What a trip.

I have always wanted to visit Washington, DC. Most of the time when I travel to teach all over the place, there is just not enough time for me to get to experience any other part of the city besides the store (and you know I love the stores). Being able to get out and actually see DC, Georgetown, and Alexandria was huge for me. To see all these places I have read about, seen on TV, etc was a major highlight. So much happens in this small area of our country. It is almost hard to comprehend how amazing it really is...

Being there I experienced a mixture of emotions. Pride in our country. Saddness for all the lives that have been lost...and thankfulness for all those men and women who have fought and continue to fight for the ideals we hold most dear. Even if my politics don't match the current administration, I was still so totally excited to see the presidental choppers flying overhead. (The above photo was taken up inside the Washinton Monument.)

Speaking of choppers...Marirosa, Ashlie and I had just come down from our adventure to the top of the Washington Monument. We were walking acorss the lawn towards the WWII Memorial when we heard the choppers coming - and then we saw them. FOUR of them. I totally got so excited as I saw them turn towards the White House that I full on sprinted towards the White House across the lawn. I wanted to see who was getting out! Marirosa and Ashlie were totally laughing at me, but I did not care one little bit. I felt so excited...that little kid kind of excited. I ended up not seeing much except the press corps getting off the last chopper - that was cool enough.

After being in the heart of DC we headed to Alexandria (earlier we had visited Georgetown - totally never realized how close it is to the Capital - and visited one of my favorite stores Paper Source) and lunch at Union Street. YUM - especially those garlic mashed potatoes and the local beer.

I found my favorite purchase of the trip at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (the coolest place) made by a designer names Jenae Michelle. The bag is made of vintage coats. In looking at her site this morning I found a link to another cool site: unsung desginers (I am sure I can find just a couple things on that site).

This was on the wall of the little shop where the bag was found:

Also while browsing around the Art Center I came across a painter that I now love: Susan Finsen. Love to get ahold of one of her paintings one day. Totally inspiring.

After all the touring and shopping and eating we headed back to Ashlie's for a potluck. I got to meet a bunch of wonderful women who were brought together because of scrapbooking and they brought awesome food along wtih them.

Saturday morning it was time for classes and the crop. The weather forcasters were all calling for snow. And it started coming down with avengence by early afternoon. I liked it of course (speaking of that it was snowing here this morning too). And just about everyone made it to class. Loved connecting with everyone in the classes. So many beautiful, friendly faces. We laughed a bunch and everyone worked really hard. I especially love commments about how tough the homework was for Perspectives - tough but good - just how it should be :).

I know I have said this before, and it is true everytime, I LOVE meeting all the people in classes. Thank you all for being so kind and for being excited and willing to play.

Hung out after the classes on Saturday night and then taught again Sunday morning before heading home Sunday afternoon. Made it even though the weather was on the questionable side. Happy to make it home on time since I leave in the AM tomorrow for a couple days in Salt Lake before heading to The Netherlands on Sunday.

And then, something else I thought was totally cool: the girls at Get Croppin are selling these awesome colanders with personalized rub on phrases. They made me one that says "Capture Life. Create Art." Of course, I love it. Totally perfect for storing more of these supplies I keep acquiring.

So thanks, my dear friends, for one of my most favorite trips yet. I am sure there is more, but I need to get to work.