Sorry & Perspective

So, today's image is all about perspective, which has been a running theme in conversations this week.

In a revealing conversation with my sister today (which by the way, I love that she and I have them frequently), we talked about our perspectives on apologies and forgiveness.

I mentioned that saying sorry has lost it's meaning. Instead of people using it to express regret, apologize and/or willingness not to repeat past mistakes, it is used as a new pause button during disagreements and transgressions. At times, "I'm sorry" is said just to end an act that may be repeated again later. Sorriness can be part of a frustrating cycle of people saying it to stop a disagreement and then not resolving them.

Instead of sorry, I prefer for people to just be different, learning from the past and choosing better choices in the future. I desire more action over words.

Being different and acting differently has nothing to do forgetting what's happened. We don't actually ever forget, but through action, through forgiveness, we can let go and move forward. Forgiveness is a process. Forgiveness can't be given automatically, but evolves once the decision is made to start its journey.

At the end of the day, life is all about forward motion. Our words, thoughts and actions should propel us forward, progressing and evolving.

"I'm sorry" can hold great power in our relationships, if we truly mean them and embrace its promise to be different. Elton John sang that "sorry seems to be the hardest word." That's because when said with meaning, it can be difficult to say, difficult to really mean it. But when we really mean it, our lives can really change. We free ourselves to be different.

Snow and the Washington Monument

The weather in Washington, DC is like that Katy Perry song. It's hot. Then it's cold. It's warmer (not really hot) and then freezing again. Perhaps the ups and downs of the temperature gauge would be easier to take if there was a little snow falling to entertain us. Instead, we have lots of temperature changes and no snow.

So when the mercury falls, I find other ways to stay warm. Thinking of dear family and friends -- near and far -- is a good soul warmer.

Here's a lovely thought about the real definition of family to warm your heart too. While its author is anonymous, the sentiment should be remembered and taken to heart.

Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.

Snow and Shadows on the National Mall

Oh Monday, Monday. Why do you always cause me to sigh and breathe so deeply?

In order to get through dreaded Mondays, I meditate on the image of crisp, bright outdoor places, such as this photograph of the National Mall covered in snow. This scene is so serene and calming.

Farewell Monday. Let the countdown to the weekend begin.

Close-up of Bronze Tree in Snow

Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde once said, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."

As we start a new week, let's strive to do more living than existing.

Bronze Tree in Snow

Nature's color palette is remarkable. Even during the gray of winter, there can still be flashes of color like this bronze leaf tree on the National Mall.

Perhaps it is a reminder that in the bleakest moments, there is always a flash of life.

Truth in the Midst of a Lie

The Internet is like an enormous public library, except while it does offer lots of useful information, it equally provides as much misinformation as well.

Recently, my dad shared an email forward supposedly sent by his favorite comedian, Bill Cosby. After years of reading email forwards shared by family, friends and co-workers, I've grown suspicious of the attribution included in these messages. Did Bill Cosby really say all of those unpleasant statements about Americans? I didn't think so and I investigated it.

Within minutes of checking Snopes.com -- a site dedicated to tracking and documenting the truth about these email forwards -- I discovered that it was indeed another Internet hoax. Instead Cosby authoring that opinion piece about his tiredness with America's (and certain Americans') social issues, it was an unfamiliar former Marine who wrote it for a community newspaper. This is just another example of how sourcing sloppiness is running amok on the World Wide Web. Just this week, one of my co-workers wrote a great blog post about this plague of plagiarism and mistaken attribution on the Internet.

Once my public speaking professor shared that it takes only seven times to learn something, but 37 times to unlearn it. I've never been able to verify that statistic, but if it's true, that's quite a high cost for sharing incorrect information.

Today, I saw this fantastic quote on Facebook attributed to the Dalai Lama. Although it actually wasn't said by him, I still think it is worthy of sharing. At the end of the day, does it really matter if someone well known says something as opposed to just a regular person who had an insightful thought? I don't think so.

Words to live don't need attribution; they just need to be taken seriously and applied to our daily lives. So take in the life truth below and disregard it's inaccurate source. Somehow in the midst of the lie resides a great truth we should still think about and remember. Cheers.

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered, "Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

Standing in the Storm

Holding up the dome featured in yesterday's photograph of the District of Columbia War Memorial are a circle of pillars made of marble. They are striking, especially in contrast to the sparse tree of winter in the background of today's image.

Pillars are known for strength. According to the dictionary, a pillar is defined as "a tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument." Watching Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) resign from the U.S. House of Representatives and leave Congress on Wednesday reminded me of these pillars. What a remarkable human being.

In her farewell remarks to her colleagues yesterday, Giffords said, "I will recover and will return, and we will work together again, for Arizona, and for all Americans." And I believe she will return to the halls of Capitol Hill once more. It's what a great pillar would do, right?

The source of Giffords' strength and resilience must be founded in her recognition, understanding and acceptance of who she is and what is important to her. Before the terrible shooting last year and during the months after, you get the sense that Giffords really knows herself and uses that personal knowledge and truth to draw courage for the years of recovery ahead. As a result, she continues to earn the respect of her peers on the Hill -- no easy feat -- and keeps steady and focused on this challenging and frustrating road of recovery.

