Today, and Every Day

Happy Veterans Day

and

Thank You

DC Drama

 WWII Memorial

Back in June, Mr. Tide and I snuck away for an overnight in DC.  We were actually there less than 24 hours, and because we live within driving distance of the city, it almost seemed silly to rent a hotel room, especially considering the fact that we spent a grand total of about 6 hours in it!

But this was not a pleasure trip, I was asked by an art dealer to shoot images of the monuments and iconic places we all associate with our nation's capital.

 The Jefferson Memorial

I was actually thrilled to be going to a place I've been so many times before to capture glimpses of this beautiful city from my perspective.  I thought it would be nice to slow down and actually soak in the sites the way a first time visitor might, not an easy feat when you are used to zooming through the city to get elsewhere, or dragging a bunch of third graders around the Smithsonian for the umpteenth time!

 Jefferson Memorial

When we visit Europe, or any place outside of our own stomping grounds it's easy to be excited about what might be around every corner, soaking in the atmosphere and drinking up the architecture and vibe of that unfamiliar territory.  But when we live so nearby to places that others dream of visiting...well, we can become a little jaded.  Instead we are interested more in complaining about the traffic, the tourists, the traffic (ugh, just voted the worst in the country and for good reason), and we forget how special that place really is.

Do you think people living in Rome or Paris do the same thing?!  Take for granted the Eiffel Tower or being able to wander around ancient ruins?...probably, it is human nature after all.  Just ask most New Yorker's about the traffic and the tourists and I bet you would get similar responses.  But for those of us who live too far to just drop by those cities, we can't begin to imagine under appreciating all that they have to offer.

 WWII Memorial

Because it was June, really the height of tourist season in a city that never is without tourists, I decided that night shots would be my friend, though I did sneak in a few daytime shots.  And although the crowds were much smaller at 3 am...they were still there.  Shooting using angles is a photographers best friend when it comes to cropping out unwanted peeps in your photos.

The WWII Memorial, like all of the war memorials, is such a poignant and haunting place, especially at night.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

When you visit these memorials, you can't help but feel humbled by what they represent, and it renews a sense of pride in you and this city.

Iwo Jima Memorial

Strolling around after midnight on a hot summer's night, you can almost taste the history that surrounds you.

 Lincoln Memorial

Though DC is often known for its political drama...especially these days, there is another sort of drama I prefer to focus on.  Beautiful architecture, an abundance of culture, and a beauty uniquely its own.

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Happy Weekend Everyone!

Breaking the Rules

What a crazy couple of weeks since I have been back.  First of all one of the stories I wrote for Romantic Country made the cover!  This is the second time this has happened, another story I wrote made the cover of the last issue.  And even though I just wrote the story and didn't take any of the photos, it is still exciting to see them make the cover!

The talented Dan Mayers was the photographer, and Fifi worked her magic doing the styling on this beautiful home featured in the latest issue of Romantic Country.  And the homeowner, Sharon, who I now consider a friend, was so thrilled to see her living room on the cover...who wouldn't be right?!

Sharon owns a great store in Occoquan, Virginia called Brambles and if you are ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by.  I did a post on her shop awhile back...click HERE to read it.  The same time and effort she has put in to creating her shop is evident in her lovely home.  And her hand painted furnishings and artwork are simply beautiful!

I know that those of you who read Romantic Country will enjoy getting a peek inside Sharon's home, and I want to thank her for letting us invade her house to create the story!

(picture of us taken by my daughter)

Last Saturday, Mr. Tide and I ventured up to our nation's capital, to meet up with my bloggy friend Traci and her husband Jeremy from Atlanta.  Our daughter also tagged along as we strolled through the American History Museum, where we even got to see Julia Child's kitchen which has been on display for awhile now. 

We also managed to avoid the demonstrators and the pepper spray which was all taking place just a few blocks from where we were...phew!

Our daughter headed off to meet a friend for dinner, and the four of us went to Old Town Alexandria for a yummy dinner together.  It was great getting to spend time with both Traci and her husband, especially since we have known one another for several years now, both through our blogs, but before that through Garden Web, where we connected over kitchen remodeling.

So there you have it, I broke my own rule and posted a picture of myself, which I never, ever do!  Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age, or maybe I just don't give a damn anymore, hard to say which it is.  Either way, I'm glad I have a photo to remember the day, which was great fun!

Who knows what my next post will be, I'm going buck wild folks...I tell ya, it could get crazy around here!

