Canal Park

Just down the street from us, near M Street and Yards Park on the way to the Nationals Stadium, is Canal Park. In winter it opened as an ice skating venue that had an oblong Netherlands looking ice path as opposed to a big circle that goes round and round. Having not been to that location for awhile we took a walk and found some fun stuff for everyone. There is green space for the kids and a rain garden that has matured very quickly in such a short period of time. It is one of the few places where dogs are clearly not welcome. The Canal Tavern is open for business and there is delightful patio dining next to the water feature. In the water feature are kids cooling off in the last days of summer before school starts once again. It all feels very modern compared to the brick and typical Capitol Hill historic architecture. None of this was here even five years ago. And it keeps getting better! I'm just glad the season for water splashing is longer than the season for ice skating. But where did the summer go?

Myrtles - the Tree of Choice

I'm not sure if these beautiful trees have any special significance to Washington, but they look simply stunning this time of year against the variety of backdrops around town. The brilliant deep red and pink Myrtles stand out in front of the white buildings, and fit right in next to the sculptures on the Mall. And of course, they are right at home along the sidewalks of our Capitol Hill neighborhood. They also pop on the roof of the House Office Building. So, we obviously have a couple small ones in our little garden patio too. I remember visiting a 1700's plantation in Louisiana called The Myrtles. It is supposed to be haunted. These two contradictory images that come to mind don't make sense. I'm sure it is just coincidental. Or is it?

Hill Rag Wall Art and More This Month

Another month has passed and the new hard copy edition of the August Hill Rag was published. It is one of the few, if not the only, softcover anything we bring in to the house. I especially like the art on the front and use it as an ever changing display in our tv room. But I even like it more now because I am contributing short vignettes with photos and art related to Capitol Hill Living to The Hill Rag on line publication. There always seems to be something to write about. I'm still hoping to get some of my art on the cover one of these days, behind a million other people. In the meantime, please look for the short stories, and the pictures under the Capitol Hill Community section, and share your comments. 

Bolivia Independence Day on the Mall

I didn't know it when we started out on our walk this afternoon, but when we reached the Capitol, we listened to music that reminded us of the sound we heard a lot on the streets of downtown Chicago. It's a magical tune, with flutes and drums. When we approached the scene right in front of the reflecting pool, a wonderfully bright ensemble of all shapes and sizes, dressed in colorful garments and costumes representing Bolivia, were about ready to start a parade. At first we didn't know what the celebration was about exactly, so we asked one of the participants, who couldn't believe we didn't know. It is, or will be soon, Bolivia's Independence Day. The yellow, green, and red colors of the flag were predominant, but the glitter and enthusiasm was in abundance - from both the crowd assembled to watch and the participants anxious to put on a great show. When it was over, we walked past the excitement towards the Mall, and looked at all the different nationalities represented this day. As we passed by them all, my husband commented about what a great place it is here. I think he's right.   

 

The I-395 Skateboard Park

You never know what you might come across when you take a walk in our Capitol Hill neighborhood. It was reasonably decent outside last evening after dinner so we decided to take a walk towards the Navy Yard. I had heard about a skateboard park somewhere around here, and our grandson has been there a few times, but it never dawned on my exactly where it was located. The entry ramp to the I-395 freeway is only three blocks away, and underneath it is this space filled with art and ramps for skateboard fanatics. Above us could be heard the loud, vibrating sound of cars passing by overhead. It almost sounds like the place will collapse under all the weight. Underneath, however, is a haven for those who get lost in the experience of this "daredevil" sport. On this evening there was a lone participant. I actually thought the art was more interesting. But then, I'm not a huge skateboard fan. But it's nice to know there is a place for it if you are so inclined. 

A Sidewalk Repair Project

Enough folks around the neighborhood must have experienced and complained about an unpleasant engagement with the sidewalks. Because of the trees that grace the paths, many of the brick and cement walks have been upended by the huge root systems. If you don't look down, or if you have your phone in your ear and are not paying attention, there are still plenty of opportunities to talk a spill, along with a very embarrassing situation. In searching for some of the more memorable spots today, it became clear that something was afoot. A lot of repairmen were at work tearing up, replacing, and refitting the brick on the most obnoxious spots. I've always thought that as long as you are nimble enough, have good eyesight, and can get around without any assistive device, it's a lot easier to navigate these nuisances. If you do need some help getting around, or can't see the side of a barn door, having a smooth sidewalk certainly helps! 

A Great Etsy Customer and Feedback

You never know who might request a custom painting. I have an Etsy Shop that specializes in custom digital art. My favorite requests are of the furry kind - dogs and cats. Julie wanted a painting of her Westie. Then she challenged me with three more that had little to do with animals and more about people. Each painting was as interesting and fun to do as the Westie. Much of what I paint are personal gifts requested for friends and family members. I love the photos the customer sends me of how the jpeg file is finally used.  The reactions expressed by the intended recipients are so heartfelt. It is very encouraging to receive such positive feedback when the work is done. A lot of my art is hanging on a gallery wall of sorts at the Wagtime Shop on Capitol Hill. Lisa Schreiber, the owner, has so kindly provided the space. I'd be very interested to hear your feedback if you ever happen to be in town. Or just check my Etsy Shop - LITDigitalPaintings.