As I was talking to my Dad the other day, I was reminiscing about my travels as I search for all things beautiful in the garden…any garden, anywhere. I shared with him how one of my favorite memories resurfaces when I close my eyes and reminisce about one of my favorite places of peace. I hear the conversations of people surrounding me, hear the birds singing, children playing and gravel crunching underfoot…all while sitting, basking in the sun in the Tuileries, Paris, France. The traffic from the cars, buses and trucks were minimized as the sounds of people enjoying the place of peace, took over my senses. The turf was green, the gardens maintained and it was quite relaxing just being in the moment.
I thought of this as I sat in Constitution Gardens last evening. There were people on bikes, parents strolling with children, people taking the longer walk after work as well as joggers….enjoying the view, just being.
I also noticed the crumbling sidewalks, the gunk in the water, the lack of something that would make more people pause to just enjoy the moment. I also know about the vision that The Trust for The National Mall has for our hometown treasure, Constitution Gardens. As I sat, in my hometown of Washington, DC, I envisioned people one day spreading blankets and enjoying a meal with friends and family, finding accessible bathrooms, having food options on-site, reading on the benches or under the trees and appreciating this beautiful place of peace. I can see how exciting it is for young people to have the opportunity to participate in making this actually happen.
Other than the traditional way of going online and donating (www.nationalmall.org), I hear there is this concert in September. The 26th and 27th of September to be exact. Everyone gets the opportunity to purchase a ticket and have the opportunity to attend the Landmark Music Festival. (www.landmarkfestival.org) 40+ Artists, 5 stages over the course of two days. Sounds like the ultimate HOUSE PARTY TO ME!! This music festival will certainly add value to a donation towards making Constitution Gardens the AT HOME place of peace that I envision. I am amazed that 40 artists have decided that they are willing to take ownership of and play a part in the enhancement, as well as the beautification of our front yard….The Nation’s Front Yard. This is NOT your parents traditional fundraising event, this is one that any young person will be able to say, I helped re-create this Home Town Place of Peace by attending a concert.
What a fabulous way to engage our young people…create a party that will satisfy many different ages, genre’s and engage the future leaders of this country. What a perfect way to help re-create this hidden treasure, enhance and beautify our local place of peace – Our Constitution Gardens.
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