The Baltimore Writer
Welcome to the Home of Rus VanWestervelt, where you will find discussions on writing (from poetry to memoir), reading, publishing, photography, education, nature, and all things related to Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, and the surrounding area.
Rus’ Latest Posts
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When We Know
This weekend has been filled with a lot of “huh.” moments. You might know the kind. It’s when you realize something is over, or some priorities need to shift. You… Read more ⇢
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Day 5: Reunion
This morning, I reunited with my best friend from high school (and beyond) after a 10-year “pause” in our best-friendship. Life, ya know? We picked up right where we left… Read more ⇢
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Day 4: [Re]Launch
Tonight, our family gathered around the television and watched the launch of Artemis II, a historic return to space as four astronauts began their 10-day journey to the moon (and… Read more ⇢
![Day 4: [Re]Launch](https://rusvanwestervelt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dsc_1068.jpg?w=1024)
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Day 3: Revitalization
In the last couple of days, I have taken two 3-mile hikes on local trails. The first was at Cromwell Valley Park, a moderate hike that took me through pastures… Read more ⇢
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Day 2: Rituals
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I have been doing a lot of reading since reclaiming my time. In 2024, I read 64 books (or 17,210 pages, if you like… Read more ⇢
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Day 1: Returning
In the past four years, I have made a more conscientious effort to “feed my soul” and focus on many of the joyful, creative acts that I have neglected for… Read more ⇢
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What Is Love?
It was the summer of 1985, I was a rising junior at Towson State University, and I was rebounding from a break up with my high school sweetheart. My friend… Read more ⇢
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Finding the Five: What Are You Most Passionate About?
As we begin our study of poetry in my English classes, we are preparing for our participation in Poetry Out Loud, a program sponsored by the National Endowment for the… Read more ⇢
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Building a Writer’s Online Platform
I need your help. In 2025, my primary goal was to immerse myself into my creative endeavors: writing, drawing, crafting, and photography. On all measures, I exceeded my goals. Much… Read more ⇢
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Thoughts in November
November has always been a great month for me. The first round of college apps and letters of recommendation is over, and I have historically used the 30 days in… Read more ⇢
Rus VanWestervelt 