Spring Equinox

Equinox: occurs twice a year, when the plane of Earth's equator passes the center of the Sun. At this time the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. Basically... It's the first day of SPRING!

The day started out dreary.

But I managed to find some sprouts on my way to work!

Then, to my surprise a fire drill forced our office out of the building. It's a tradition (happening twice justifies calling it a tradition right?) to spend our fire drill time in the U.S. Botanic Gardens - so off we went as soon as we safely left the building.

We found the Orchid Symphony exhibit in full bloom. I've been meaning to go, so this was fantastic. Here are some pictures from the exhibit!

If you're in the DC area, you should make your way to the Orchid Symphony at the U.S. Botanic Garden before it ends! It's great way to celebrate the coming of spring (don't even think about that predicted snow next week).

It's also a great warm up for the beloved CHERRY BLOSSOMS!

Exposed DC: 49 images from local photographers + opening reception, after party

Since 2006, Exposed DC has been working hard at getting local photographers' exposure and resources through meet-ups, a blog and an annual exhibition. This year, the Exposed DC Photography Show will have 49 photographs on view shot by local hobbyists and professionals alike. Opening night is Wednesday, March 19th and a $15 entry fee gets you access to a local's view (and taste) of DC with favorites like Bluejacket Brewery, Boxwood Vinery, Founding Farmers + Farmers Fishers Bakers providing food and drinks.

Here are some of our favorite shots:

You can view all the winning images in the Flickr Group 2014 Exposed DC Winners.

Opening Reception Wednesday, March 15th $15 ($20 at the door) Long View Gallery 1234 9th Street NW, Washington DC 6pm - 10pm

After party at The Passenger 1021 7th Street NW Washington, DC 8pm - close

Exposed DC Photography Show On view at Long View Gallery until April 6th, 2014 Wednesday-Saturday 11-6, Sunday 12-5

remember that day it snowed?

It was gorgeous today in DC. We actually ate lunch outside (gasp) and I spotted a bizillion dogs soaking up the sun. I did not even have to carry a coat. At nearly 70 degrees people had shorts on and did not look crazy! Well, remember that day it snowed? I think it's gonna happen again next week...I took these photos last week and figured I should post them as a reminder that it's not quite spring yet. When you don't have to get through it, snow is pretty beautiful.

But we still can't wait for spring!

that time in Cannon House

Last week my grandmother was invited to go to the State of the Union address by a congresswoman in Arizona. It's so interesting to be in and around the people running the government, especially when it seems straight out of VEEP or House of Cards. They were literally trying to put a pin on a magnet so as not to puncture the congresswoman's clothes as she apparently does not like pins. Hey, I don't like holes in my clothes either, but the way in which it happened could not have been scripted better. There's more strangeness still sinking in, but the point is--life and people are strange. And that strangeness is funny.

It was an honor for my grandmother to be acknowledged for the work she has done for Veterans and everyone was very nice to us. My sister and I got to watch the event at a wine bar down the street and play bingo. Though I wish more things had been crossed out, at least some things were said. And it really is in our hands to create change. How, I'm still trying to figure out, but we will.

The strangest part was when my grandmother told a bunch of staff assistants a story about me as a child. Apparently I was about four, it was the Easter Egg Roll, I had met the Vice President but kept asking for the President and was very disappointed that I could not meet him. Everyone laughed at the cute story, how adamant I was and how much attention I demanded, and all I could think was: What was wrong with me? Why was I so annoying? Why didn't I meet the President? What ever happened to that Easter egg?

My dad always tells me how I used to do the wave on the mall. Like literally run around the mall and try and get other people to do the wave with me. I guess I haven't changed all that much.

And so--people do strange, annoying things and we still love them. Sometimes we vote and follow them. Sometimes we keep believing in them even when they just aren't quite doing enough. In light of the fact that we are all human, I guess the State of the Union was alright. Nothing terribly shocking, some of the unexpected, like the apolitical standing ovation, lots of sneers from the sidelines, and some great delivery, packaged hope and more rhetoric for us to trudge through. Like snow, it will melt and everyone will start slipping and sliding over it, or simply forget about it. I think I felt hopeful, but I also felt a bit like I was forced to enjoy something that was slowly, silently killing me. Rhetorically speaking, of course.

Anyone wanna start on a new constitution?

wanderlust wednesday: washington, D.C.

http://instagram.com/p/gvLmOLEp31/ Wandering with my sister in Washington, D.C. Follow her @valeretxe. She'll be blogging here soon!!

Seattle: Part 2 --In the City

If you've ever been to Seattle in October, you know how easy it is to fall in love. When the sky is clear and the leaves are fifteen different colors and you are biking through the endless parks in awe with a new friend, a coffee waiting at every turn and enough restaurants, shops and attractions to keep you busy for days.

You shop at Public Market, walk through the urban forests, grab a drink in Ballard with strangers, take the ferry across the Puget Sound, eat fresh oysters off the beach...you wonder why you don't already live in this super livable land.

And the then the fog rolls in and you hear the sun won't come back until March. The affair ends quickly and you pack your bags, going back to wherever you came from, with a light heart and a warmed soul.

After a year in Bilbao, Spain, I know how slight rain for long periods of time affects me, and I'm not quite ready to sign up for long periods sans sunlight. But I'll visit Seattle any day, rain or shine.

Take a trip on the water...

Ferry Tripping in the Seattle Wool Cap (get your own here)

Warm up a little at the Volunteer Park Conservatory...

Bike through the Sculpture Park...

Eat... and enjoy the ride.

Stay: Ace Hotel 2423 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98121--206.448.4721 Hotel Five 2200 Fifth Avenue Seattle, WA 98121--206.441.9785

Shop: Totokaleo 1523 10th Avenue Seattle, WA 98122--206.623.3582 Mon — Thur 11-6, Fri — Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5 Cairo 507 E Mercer Street Seattle, WA 98102 Mon — Sun 12-7 Ebbets Field Flannels (they handcrafted our Seattle Wool Cap!) 119 South Jackson Street Seattle, WA 98104--Mon — F 9-5, Sat 10-5pm Nube Green 921 E Pine Street Seattle, WA 98122--206.402.4515 Mon — Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5 The Elliott Bay Book Company1521 Tenth Avenue Seattle, WA 98122--206.624.6600 Mon — Thur 10-10, Friday — Sat 10-11, Sun 10-9

See: Frye Art Museum 704 Terry Ave Seattle, WA 98104--206.622.9250 Ballard Locks 3015 NW 54th Street Seattle, WA 98107 Olympic Sculpture Park 2901 Western Avenue Seattle, WA 98121--206.654.3100 Volunteer Park Conservatory 1400 E Galer Street Seattle, WA 98112--206.684.4743

Eat/Drink: Victrola Coffee 310 E. Pike Street Seattle, WA 98122--866.228.0206 The Walrus and The Carpenter 4743 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107--206.395.9227 Ocho 2325 NW Market Street Seattle, WA 98107--206.784.0699