Country Girl In The City

Ever since our daughter was born 23 years ago, her style and personality have been tough to pin down.  She loves going for drives in the country, but is equally at home cruising the streets of a major foreign city.   She can throw on shorts and head out in the kayaks, but loves to get dressed up and go to the ballet.

She is able to adapt to her environment, and even though she's not fond of change, she has learned to embrace a place once she is there and take in all that it has to offer.

After graduating from college, she decided she wanted to live by herself and explore the new city she calls home.  But after living on her own for the past year, she decided that having a roommate and moving to a different part of city would be a good change for her.

So a few weeks ago she packed up and headed to her new apartment.  It's in a great location, within walking distance of great shops, wonderful restaurants, and everything a 20 something could want!

When she showed it to us I was amazed at what a 23 year old can get when it comes to housing these days.  Of course it doesn't come cheaply when you live in the DC metro area, but wow, just look at the lobby of her building!

It's stylish, hip, and oh so chic...a far cry from any place Mr. Tide and I ever rented when we were that age!

Of course the hours are long at her job, she has to travel some, and well, working in the big city is always more stressful it seems, but she loves her new place and having someone to come home and talk about her day with, or share a meal together.

These photos were all taken without the benefit of a tripod, which is crucial for good indoor low light shots, but it was so pretty I just had to share it, so I snapped away...

I think it might be fun designing common areas for various apartment buildings.  You could try out all sorts of different styles and if you're anything like me, it would ease your inner design schizophrenia!

When I was little, I wanted a house where every room was done in a different style.  An Asian inspired room, French, Modern, you name it.  I always thought that would be so much fun and then you wouldn't have to settle on just one style!

I think Mr. Tide is happy I outgrew that notion!

By the time I got to my daughter's apartment after a day of running around shopping, it was getting dark.  But I wanted to show you a few things that she has done already with her wonderful new place.

Like these cute British and French inspired prints she found at Target.  She has spent a lot of time in both England and France, and they go perfectly with the black and white toile shower curtain she picked up!

The black and white theme, peppered with pops of red will help wake her up each morning as she prepares to head to her office!

In her bedroom she has filled one wall with a collection of frames and favorite photos.  Some are of her with friends and family, while others are photos she has taken during her many travels.

All the pictures were taken by my daughter, except for the one above.  It was a birthday gift from us recently, and it is the very handsome George, taken by the talented and sweet Kate of Chronicles of a Country Girl. 

Our daughter saw it over at Kate's Etsy store and told me how much she loved it and I have to agree, it is a wonderful picture!  I even picked up a wonderful yellow boat picture from Kate that I have yet to hang in my own home, it's so pretty that I am still searching for the perfect spot to put it!  And if Kate's pictures aren't beautiful enough, she is just as beautiful herself...she gifted me the picture of George and sent me a gorgeous picture of a daisy too...thank you Kate! 

Our daughter is still deciding what sort of bed she wants...she had originally thought about a platform bed, but she's hasn't made up her mind yet.

She did find bedding she loved though, and it was on clearance from Pottery Barn...like mother like daughter, she loves a good bargain.  She already had the pink floral shams and a matching quilt, but added the crisp white monogrammed duvet and shams for a change of pace!  The light came from Ikea and adds a little funkiness to the room.

I tried to take some pictures of the living room, but with the evening light streaming through the french doors, (which lead out to a great balcony) it just wasn't going to happen without my bounce flash which I was too lazy to go get out of the car.

I was able to capture these gorgeous autumn colored tulips that she picked up at the store though!

She truly is my child and loves having fresh flowers in her apartment whenever possible!  These were simply beautiful and so perfect for this time of year!

And check out this kitchen!  It may not be huge, but it's certainly is nice for a rental apartment.  It has absolute black granite counters, stainless steel appliances and opens up onto the living room.

The galley design is compact and efficient but there is plenty of counter space.  And the bi-fold doors lead to a large laundry room which has shelving for even more storage.

Our daughter and her roommate each have their own bedrooms, both of which are en suite...which is so nice for two girls sharing an apartment.  I think the girls have done a great job already of making it home and infusing their own style into the space even though they've only been there for a few weeks.  

I'm sure it will continue to evolve over time, just like the both of them will.  And with its perfect location, it really is a dream place to live when you're 20 something and living the life of a country girl transplanted in the big city!  I can't wait to visit often!