Opening day and Orioles magic
I know I talk often of seasonal rituals—the importance of holidays, taking time and space to recognize the passing of the days—but right now, I’m gearing up for possibly my favorite seasonal ritual of all time: opening day. Baseball season is, at last, upon us. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been following the Orioles offseason with great excitement. When we signed Pete Alonso, I knew this season was going to be one to remember. Now, with our pitching rotation looking steady as can be, and some incredible talent in our starting lineup, I think this might be a very good year for some Orioles Magic!
The experience of opening day really demands being present in the moment. The sensory tapestry of Camden Yards—the smell of Boogs’ pit beef sandwiches and the hot pretzels and popcorn, the booming voice of the stadium announcer and the buzz of the stands alive with chatter and energy, the bright sun on the green field and the orange carpet, of course, rolled out for the occasion—it all creates a sort of special magic. The Yard comes to life, in that way, made living by the anticipation and enthusiasm of the team and the fans alike. Even watching opening day from the comfort of your own home, you’re just as enraptured by the energy, by the thrill of a new beginning.
In that sense, opening day is both, of course, a yearly ritual, a signal of spring, and also an opportunity to start fresh. No matter what happened in the season before—unfortunately for the Orioles, I can safely say the 2025 season was not their best year—opening day offers an opportunity to start over. With fresh and familiar faces alike, the team is both the same—always the Orioles—and somehow also reborn. There’s nothing but possibility in this moment. Who knows where the season will take us?
That ability to be yourself, and at the same time a new version of yourself, a fresh version, is really wonderful. You want to carry with you your fundamentals—your values, your tastes, your history—and at the same time, sit comfortably in the fact that you’re always growing, always changing. Spring is always an opportunity for embracing that growth. Who were you last year? With your strength replenished by the interiority and restfulness of winter (though with all the snow shoveling, maybe this particular winter wasn’t too restful), where will you go? Who will you be this year?
As always, I’d like to bring this back to your home. In this malleable moment—between what you were, and what you can become—is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your space. Does your home reflect who you are? Is it open to who you might become? Does it work for your lifestyle? Does it meet your daily needs, or are there gaps, places where there’s room for some new development? Home is where we start and end our days. It sets the tone—just like opening day can set the tone for a team’s season of baseball. So: is your home setting the right tone?
If not—don’t fear! That’s what I’m here for. Send me an email, anytime. I’d love to be part of your new journey, and help make your home yours.
Well, t-minus two days until opening day—I better go plan my Orioles outfit!