gardens

I have been traveling a bit as of late - Chicago, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Connecticut. Getting through security has been a humorous learning experience but more on that later. Let's just say that I learned my lesson after trying to sneak through the "Premier/First-Class" line with my "Back of the Bus" ticket and getting caught. Luckily no hand-cuffs were involved. But, all the pat-downs aside, the journeys have taken me to some beautiful places. Here are a few highlights:

My last visit to St. Louis allowed me the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Gateway Arch. The experience was powerful, much more so than I expected. The structure sparkled in the sunlight, rising up from the ground in a dance of metal, elegant and strong. As I sat on the grass underneath the rainbow of metal overhead, I was filled with hope. Hope and possibility suspended in air.

My travels to Washington, D.C. brought me to the beautiful gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, a historic mansion in the heart of Georgetown. The artistic design of the entire property is magical. From every vantage point, the eye is given a new perspective on the various "rooms" and cutting gardens. The benches throughout the gardens invite as a quiet place for reflection or reading nook of sorts. I particularly loved this walkway with the alley of trees.






Finally, to Connecticut, to the backyard where I learned how to sunbathe and jump on a trampoline. My mother's garden is quite possibly one of my most favorite places in the world. The roses were in full bloom outside my window, while a vase full of them graced my bedside. Quite a perfect way to wake up on Memorial Day to remember all of those who devote their life and devoted their lives to keeping this country safe.