Sunrise/Sunset

I believe that 24 hrs consists of living your life to the fullest from sunrise to sunset.

Today I spent the day in Washington D.C. with my husband Daren. It was a beautiful day because the sun never stopped shining, the wind blew just enough to make my hair look messy, but a sophisticated kind of messy.

I watched birds fly over my head while strong postured policemen rode around the local parks on white horses.

I did not feel pressure to get up at any certain time today, I was not asked to meet anyone or be someplace at any scheduled time. I lived today as if no one was watching and no one was keeping track of what I said or did.

The trolly and bus drivers had so much enthusiasm that you felt joy in their presence, There were pictures in museums of people and places who changed the world one day at a time.

I saw buildings that were older than any I’d ever seen, 1000’s of graves of soldiers who died for our country, children who had the day off from school to learn about the places these soldiers served and lived. I saw elderly people who walked around Arlington Cemetery with courage and faith.

I saw trees that were more beautiful than all the trees in Alpine put together. Red brick sidewalks that seemed to never end and the smell of lobster sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies on the corner of Washington Ave.

There was this feeling in the air that promoted honor, integrity, respect and humility. The people here are confident, self/assured, polite, well-educated and walked with a presence of dignity, courage and faith.

The Uber drivers were prompt, good communicators and also very kind and attentive to our needs.

I saw planes fly low over sacred places, birds who landed on the water like skilled water skiers who had practiced smooth landings for years. I became introduced to a city that seemed to be a walking encyclopedia that never went to sleep.

I learned to listen more, trust my gut instincts, have more patience in knowing that there really wasn’t t a time clock controlling where and what I did. There was no particular agenda to take over the beauty and spontaneity of the day.

I learned to be brave enough to eat late at night when normally I would be sleeping, to let myself sleep in until I actually woke up on my own, and give myself grace to lay in bed long enough to embrace the day instead of having apprehension.

There were lessons from Presidents from past and present…. Abraham Lincoln who was so incredibly honest. Everywhere you go in this incredible city, they honor him. I have always loved him and have felt a strong desire to learn as much as I can about him.

I was educated by our tour guide that his only son was buried in Arlington cemetery.

I was reminded that Thomas Jefferson brought the love of French fries, macaroni and cheese and popcorn to the United States, after a much anticipated trip to Paris, France.

I was also told time and time again how much the American people honored and respected President Ronald Regan and felt privileged to fly to and from an airport that he is named after.

I was educated in the diet of dignitary’s who often would eat chocolate covered bacon and drank a variety of spiced teas and hot drinks.

I also saw a sacred copy of the BOM that was placed safely in a glass case in the Washington Library, that remains one of the original 5,000 left from the original printing.

I was well informed on George Washington and googled his farewell address.

His words are repeated over and over again throughout the world on five important topics that are continually taught throughout history.

These five points have been remembered, retaught and quoted time and time again.

1. Use great speechwriters

2. Get right to the point 

3. Make sure you thank everyone

4. Unite Your Audience 

5. Offer thoughtful advice

The only thing I would add to this great information, would be if the mood fits the occasion, add music to your speech.

I definitely was captivated into this open encyclopedia of a city and can’t wait to come back again soon.

This beautiful monument of history truly inspired me and I felt the true American spirit to “Let Freedom Ring”. I also felt the essence of knowing “The sun never sets on freedom. It faces the sunrise”.

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Author: Butterfly kisses

I am a mother of five, a grandmother of seven, a wife ,an Aunt, and a sister. I am very selective with whom I consider my dearest friends. I own a Swim School, am a yoga enthusiast, am obsessed with fashion, buttered popcorn, hot yoga, mountain hikes, easy ski runs on sunny days and dancing every chance I get. I pretty much exist on diet coke and bagels with cream cheese. I love to be around positive, successful, confident people. I dislike tuna fish, crowded spaces, people who are rude and inconsiderate, and traffic jams. I love to ride horses, sing in the shower and laugh at silly jokes. I can run on a beach for hrs, shop until I drop and can remember Kindergarten like it was yesterday. I love romantic movies, crushed ice and I’m obsessed with brushing my teeth and taking very long hot showers. I hate when adults cone too early to functions and don’t offer to help. I absolutely despise gossip and I love listening to all kinds of music (especially Christian and Country Western). Young children make me the happiest, teenagers amaze me and help keep me young. The word old does not exist in my vocabulary. I have an enormous heart, I get my feelings hurt way too easily and I’m the first to defend the underdog. I always stand up for truth even in the most difficult of circumstances. My favorite quote is “When Words Fail, Music Speaks”. My favorite person is my significant other and my least favorite thing to do is sit at a desk and stare at a computer screen. I hope to write a book someday entitled “Windows To My Soul” . I’m working on sitting still long enough so that I can accomplish this lifetime goal. Line upon line, precept upon precept” is my mantra.

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