Another example of  pillar, Elizabeth Edwards, once shared in her autobiography what she wanted her children to say about her to their children in the future:

When they are older and telling their own children about their grandmother, they will be able to say that she stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way -- and it surely has not -- she adjusted her sails.

Life can be filled with so many storms. Like Giffords and Edwards, we must live to be steadfast and strong. We must strive to pillars that stay upright in the midst of life's own howling winds and blinding rain, willing to to adjust our sails to accommodate life's ebbs and flows. In the storm, we must stand and keep supporting our own life domes.

Thankfully, at least we still have Gabby Giffords in our world now to show us how to do it with courage, optimism and grace.

District of Columbia War Memorial Dome

Did you know that black-and-white images do not use the colors black and white?

Black-and-white photographs use shades of gray, otherwise called grayscale, to compose images. If the photograph was just black-and-white, it would look more like line art and its photo subjects would lack dimension and shadows.

Even though I love black-and-white photographs, I tend to keep most of my images in color. Gray-scaled images are interesting, but I find the color versions more appealing and honest.

For example, the colorlessness of today's photo of the dome of the District of Columbia War Memorial could make a great black-and-white photograph. However, I like the contrast and variation that even the little color present in the image creates for the viewer.

Oh, the Controversy of National Memorials

Somehow, war memorials are always lightening rods for controversy. The District of Columbia War Memorial, dedicated in 1931 by President Herbert Hoover, is the first war memorial built on the National Mall. Erected by the District to honor its own World War I veterans, unbelievably, the future of this simple monument is stirring much debate right now.

Currently the only memorial on the National Mall in honor of World War I veterans, there is a movement to turn this existing memorial into a national WWI memorial and expand the site using national funds. A subcommittee for National Parks, Forests and Public Lands in the U.S. House of Representatives will be holding a hearing today on a bill that would rededicate the District of Columbia War Memorial into the National World War I Memorial.

Of course, DC leaders are in opposition to this plan and want the memorial to remain a tribute to just Washingtonians who served in WWI. City lawmakers see it as another threat by Congress to extend its influence and power over the business of the District.

The saddest part of this whole debate is that the memorial is almost hidden from visitors on the National Mall. Surrounded by dense trees and bushes, unless you knew it was there, you could walk through the National Mall between the WWII Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial or along Independence Avenue and never see it.

I actually discovered it myself during an unexpected blizzard during a visit to the National Mall a few years ago. The snow fell so quickly and heavily that I had to stand in place and wait out the storm. I was terrified if I continued walking with no visibility, I would walk into a tree or worse, a wall of a monument. Once the snow stopped, I looked ahead and found myself gazing at this structure covered with snow. Completely unexpected, it appeared like a mirage of sorts.

I'm not sure where I stand on the rededication issue, although I understand both sides of the debate. Washingtonians already share so much with the nation and are protective of their own memorials and tributes. For loved ones of WWI veterans around the country, they would like their veterans honored and represented on the National Mall too; WWI is the only 20th century war involving Americans that is not nationally commemorated there. With new laws limiting the construction of new monuments or memorials on the National Mall, rededicating the DC War Memorial may be the only way WWI memorial supporters will get a national tribute to the American soldiers who fought in the "Great War."

The Great Mind Challenge

Yesterday, a good friend shared some famous words of wisdom by Eleanor Roosevelt on her Facebook page:

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

As familiar as I am with Eleanor Roosevelt's insightful quotations, I had not read that one.

At the end of the day, I'd like to be a "great mind." I'm grateful for the reminder on how to become one. I'm going to spend more time this year discussing ideas and less about events and people.

It's so easy for our conversations to become burdened by difficult to understand people and events, like trying to walk through snow drifts. Since we can't avoid troubling people and events, I'm going to use them to inspire new ideas and solutions and discuss those thoughts instead.

More Optimistic 2012

Welcome to the new year -- 2012. According to a recent survey, people are feeling more optimistic about the new year ahead. I concur; we all need a more hopeful year.

In honor of our renewed optimism, my adopted mantra for 2012 will be "Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose." If this saying sounds familiar, you are probably a fan of the television show, Friday Night Lights. If you're not familiar with the show, you should add it to your must watch list in 2012. Its touching characters and story lines about a small town high school football program in Texas will keep you inspired and optimistic in the coming year.

With this mantra, I'm challenging myself to keep my eyes and heart open in the coming months, so I can achieve (and receive) all of the blessings in store for me this year. While the world in 2012 may continue to be as lopsided and crooked as this snowman, with my new mantra as a reminder, I will aim to share its happy, cheerful grin in the days ahead.

Snowy Sidewalk

In my neighborhood, winter is passing into spring. Just ask my allergies. While I'm happy that our sidewalks are no longer covered in snow and ice, I'll miss the interesting patterns and scenes created by winter weather. However at the same time, I'm looking forward to spring's beauty.

