Category: Washington DC

My new friend | Washington D.C.

Not because she’s popular and beautiful, but because of her intrinsic qualities of generosity, openness and intentionality, I’ve made friends with Washington D.C.

friend washington dc

The first time we met, I was a little shy. I awkwardly navigated her streets and parking garages. When I should have been making eye contact, I looked down at my phone for directions. Thankfully, over time my comfort level grew and I began to see the inner qualities that really make her shine. Continue reading “My new friend | Washington D.C.”

Washington DC: moving from foreign to familar

“Welcome to the District of Columbia” our phone chirps. We enter the sacred space of our country’s capitol with claps and cheers erupting from those enthusiastic enough to commit outward excitement (namely me).

A PLACE WHERE THINGS GET DONE

The buildings here proclaim their space with grand statuesque importance ensconced with pillars, sculptures and laurel leafs–nods toward ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Monuments honoring men whose names evoke my respect and awe (as well as others whom I fail to correctly categorize), cast their shadows on our path. Street names call attention to historical people, places and documents and all the while activity hums and churns. If a collective breath was held, I believe I could hear legislative decisions being made behind closed doors. This is a place where things get done. Continue reading “Washington DC: moving from foreign to familar”

photos, videos and false teeth

We’ve arrived in Washington DC ready to plant seeds of information from this historically rich soil deep in our hearts.

Today we spent hours walking the grounds of Mt. Vernon where George Washington lived (and died). We marveled at the man who did so much for our young nation. Our respect has risen in equal proportions to our understanding of who he was.

As much as I admire him, I do pity his dental problems. I learned that Washington was afflicted with tooth issues all his adult life. At the time of his inauguration in 1789, he had only one working tooth remaining. His dentures included human, cow and horse teeth, ivory (possibly elephant), lead-tin alloy, copper and silver alloy!


I can’t imagine trying to eat or talk with those things in my mouth. America can hardly keep from harassing Donald Trump’s hairstyle. Can you picture how harsh social media would be on a president who would barely smile for fear of the look he would produce? It made me kind of glad that George lived before our age of Instagram and YouTube. Its easier to focus on the inner qualities that truly made him the best man for the job rather than being sidetracked by the exterior. Continue reading “photos, videos and false teeth”