Mulberry Street

Difficult Run Supreme Court US Capitol Marine Corps War Memorial

Participating in today's march for women meant a great deal to me. I won't be complicit nor complacent while people face real social problems. I will not allow my children to fear their Mexican heritage. I will not let my little girl grow up in a world where "locker room talk" is acceptable. As a mother, I feel the responsibility to teach my children that: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." — Audre Lorde My family and I have a role to play in this important work.

We went downtown to support Eric while he ran the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.  This year the blossoms peaked on the same weekend as the race, so we gladly woke up at 5:30am to snag a good parking spot, watch the sunrise, and enjoy the scenery.  The morning was NOT a disappointment.  There are many places to see the trees, but my favorite is at the tidal basin.  It helps that the Jefferson Memorial is my favorite. Unfortunately, we only saw Eric run by once, at the very beginning (see terrible shot below).  The course was shortened by about a mile at the last minute, so my usual strategy to see him along the course fell through.  The kids and I made the best of it, however, and played on this tree and sat under the cherry blossoms.  It was actually relaxing. Eric ran with/against Owen to "defend" the "title belt" made from a WWF looking belt with a taped picture on the front.  Eric loves a good practical joke. ...

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is my favorite of all the memorials and monuments in the DC area.  Most people go for Lincoln, but there is something about this space that I can't get enough of.  I love the setting, the shape, and the simplicity of it's design.  I feel like every column, step and wall project Thomas Jefferson's quiet strength.  And then there's good ol' George Mason.  He sits alone as visitors pass him by, day in and day out (myself included).  Genevieve considered this memorial worthy of a visit and I'm glad that we ventured into the garden to pay George a visit. 8/6

PHOTO A DAY CHALLENGE - TAKE II 25. TIME We are lucky to live so close to the National Mall.  When we spend time there, I realize how much I love soaking in the sights and sounds.  I hope my kids can grow up with an appreciation of our country.  We are lucky to have peace in our homes, good education programs, and access to just about anything our hearts desire.  Sometimes, I think we take all those things for granted, but they are all things that took time to develop.