Typewriter Poetry: McClintock Distilling

Together, Mark Petersen and I are the Typewriter Poets team. This past Saturday, we were honored to participate in McClintock Distilling's Rye release party.  It started off with a bang, eager fans ready for their whiskey in a line stretching up the hill and down the street.

There was a whole smoked pig provided by P.I.G.S barbecue, as well as delicious cocktail mixers provided by The Sweet Farm (I picked up some of their delicious Strawberry Ginger Beer) and Element Shrub.

We wrote poems from 12-8 and met many wonderful people throughout the day.  The Distillery employees were awesome and generous people, as were the guests!  We loved getting to know a whole heap of people and writing poems to celebrate their dogs, encourage them during a tough season, honor their engagement stories, or simply join them in a laugh.

Mark and Jeff are happy to bring their typewriter poetry to your event - not only do we do street poetry at markets, bars, and events such as this, but we can also add a unique and meaningful element to your wedding, corporate event, or party!  Visit www.typewriterpoets.com to learn more.

What Holds You Back?

There is a good chance that, right now, you have something burning a hole in your mind, all because you read a single question. What holds you back?

Is there a dream you are, at best, half-heartedly pursuing?

Is there a project left unfinished, longing to see the light of day?

Are you too busy helping other people, not out of genuine care, but because it's easier to help others accomplish their goals than to see to the fruition of your own?

Are you waiting for permission from outside sources, when maybe it's you who needs to give yourself a green light?

Are you afraid no one will like it, no one will care, no one will help you?

Perhaps, dear heart, you need to get on your feet, dust yourself off, and try another way.

Perhaps, dear heart, there are a dozen people just waiting to cheer you on.

Perhaps, dear heart, the realization of your dreams will be an incredible blessing to others.

Create. Build up. Nurture. Discover. Connect. Love. Tend. Restore.

You may find that the fear that holds you back, in the end, was hardly more than a phantom.

Photos are of various scenes at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, MD.

Ellicott City Prints to Support Flood Recovery #ECSTRONG2018

Work continues in the efforts to restore and rebuild historic Ellicott City as residents and business owners get back on their feet.

I am selling prints of several Ellicott City images to support these efforts.  ALL profits from these sales will be donated to the EC Partnership for distribution to those affected.  You can purchase them here. As of today (June 19th), we've raised about $75!

There are many other ways to help with recovery.  Consider going to one of the many fundraisers at restaurants, breweries, and other businesses.  Consider donating to the EC Partnership directly. Consider volunteering your time as a Recovery Volunteer.

Thank you for giving back and loving our town!

Thomas, WV

It’s the little surprises along the way that often make road trips truly memorable.

Such was the case with a recent trip to Elakala Falls. As we drove through field and mountain, Deep Creek Lake fading in the distance behind us, we happened upon a small town called Thomas.  The rural countryside suddenly opened up to reveal a charming small town: brick storefronts on our left faced a river-fronted forest to the right.  

One of many beautiful buildings

We stopped in on the way home from the falls, with only a limited time before the shops began to close.  First on the list was Thomasyard, a unique florist & gift shop with a great variety of pottery and knick-knacks.  From there, we passed a few antique stores and art galleries that had already closed for the day, but included enough enticing objects in their window display to ensure an affirmative decision to return.

Flowers, mugs, and more!

Next was TipTop, a beautiful coffeehouse and bar.  They had interesting art and edibles for sale, as well as a great selection of beverages and desserts.  Certainly a watering hole worth another visit!  Unfortunately, we had to run, so it was back into the car for us.  As we drove away, it was clear we only had scratched the surface - many more storefronts beckoned!

Some of the items available in Tip Top

There is much to see in this small town.  Just under an hour from Deep Creek Lake, and only ten minutes from Blackwater Falls, it’s an unquestionably good choice to add Thomas to your adventure itinerary.

Have a seat on this delightful bench!