as close to heaven as it gets for me. If you are interested in attending or donating, please visit the event website to RSVP. love kimi

wil they, won't they... will YOU?

2009-09-23T14:14:00.006-04:00

The clock is starting to tick down on the $8000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit, set to expire at midnight on November 30th. While those of us in the industry are petitioning our hearts out to have it extended, as of now there is certainly no guarantee that the credit will continue. There is of course a lot of posturing about if this Federal Housing tax credit will be extended, increased, altered, or ended, but I would encourage you to assess your own housing situation as well as that of your friends, family, or colleagues. It's a perfect opportunity for you to toot the ol' Patterson Park horn, as we are a prime-priced neighborhood for first time buyers!

Here are some points to consider or bring up with others:

1. Buying a home can save you money - You'll save on taxes because your home purchase will give you what's most likley your biggest tax deduction - the interest on your mortgage.

2. Stabilize Housing Costs - As a renter, you may be subject to rent increases with each renewal, but with a fixed rate mortgage you can look forward to the same monthly principal and interest payment as long as you own the home

3. Build Wealth -Historically, property values tend to increase over time, especially if you're looking at a 5 or more year span. In fact, as a general rule homes are people's largest concentration of wealth and their biggest asset

4. Personal Gains - Owning a home has its challenges (no landlord to call to fix a leaky pipe!), but it also has its rewards, through a sense of personal gratification and the pride of home ownership. Talk to anyone about the satisfaction they felt upon buying a home and making it their own and you'll see why "home is where the heart is."

There are many other reasons to set your eyes on home ownership or to advise those you love to do so for their own financial, lifestyle, and emotional reasons. The current market offers unprecedented opportunities for first-time and move-up buyers alike. With extraordinary inventory, historically low interest rates, and negotiable prices, this is the time to consider your best move.

love kimi

welcome to our next-door neighborhood, Blue Hill!

2009-09-23T13:04:00.009-04:00

A couple of months ago, a new restaurant opened just one neighborhood over from us (about one mile from my house, door to door) on a prominent corner of Conkling and Dillon, turning an allegedly pretty down and out bar into the Canton area's newest hot spot. Blue Hill Tavern is now the talk of the town and the place to go for happy hour drinks or celebratory dinner. Whether you want to spend a few bucks on nibbles, such as smoked salmon tartar, or go the whole hog on the $52 Chateaubriand, you're sure to find something to please the palate.

While you certainly won't get dirty looks for showing up in jeans, you'll find that the majority of the patrons are wearing what I term "snappy-casual" attire, which I personally appreciate. With so many bars in the area, it's nice to have options for those times you just want to dress up a touch and not stand out.

You'll find there's plenty to please the senses as well, with a bar-long water feature, semi-private balconies on the second floor, and lovely service all around. When I recently went with two friends to celebrate a birthday, we had great cocktails, and assortment of appetizers, and delicious burgers all around. Learning that it was a birthday celebration, the servers let the birthday girl pick a dessert and brought it out with candle ablaze (and extra forks!).

If you haven't been yet, I suggest you put this new spot on your list the next time you're looking to leave the neighborhood for a night out or just a casual cocktail with friends or co-workers.

love kimi

let's go to the movies.. in the park!

2009-09-23T12:40:00.004-04:00

ok so this is so overdue it isn't even funny at this point. In fact, I haven't posted in so long it became this nagging task that I couldn't even face, but somehow the sunshine and pretty weather and upcoming vaca on my horizon has brought me around, so...

Hi! Great to see you all again - it's been so long! I've been busy with work and fun and life, so let's get caught up:

Many moons ago now, I went to my first "movie in the park"(The Never Ending Story, no less!) and it was a BLAST. Hosted by the "Friends of Patterson Park" throughout the summer months, "Moves in the Park" sets up in the small park near Ellwood Avenue, with a huge inflatable screen and several family friendly movies. Anything that gets people out of their house and in to their community is a great thing to me. More and more, I find that people are retreating their living rooms and dens to watch tv and play video games rather than get out in the world. Not only is this very isolating for people, it also means that ghey don't get a chance to meet their neighbors, enjoy their community, and take advantage of fantastic opportunities for young and old alike. So what better way to do all of that than by packing a picnic, gathering friends or family, and enjoying a movie together in the company of others?

I think that the "movies in the park" season may now be over - what a shame since I consider the fall to be the some of the BEST months to enjoy the outdoors - but let's all make a concerted effort to think of things that combine relaxation with community. What are your ideas?

(apologies for the poor photo quality - it was dark, and my niece is quick as a cat!)

glad to be back, and stay posted for more catch-up posts!

love kimi

green scene, financial facts, and real real estate

2009-07-29T15:40:00.004-04:00

Grab your schedules and plan ahead to head down the street to the waterfront for this great event at my office in Canton. We'll have experts from various fields (Want to green your home? Plan some investments? Find out about mortgages?), wine and cheese, and some give-away treats and prizes for our four-legged friends. Of course, you'll also have the pleasure of my company and the chance to see my sweet sweet office. You can also meet those ducks I've been going on and on about too...

But seriously, this is a great chance to ask questions of the pros, learn a few things, and bring along a friend you think might want to, say, move in to our neighborhood?

love k

breakfast is for the birds

2009-07-27T17:29:00.007-04:00

A short post, friends, but I had to tell you about something that made it totally worth the atrocious night's sleep I had last night. Or, to spin it more positively, a good reminder of why living so close to my office kicks booty. After essentially waking up for good around 4:30 a.m., I finally gave up and headed in to the office super early, it being a mere 2 minutes away. Totally lame, but hey at least I was being productive with the sunrise ratehr than tossing and turning, right? But it also meant that I was there when our receptionist arrived and began her pre-work ritual of feeding a mamma duck and her four little ducklings right outside our office! And you all know how I love to feed duckies!

Here are a few photos. Turns out Canton marina ducks are just as sweet and friendly as Patterson Park Boat Lake ducks! Just one more reason to come visit me at my sweet new digs - or should I say four more reasons?

love k

of the arts and the 80's

2009-07-26T21:03:00.017-04:00

For the first time in Baltimore history (or at least as many years as I've lived here), the weekend of Artscape was just gorgeous. With over 150 artists, great bands neat performers, and delicious food vendors, it's no wonder that Patterson Parkers were out in full force to take in America's largest free arts festival. In no time, we'd found each other (both by plan and coincidence) and did what we do best - socialize! Here are a few pictures I snapped that evening:

The rest of the week disappeared in a blur of settlements, contracts, and listings (Woohoo! Yay market picking up up up!), but this weekend more than made up for it. Friday brought another gorgeous evening, so N and I had a lovely, leisurely dinner at Three... With the sun setting over the park, great food and drinks, and neighbors stopping by our table to say hi and help us with our crossword, I got my regularl reminder of why I love where I live so very very much. Saturday was a little more on the go, however, with a neighborhood association board meeting (more on this another day) at my house, a listing appointment down the road, and then two great neighborhood parties. The first was a good ol' fashioned neighborhood house party, made better by it being put on my a fabulous host - truly, we had fantastic food and drinks in a beautiful home with the best roof deck I've ever seen. This roofdeck offered a pretty rad view of the storm rolling in over the city-scape.

But alas we could not dally too long, for we had a fundraiser to get to at Three..., benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A neighborhood resident plans to run the Baltimore Marathon in October, donating all the funds he raises to the LLS. A great crowd attended, with a nice mix of familiar faces and newbies partaking in delicious beverages, hitting the dance floor, and entering a raffle.

Oh, did I mention it was 80's themed?

love k