May 9, 2008...6:44 pm

Art, Wine Glasses, and Bathroom Reading

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I never posted about last weekend. Patrick and I finally made it to the National Gallery of Art. It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, and there was a slight breeze. We started by grabbing a couple of drinks and a little cup of fries, while we sat along the perimeter of the National Mall for a little while.

Our seats were next to the carousel, our table neighboring that of an elderly couple. For me, all carousel music has sounded the same. Somewhat familiar melodies set to muted light organ tones. He took her frail hand and said “I remember this song.” He then proceeded to sing lyrics speaking of long-lasting love, while rubbing the top of her hand. His voice was rich and spoke of age and experience. She laughed abashedly, and it was if nothing else existed to those two. I almost felt like an interloper by listening in to their conversation, but I couldn’t help myself. I will never listen to carousel music quite the same again.

Here are a few shots I took while we were out that day:

You can find the entire set from our May 4th National Gallery of Art excursion HERE, if you are so inclined.

One of the things I’ve been learning recently are to embrace the little things that I love, even if they’re ridiculous.

For example, I love wine glasses. I love going to the store and finding a unique but classic set. I love how delicate they feel in my fingers. I also love reading in the bathroom. I know some people don’t get it. Some people are outright annoyed by those who read in the bathroom. I am one of those people. It’s like a little porcelain haven. When no one is home, I’ll go to my “office” with a book and spend some quiet time, away from everything. Stereotypically this is a behavior reserved for males, but I enjoy a little solitude, and it’s a good little escape, even if it’s on a commode. Another thing I love is when I take the escalator up from the Metro. There’s something about that feeling when the sun first hits your face and you look around at a scene you haven’t seen before, and it all unfolds as you ride further up. Or perhaps it’s a place you’ve been many times, welcoming you back like an old friend.

I’ve spent some time examining the things that make me happy. Now if only I could ride a commode up an escalator from the Metro into the sunshine, while twirling a wineglass and reading my favorite book. One can dream!

This weekend is another busy one.  Mother’s Day celebrations on Saturday and Sunday.  The Nationals/Marlins game tomorrow night.  I’m also going to attempt to make homemade Sangria!  Should be another fun one, but I know I will still enjoy those quick quiet moments at home, even if they are few and far between over the next couple of days.

5 Comments

  • Wine glasses are fun. I especially like fun, twisted, colorful stems to them!

  • @Angela: I completely agree. I’ve actually been on the hunt for some of those. I lost all of my good stuff in a break up last year, as I was more concerned with leaving than remembering to take everything. I’m at a loss, though. I haven’t found any good ones that jump out at me.

  • Hi!

    Nice photos. In the four years I’ve been in the area, I’ve never made it the National Gallery! Such a slacker on the local goodies, I know :)

  • You’re not alone…I love reading in the bathroom too. And my whole family used to call the bathroom “the office”! Great shots! What camera do you use?

  • @Laurie: Hey there! It’s okay, I know what you mean. I haven’t seen the side of the Lincoln Memorial with his statue ever. Nor have I seen the Vietnam Memorial. I grew up around here, too. Spent the better part of 19 years living in or around Washington DC, heh.

    @dcnewbie: I’m actually using my boyfriends Sony Cybershot. It’s snazzy and black. I used to have my own, but it’s dying a slow death, heh.

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