Winter on the National Mall

Although often mistaken by tourists for a national shopping mall, the National Mall is actually home to our nation's historic monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Spanning from the U.S Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial and bordered by Independence and Constitution avenues, this open-area national park covers more than 300 acres.

But, the National Mall contains more than just national monuments. Along its 1.9 mile length are many of the Smithsonian museums and art galleries, as well as scenic gardens, ponds, paths and trees. The area is so large that at times, like in today's image, the iconic symbols of the area are not visible. At times when strolling through parts of the National Mall, you might forget that you are in the nation's capital. Until you turn a corner or arrive at a clearing, all of the National Mall's majesty will be at your feet and there is no mistaking where you are. However, the National Mall is in dire need of repairs. Visit the Trust for the National Mall to find out more information about how you can help restore this historic park and preserve its beauty for future generations.

Seeing What's Coming

Here's another example of how a switch in perspective can change a photograph's story. The Lincoln in Bronze statue is located in a circle in front of the cottage at Soldiers' Home, allowing visitors to walk around and appreciate the statue from different perspectives. As I photographed the statue, I took photos from every angle. This is one of my favorite photos from my Soldiers' Home visit. It tells the story of Lincoln just arriving home on his horse, Old Bob, and looking expectantly off into the distance, perhaps his son greeting his arrival or the somber future ahead.

Soldiers' Home

The cottage at Soldiers' Home was a refuge for the Lincolns during President Lincoln's first term in the White House. This house is one of several buildings that now make up one of America's oldest veteran military retirement homes that was first established in 1851. Lincoln wasn't the only president to reside here. Several presidents -- Chester Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes, and James Buchanan -- all used Soldiers' Home as a summer retreat to avoid Washington, DC's oppressive humidity and heat due to its higher elevation in the city.

However, Lincoln stayed here the longest -- spending at least one fourth of his presidency at the cottage. His time at Soldiers' Home gave Lincoln the opportunity to visit with the wounded Union soldiers being treated there during the Civil War, as well as the peace and solitude to focus on important executive orders, such as the writing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of more than 3 million slaves in the United States.

Lincoln in Bronze

Life in Washington, DC was difficult for President Abraham Lincoln and his family. Just months after becoming the 16th President of the United States, the southern states seceded and America's union of states was broken. As if dealing with a civil war was not enough, in his third son Willie died of fever in 1862. Lost in their grief, the Lincolns fled the confusion of the White House for a more peaceful life at a cottage at Soldiers' Home in northeast DC. The Lincolns lived there for more than a year and President Lincoln would travel between the cottage and the White House on horseback.

Today, the Lincoln's cottage at Soldiers' Home has been restored and in tribute to Lincoln, this bronze statue of the president and his faithful horse, Old Bob, greet visitors. Lincoln was such a remarkable man. Even though he must have felt as if the sky was always falling, he still found the determination and ways to move himself, his family and our fragile nation forward.

Shadows in the Snow

Did you ever consider the opportunities the ground at our feet offers for great photographs? Often, we focus our camera lens on just what is in front of of us or above us and miss photo options by not looking down.

During my stroll through Rock Creek Park, I admired and photographed the snowscapes all around me, not bothering to capture images of just the snow on the ground. Right before leaving, I looked down and caught a glimpse of the trees' shadows scattered across the snow. "What a cool image!" I thought and started taking pictures. Unexpectedly, this image became my favorite from my Rock Creek Park visit.

Ice Swimming, Anyone?

Due to freezing temperatures, I didn't expect to see any wildlife walking around Rock Creek Park during my visit last weekend. However, in spite of the weather, these ducks decided to take a swim in the icy creek. All I can say is better them than me. Just the frigid wind alone would have sent me into hibernation.

Sunlight in Rock Creek Park

Virginia and Maryland are known for their forests while DC is known for its monuments and classic architecture. However, the District also boasts a beautiful forested area as well called Rock Creek Park. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods and located near the center of the city, Rock Creek Park offers visitors winding roads, creeks, stone bridges, wildlife, horse stables and of course, scenic treescapes. Luckily, my first visit to the area followed a snowstorm, and thus I was able to enjoy the sunlight cascading through the trees and reflecting off the snow-covered ground. Looking at scenes like this one just makes me want breathe deeply and savor the chilly, yet crisp air.

Trapped

Yesterday, I treated myself to a quick getaway. I took out a Zipcar for the day and went to explore some new places in the District, places I've only read about but had yet to visit. And of course, I took my camera along to document my excursion. Luckily, lots of snow remained on the ground after last week's snowstorm and only added to the drama of Saturday's photos. I'm looking forward to sharing with you some of the photos from this jaunt.

Today's photo from yesterday's collection captures a familiar spot -- the Tidal Basin -- but in a way I've never seen it before. The entire Tidal Basin was frozen and covered with snow yesterday. I'm sure this happens every winter, however, I've never witnessed it before. This image features a tree branch, probably from one of the now bare Cherry Blossom trees, trapped in the frozen water. Yet while there is stillness during winter, like this trapped branch, I also discovered that there is life as well. In the coming days, I'll share some photos from my Saturday excursion that illustrate either the liveliness or silence of winter.