There is a saying on my phone’s lock screen which reads:
Have you seen today’s beauty?
It was put there years ago by a friend. Probably my best friend.
I wondered if I’d see beauty in D.C.
A city full of concrete and noise,
I considered rock concerts from my past,
welcome to the jungle.
I imagined where everyone who accompanied
and passed me down the sidewalk, was going.
I read their faces as best I could. I thought I’d see stress, overload, and even concern. I did.
But I also saw joy, friendship, health, and love amongst the lights and stone.
I must have questioned if I would …
The sky was blue most days, what’s not to celebrate?
People find companionship with one another over similarities,
the obvious return is doing life together.
Accepting what our hearts and bodies need is universal, and so we work to treat them well.
We’re more alike than we are different, I’m sure
someone important came up with the saying.
But we are different, and embracing this is key.
– Learning –
A collection of photos and poems from D.C.
Oldest Daughter & Red Headed Sister 
You capture the beauty of travel, experience the new of a foreign place so very well, Audrey. Amid all the different chaos places offer, I agree wholeheartedly with the idea that among us all is a special joy of life, shared with friends and family. It give us the inspiration to continue to create a beautiful life worth living and experiencing. And what a cool photo of DC ~ one day I’d like to see and experience it myself. Take care, my young friend 😂
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Of all people, Dalo, I expected you to have visited DC. How strange beating you to it. However, you know more than most on the topic of travel. You inspire me with your thoughts and findings along the way. I am constantly inspired by your inner voice and the lessons you learn and share. There is beauty in chaos, and I’m here for it.
“Young” hahaha. No, not really, but probably younger than some. Giggle. Take care, Dalo. 😇
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I always liked visiting Washington. Your reading faces is so Audrey.
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Haha. I’m sooo predictable, John! I actually cried a lot in DC. Loads of heavy stuff to consider. Can’t wait to share moments here.
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We love heavy moments.
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Well, not all were heavy. Phew! Thankful for that. LOL
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😊
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Sometimes people miss the chance to see beauty, glad you saw it.
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Thank you for being here, C. I enjoy watching for beauty. You probably don’t remember typing the message on my phone. Having it there to see daily is a nice reminder and memory.
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I do.
My recent life is an excellent example. There is a choice, a daily question of what to see. Between loss, pain and problems or seeing how many blessings I have. Even crossing the nadir I had good days simply because I was able to see so much beauty and I’m glad you’ve done so too.
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You continue to be a very good example of seeing the good for those around you. I really enjoyed the history and lessons I took away from many of our stops. Loads of walking, you were right, in fact nearly 45 miles in 5 days.
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I’m glad y’all got to do that. I’m grateful y’all did it in March. Interested in redoing it in July?
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I remembered your explanation as to why visiting this time of year would be ideal. I actually referred back to a lot of your suggestions for this trip. July? In a completely air-conditioned bubble? Yes, wonderful idea. 🤣😂
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In fairness it isn’t bad this time of year. It may be cool or windy or raining but, overall, not bad. Glad it worked out and hope the weather was good for the activities done. Funny how the definition of “nice out” changes by the end of the third block.
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On the fifth day we went outside around 8 am and I was like…wait. Something’s different. The slightest bit of humidity in the air made for a totally different day walking, for sure. Nebraska has humidity. I know it well. Another moment when I giggled to myself over one of our conversations about visiting DC.
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The origin of the capital need not be recounted here but, to them (at that time) it made sense. That said a national capital built on swampland is prophetic. Muggy at 0800 in March… “Here’s your sign.”
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So interesting as our society progresses, how we begin to sound more and more like our grandparents.
Great comedic commentary here. I appreciate the laugh. So true.
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For better or worse I know that swamp from multiple angles.
Wonder how many realize contestants have pledged to “drain the swamp” since it was a swamp. Part of the reason was the actual arguments over methods and funding of the actual swamp. Funny how easily we forget.
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I know you do, C. Not so sure anyone is ready for the work required to repair said swamp. Sadly, too much is allowed to get in the way.
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Generation after generation finds it easier to fit in. After arriving bright eyed and bushy tailed they meet life. Through a series of imperceptible changes they arrive at a comfortable new spot of conformity. Here they nestle in never pondering the reason we retain the word Byzantine, never giving a thought to what it represents nor wondering if they are doing their small part in the remaking of that production. I never moved there because I never wanted to be comfortably ensconced in it.
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He’s already changed in many ways. In that world and of that world is so different. The hard work is not allowing the garbage in. A strong faith, the belief in family units and truth must always be present. He goes to the Lincoln memorial at night and just sits near him. Byzantine. Yes, well, he has always been my non-fiction student. I hope he learns so byzantine is less cumbersome.
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I hope he does and that there are many more of him as there is much to do over years.
Haven’t been there since the 80’s!
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It’s a waiting game to see what he decides, but he surrounds himself with some incredibly ethical people. I admire that about him deeply.
Your service – and all the miles you’ve traveled – is appreciated and I’m grateful for your serving heart. I’ve seen it in action.
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Pondering him, and others, has me here.
Thank you
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I’ll let him know you were thinking of him. Thank you
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