Cemetery #91

I say that nature and time are patient and merciful because they move slowly - Affording the deceased respect and survivors time to mourn and honor their loved ones before slowly and incrementally starting again anew. . .

Oddly, where I originally found disgust for the state of this cemetery, I'm now finding hints of comfort.

In the last analysis, the individual person is responsible for living his own life and for "finding himself." If he persists in shifting his responsibility to somebody else, he fails to find out the meaning of his own existence. - Thomas Merton

Cemetery #88

Nature encroaches on the cemetery - even in the City. C a rather reluctant, but always supportive participant, mumbles some comment about "This is why I want to be cremated. Who really visits deceased folks in cemeteries?"

Hmmmmm. . .At the time, I agreed with him. I would rather be cremated. I've always felt that way.

However, for some burial is the only option - especially if religion dictates so. And at first blush this pic looks like a bunch of unkept, disrespected final resting places. My immediate reaction was to be appalled.

But maybe, just maybe, this is exactly how it's supposed to work. Nature wholly reclaims the body and re purposes it. Eventually, the markers will erode - just as naturally as all other rock turns to dust.

Nature and time become the great equalizers - it happens to us all - not matter your station in life. Nature and time become the ultimate repurposers. Nature and time are not relentless and cruel but rather merciful, patient, and gentle.

For me it's tremendously humbling.

The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #85

Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #84

I didn't even notice the branch/vine coiling around the neck area until I looked at this picture. I take very few pics I like - these are definitely right up there.

Cemetery #82

When ambition ends, happiness begins. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #81

I became really interested in photographing sculpture and monuments when we went to the Basilica.

This was the kind of picture I had in mind when I started thinking about photographing the cemetery. From the road, I could see all these aged monuments and markers. I would love to visit here at all hours to see how the light plays off the stone.

I've always been haunted by the cover of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I guess this was inspired to some degree by that cover.

Cemetery #80

I don't often think about what will happen when I die. It comes and goes - sometimes I think about it a lot and other times months and months can go by. That may likely correlate to how many times in one week I'm nearly squashed by an SUV -both in my car and as a pedestrian.

And in the cemetery yesterday, I didn't particularly think about it much. These photos don't make me reflect much about it even now. That wasn't my intent or vision when I took the photos. I was respectful while there without question. . .but that's not what these photos are meant to represent.

Cemetery #75

Part of the Johns Hopkins facility can be seen in the background. Notice the beautiful monuments almost entirely obsecured by weeds.

Cemetery #71

This is the final resting spot of countless wonderful human beings. What does it say about our society that we allow this sacred place to fall into disrepair? (You will see in some pics - horrible disrepair).

Cemetary #70

This cemetery is tucked between a major highway, some Section 8 housing, and a school. We drive past it frequently and for the longest time I thought about how so much of it seemed forgotten and neglected. And that of course, was just the start. . .

What Have I Done NOW?! #68

I realize I have some explaining to do. What kind of sick freak takes photographs in a cemetary? Stay with me. . .

The Shot Tower #67

Ok. . .Apparently C is very excited to tour the Shot Tower. This should be perfect for my fear of heights and confined spaces. Tours are by appointment only. . .

The Phoenix Shot Tower was built in 1828 and at 215 feet tall was the tallest building in the US until 1846. Apparently, they used to make about 2,500,000 pounds of "drop" shot annually in the tower up until 1892.

The guide at the Carroll Mansion was telling us that if you search the Internet for the Phoenix Shot Tower (or maybe Baltimore Shot Tower) there are all kinds of made up stories and rumors about what it's used for. He said one account said the city stored it's gold there. Ha! I haven't Googled yet. . .Maybe while I'm waiting outside waiting for C to emerge from the tour and my panic to subside?!

Carrollton Inn #58

Carroll Mansion #61

View of the Mansion from the Courtyard area.

Carroll Mansion #62

The Carroll Mansion #64

Carroll Mansion #60

The Carroll Mansion #54

So as you might recall, I've been reading and learning about the Carroll family and their presence in Maryland. The Carroll Mansion was the winter residence of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He was cousin to John Carroll - whom we learned about at the Basilica, and was also related to Carroll the Barrister of Mount Clare. Carroll of Carrollton was the last surviving signer of Declaration of Independence. (And if I recall the only Catholic signer).

The mansion is undergoing restoration and was very sparsely furnished but the docent was excellent and more than made up for the decor. Here is the beautiful staircase.

The Carroll Mansion is located at 800 East Lombard Streets. Tours are given year-round Wed-Sun, 12-4 (mainly on every hour) or by appointment. If the place isn't a mob scene, ask for a sneak peak of the adjacent Carrollton Inn. It's owned by same family that runs the Gammercy Mansion and it's easily just as well appointed and charming. The clerk happily showed us at least 5 of her favorite rooms, the dining room, the parlor, and the gardens. I might just ask for an overnight visit there for our anniversary it looked so great!

Fells Point #52 - Lancaster & South Durham Sts

I haven't been at the intersection of Lancaster and South Durham Streets in ages. Johns Hopkins has been on a major building and development spree for quite some time now. C and I were astounded to look up Durham Street and see the massive, multi-colored glass-front building at Hopkins blocks and blocks away.

Fells Point #50 The Wharf Rat