Photojournaling at Eastern Market

Greetings!

While at Eastern Market last weekend, I decided to practice my photo"stalking"/ photojounalism skills. My friend Nicole is a super cool lady who loves shopping just as much as she loves activism. She came to DC to celebrate her birthday and asked me to take a few pics of her. Never being one to turn down a photo opportunity, I happily agreed. Here are some pics of Nicole shopping in one of DC's most eclectic marketplaces.

-S. Christine

Pretty Little Things

Earlier this week I paid a visit to Eastern Market, one of the most charming neighborhoods in DC (in my humble opinion). While browsing the marketplace for new artwork, I came upon a vendor who was selling some cool pieces made from recycled materials. I had to take a picture and share just a few of the cool things on his shelf.

- S. Christine

Let There Be Light

Walled within an Eden-like sanctuary, the front yard of the San Juan Hotel is manicured with lush greens, and the picturesque beach that serves as its backdrop frames the structure ever-so-perfectly. It's easy to have a jaw-dropping moment of awe, stepping foot on the grounds of this Waldorf Astoria owned gem. However, the inside is easily just as breathtaking. The stunning decor exudes richness and the furniture is plush, yet chic. The dark colored fabrics with golden undertones and antique pieces, commingled with modern art selections, create a mysteriously elegant feel. More than anything, I was mesmerized by the lights within the hotel. They were striking. Here are a few of my favorites.

Marie

Puerto Rico: Rest and Relaxation

I love the water. I love the beach. Nothing in the world makes me feel more relaxed. Sharing these next few pictures is my way of spreading the R&R.

A Puerto Rican Dream -- Images Coming Soon

Two weeks ago, I decided to take a quick trip to Puerto Rico. I left on Saturday and got back yesterday. The area where I was -- Isle Verde, near San Juan -- was quite scenic. In search, solely, of a lot of relaxation and a little fun, I vowed to only take pictures with my point-and-shoot camera. It's low maintenance, I don't have to worry about adjusting the settings, and it's easy to carry around. For most of the trip, I stuck to my photo-snapping pact. However, with one hour remaining on the island, I decided I could not leave without capturing some of the scenes.

This first picture encapsulates what I experienced while on vacation. Whenever I stepped outside, the contrast between the coolness of the indoors and the high temps outside, created a steamy atmosphere. It created an instant moment of relaxation. This palm tree, which sits about 100 feet from the ocean, was the first image I shot when I walked onto the sand from my beachside residence. The film of fog on my camera created a natural filter, making for a a picture which I thought was rather dreamy.

I'll be sharing more images soon.

Marie

Field of Dreams

Recently, I got tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game. I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather take than my "heartbeats" Adam and Noah. These guys are my cousins, but I look at them more like little brothers. This was their first MLB game and mine, as well. Joining us also was one of my bestest friends, Shanelle; it was her first MLB game too. We all had a blast!

Marie

Oklahoma City Memorial

This week my travels took me to Oklahoma City, OK. Being the ever curious traveler, I made it a point to do several things on the Oklahoma City “must do” list. I visited the zoo (one of the top ten zoos in the country), had a steak at Cattlemen’s Restaurant (as seen on the Travel Channel and in the travel book “1000 Places To Go before you Die”), saw a movie at the luxurious Moore Warren Theater (heated seats…wow!), and, perhaps most memorable, visited the site of the Oklahoma City bombing.

As you know, on April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed. 168 people were killed during this senseless act of violence (the details of which I will not describe here so as not to give more power to the perpetrators). The memorial consists of two twin gates with the moments before (9:01am) and after (9:03am) the bombing etched on each respective gate. Between the two gates lies a serene reflecting pool that pays homage to the devastating moment the bomb struck. Facing the pool are 168 small and large empty chairs, which represent the children and adults who lost their lives.

What struck me most about the memorial was that it was not only moving but also conceptually brilliant. The feeling of gravity and serenity is captivating. I lingered near the empty chairs and reflecting pool longer than I planned but my spirit was revitalized by the meditative moment. It may sound trite but the hour I spent at the memorial truly reminded me that our next moments aren't promised . . .

- S. Christine