Christmas in DC
I went to the Messaih Sing-a-long at the Kennedy Center with Mom, Dad, Rich and Jen last night. In front of us were an entire row of music majors from JMU who were sight reading and belting out the pieces. It was great to have them as a crutch and to be able to sing with them. My sight reading skills have definietly declined, but I was keeping up quite well! Tough to really sing when you are congested, but it was a good time.
Rich, Jen and I then took off to carry on a tradition that I have of shooting the monuments and memorials at Christmas. The last time, two years ago, I shot on the 24th by myself and it was quite magical. I enjoyed the company of Rich and Jen and they were super troopers to stay out in the cold with me that long!
I made it to the WWII Memorial for the first time -- it is absolutely beautiful. I definitely have to read up on the each of the pieces and the layout to grasp even more meaning. I love the fact that it caps the reflecting pool, has wreaths for each of the states, and detailed bronze murals that depict so many different aspects of the war effort. The tribute to women's involvement, back at home and on the front, is appreciated and lacking in some of the other memorials.
This was also my first trip to the FDR Memorial. It is sprawling, as compared to other president's memorials, and takes on so many different periods that span his presidency. The soup kitchen line of bronze men is frightening -- I expected at any moment for the statues to come to life and reach out to me. Their faces emote depression, their hands and feet are cold to look at, their clothes are worn thin and cling to the bony frames beneath. Quite touching to view and reflect upon as we head into a holiday season of abundance.
Happy Holidays to all. I have been putting together a list for which I am thankfull and will post it in the coming days. My thoughts are with so many people right now: my family whom I am with; my family in San Francisco; friends that have passed; friends that I am not currently in contact with; loves that I have infrequent contact with; business partners whom I blessed to have in my life. To all, may your holiday exceed your expectations and be a foundation for the coming year.
Rich, Jen and I then took off to carry on a tradition that I have of shooting the monuments and memorials at Christmas. The last time, two years ago, I shot on the 24th by myself and it was quite magical. I enjoyed the company of Rich and Jen and they were super troopers to stay out in the cold with me that long!
I made it to the WWII Memorial for the first time -- it is absolutely beautiful. I definitely have to read up on the each of the pieces and the layout to grasp even more meaning. I love the fact that it caps the reflecting pool, has wreaths for each of the states, and detailed bronze murals that depict so many different aspects of the war effort. The tribute to women's involvement, back at home and on the front, is appreciated and lacking in some of the other memorials.
This was also my first trip to the FDR Memorial. It is sprawling, as compared to other president's memorials, and takes on so many different periods that span his presidency. The soup kitchen line of bronze men is frightening -- I expected at any moment for the statues to come to life and reach out to me. Their faces emote depression, their hands and feet are cold to look at, their clothes are worn thin and cling to the bony frames beneath. Quite touching to view and reflect upon as we head into a holiday season of abundance.
Happy Holidays to all. I have been putting together a list for which I am thankfull and will post it in the coming days. My thoughts are with so many people right now: my family whom I am with; my family in San Francisco; friends that have passed; friends that I am not currently in contact with; loves that I have infrequent contact with; business partners whom I blessed to have in my life. To all, may your holiday exceed your expectations and be a foundation for the coming year.
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