This Summer I... Went to a Train Station.

This train station happened to be beautiful... and there happened to be a couple having their wedding photos taken there as travelers, the homeless, and a hurricane milled about. Washington, DC. We were rained in. Everything closed down. Oh well, better luck next time. I look forward to another opportunity to visit our Nation's Capital.

This Summer I... Explored a City More than 200 Years Old.

I had the good fortune of having a tour guide who lived in Washington, DC for a little while. He took care of the travel arrangements and picked a great place for us to stay. The Hilton was right off the King Street exit of the Metro Line. I have to say... the Metro is incredibly convenient and clean. What a great way to get around! Here are some of my favorite photos from exploring Alexandria, Virginia.

 Guard Dog.

 Love, love, love the historic buildings and the way the community strives to keep them going.

 You mean, people can live by water?

 Will this be Adam's next bike?

 COBBLESTONE STREETS! (I had never seen this before.)

 Hound-faced door knocker. Holy.

 I am growing my small collection of bicycle photos from each vacation I take.

 Kitties like to hang out in the window too.

 A discarded love letter on the brick street.

 That's a sweet 'stache you have there Mr. Mannequin Head.

 There are these little alleyways all over the place.

 There is nothing like this in Arizona. NOTHING!

 Irene is on her way... break out the sandbags.

 This reminds me of a scary movie set in Colonial America.

 Heart-shaped leaf.

 Worn-down.

Adam trying to fix the 1, of 3 umbrellas I purchased during our 4-day trip. I finally broke down and bought one that cost more than 10 dollars. Total investment: $20.00. Thank you for a wonderful trip, henny. I love exploring with you.

This Summer I... Explored our Nation's Capital

We did not realize that August is a terrible month to visit Washington, DC. Sure it is green and lush, but the humidity and temperature both read 100... When you are getting around by foot, it makes for a sweaty and thirst-inspiring experience. Despite the weather conditions, we had a wonderful day visiting the National Mall and a few of the monuments. I hope I can go back again in the spring and fall, there is just so much do do and see! Plus... public transportation is easily accessible! Here are my photos:

 There were thousands of spiders building webs between the columns on this bridge.

 Planes rushed by overhead as traffic whizzed by.

 This photo is terrible, but the Lincoln Monument is breathtaking in person.

 It is almost as if Lincoln himself can hear you as you approach his statue.

 The Vietnam War Memorial... incredible, even at night. It draws you in as you become lost in the names of the dead. I am thankful my dad survived and grateful for his service to our country, though these Veterans were never properly thanked for their sacrifice.

 I am kind of obsessed with the Washington Monument.

 See!

 The World War II memorial, Adam's favorite.

 Despite the violence, the water helps provide a calming feeling as you reflect on what historical events have shaped not only our country, but the world.

 Adam has magic in his hands.

 Arlington National Cemetery.

 Marble everywhere!

 I love me some leading lines...

 and archways and columns.

 It feels weird to photograph graves... I felt kind of bad, like I was disrespecting the dead... then a tram full of tourists with camcorders in hand rolled by with the guide speaking over the megaphone.

 There it is again...

 The Kennedy grave site tourists. Myself included. How strange. Does this mean President Kennedy and Jackie O. are never able to peacefully rest if people are constantly stomping above their graves?

 It is a beautiful cemetery and place to remember to be thankful for what you have.

 More lines and shapes.

 Two... birds... on a wire... - Regina Spektor

 I thought it was cute that these kids were throwing pebbles into a puddle while their chaperone was not paying attention. (The Smithsonian Institution in the background. It was closed. Boo!)

 The beloved, and cursed, Hope Diamond. Quite mesmerizing. Guarded by a man with a gun, and in a giant, glass case. 

Edited with my new copy (licensed copy, mind you) of Light Room III. Thanks Adam!

In Honor of 9/11: Patriotism

My heart aches for those who suffered the loss of a loved one, and lived through the tragedy on this day 10 years ago. I cannot begin to imagine how they have managed to prevail over these past 10 years. Although I was not on the East Coast when this occurred, I recall walking down the stairs at my parents home. It was my first semester of college and I opted to live at home and get my prerequisite courses out of the way at Scottsdale Community college while I worked part time. Ten years ago I was 18.

As I turned into the living room I saw the images on the TV screen and noticed  my parents were watching in utter shock and dismay... then we saw the second plane hit. What a sickening feeling. It still disturbs me and I need to look away when it is replayed on television. How can humans be so misguided and full of hate that they will destroy lives? That morning I drove to my English 101 class, and remember how strange it was to see no planes taking off or landing at Sky Harbor. We sat in class discussing what we were feeling. That evening I was scheduled to work, and we ended up closing the store early.

Last month I had the opportunity to meet up with Adam in Baltimore, Maryland while he was out there for the annual Veterans Administration conference. We rode the train into Washington, DC and although there was an earthquake, and Hurricane Irene closed down a few of the places we planned on visiting, my husband and I managed to explore the DC area and Alexandria, VA. Here is our grand ole flag presented proudly on the streets where our Constitution was penned and historic events have taken place for centuries... even before the United States was formed.

Here is to the men and women who sacrifice everything to make sure our country remains "free" and safe. While we sit comfortably in our homes, where we do not have to worry about the constant threat of death, suicide bombers, IUDs, and roadside bombs--please take a moment to remember how many people are losing their lives to the misguided souls and evil forces that seem to have a grip on so many places in the world right now. Please remember the troops who are deployed and leaving their families, sometimes never meeting their children because their lives have been taken away too soon. To the troops who come back, trying to escape the haunting memories they experienced during their time away. To the families who struggle every day.

Let us not forget the true meaning of being an American (as so many have seemed to these days.) Let us do what we can as US citizens to guard the place so many are proud to call home. Democrat, republican, libertarian, green party, tea party, independent, black, white, brown, red, yellow, blue, purple, grey, Catholic, Mormon, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, Spiritual, gay, lesbian, straight, bi, trans, men, women, children, rich, poor, middle class, lower class, homeless, found, lost... why hate a person because he or she is different than you? Please be thankful to live in a country where we can be who we are, the way we are born. Be kind to one another. This is a country where whether or not you agree with the President, or the government, you can speak your opinions freely without the fear of a dictatorship killing you for not agreeing with them. Until you get to know someone, you have no idea what he or she has gone through. Prejudice is a tool of the wicked and I believe we can overcome it. By continuing to cultivate prejudice, it makes us no better than those who pray for our country's demise. Though our differences may seem vast... we are more similar than we think. Let us not preach the hate that breeds terrorism. Foolish as it seems, I want to believe that someday, good will overshadow evil. I am proud to be an American.

One of the most poignant results of 9/11 was how in the days and weeks following the attack, people banded together and we were a human race. We were united. Does it take a vicious attack on our soil to drop our walls and accept one another, albeit a short amount of time? I hope not.

I will step off my soapbox... it's been a really long time since I have publicly posted my feelings. So... there they are, even if no one is reading this. Here is a tribute to our Nation's capital, and the stars and stripes.