Sunday Letter • October 6th, 2024
Updates and recommendations from the road and a song I had on repeat this week
Welcome to this week’s
Hello from the road! I am currently writing this week’s Sunday Letter from my Airbnb in Richmond, Virginia where I will be for just one more day before heading back up through the Mid-Atlantic. This is my second time here in Richmond, my first being when I came down here for recruitment work last fall. I drove down here Thursday night after staying two nights in Baltimore, and will be stopping in DC briefly before heading back home. As an art school admissions counselor, getting to travel to new cities, among other things, has been one of my favorite parts of the job. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen some of my favorite moments of this past week’s trip to the DMV area in my stories.
My work as an admissions professional is very cyclical―the fall is a busy season for recruitment travel and events, whereas the spring is about yielding students that I have successfully counseled through the admissions process to matriculate to the college. I spend more time at home in the summer, and (usually, but not always) have more time for homemade meals and other projects, one or two weekend trips to the beach with my friends, and generally more time spent outside and in the sun.
Despite being in a busy season, I’m being intentional this year about working on myself and not losing myself too much to my day job; staying connected to my passions and crafts, fortifying my personal brand, and formalizing some of my offerings. I’ve always loved to write and share, and starting my Substack (I was inspired by my friend
and her Substack) felt like the perfect outlet for me. This channel will also be a project of discipline for me―committing to this newsletter and my creativity is a way for me to do something for myself while simultaneously connecting with you all.〰
Anyways, without further ado, here is the first ever Sunday Letter.
“How Can I Ease the Pain” by Lisa Fischer
This song wasn’t brand new to me, but I heard it on someone’s Instagram story this week and it made me tap into just how good of a song it is. It’s been in my head and I’ve been singing it all day and night since Thursday.
Fischer has an INCREDIBLE voice, but this was the only album she ever released of her own music. She spent the bulk of her career as a singer providing supporting vocals for Luther Vandross and The Rolling Stones when on tour.
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Places to stay, go, and eat in Baltimore and Richmond
Baltimore
Accommodation
I always stay at guesthouse by good neighbor in the Hampden neighborhood when I am in Baltimore for work. It’s located in a great area, and accessible to great restaurants like Wicked Sisters nextdoor, a Photo supply store, a MOM’s Organic Market, and more. I have found it’s best for shorter trips, as guesthouse does lack some of the more practical accomodations for things, such as a means for reheating last night’s dinner leftovers, or for making yourself a hot cup of tea on a chilly fall evening when their café downstairs is closed for the day.
Still, I always take advantage of my free matcha latte that I get once daily on each day of my stay, and their seasonal bite offerings when I am between high school visits and need to catch up on computer work. There’s always good vibes all around.
Other notable spots
Wicked Sisters for tasty dinner―I liked their lobster ravioli and their mussels are good, too
Service Photo for my photographers out there, sells film equipment as well and the largest pack of Ilford paper I’d ever seen
Wishbone Reserve for vintage decor
I’ve still yet to get to see some art at:
Richmond
Accommodation
When looking for my accomodations for this trip, I found the sweetest carriage house Airbnb. Located in The Fan district (near all my favorite shops and good food), this Airbnb is tucked away in a little alley. It’s super charming and has everything one needs, including a full kitchen with all the fixings, breakfast nook, and a gorgeous bathroom downstairs. Upstairs, you’ll find a king sized bed (the lamps on the side tables have USB ports for charging your phone and, if you’re like me, your travel humidifier), storage space for clothes if you’re staying for longer, and a small full bathroom so that you don’t have to make your way downstairs in the middle of the night to use the toilet.
My favorite parts? The lower level full bath and full kitchen.
Other notable spots
Big Chile for authentic Mexican tacos and Tex-Mex cuisine―the lengua tacos were slammin’, best I think I’ve ever had!
Edo’s Squid for excellent (and I do mean good as hell) Italian food, everything was seriously so damn good
Afterglow Coffee Cooperative for pandan matcha or a non-alcoholic bev
Addison Handmade & Vintage―I bought one of my favorite pairs of black vintage Jordache jeans here last year so naturally I have to visit every time I come to RVA now!
Na Nin Studio―one of my favorite online store now has two locations in RVA: their flagship in The Fan district, and another location just outside Richmond in Bon Air
Casa Shop—gorgeous, one-of-a-kind art for the home. They recently opened up their studio to the public for shopping by appointment
I’ve yet to get to see some art at:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts―love that they’re open late
Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
That’s about everything I have for you from this past week. Catch you in two more from now!
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Kendyl
Very interesting read this week from your DMV travels.
honored to be mentioned in this post, and Lisa Fischer- what a woman indeed!!