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My Favorite Things for Gifting

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Each of us has favorite things. As we approach the holiday season, I would like to share a few of my favorite things for gifts.  Two items, in particular, are sure to please gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

I used this favorite item earlier this year. While attending The Garden Writer’s Conference in Buffalo, New York, I had no problem staying charged up. Needing a charger that was priced right, had adequate charging power, was quick charging and portable, I checked out Amazon.  Amazon helped me find this wonderful charger from iclever. What a lifesaver this little item has been on more than one occasion. It came with a wonderful pouch to protect the elegant exterior.

I can charge two items at one time – my phone and my Kindle Fire. I was even at a blogging conference and was able to charge my phone and allow a friend to charge her phone at the same time!! Who would not want a gift like this??

The subtle blue lights to let you know that your favorite item is charging. I pulled this out after not using it for a few weeks. It was still fully charged!

The charging notification lights are not glaring…they are reassuring!

The added bonus is the emergency flashlight. Great for those moments when you just want to keep reading or finding the right way to plug your charger cord.

I must say this is a gift that I would want if I had not gifted it to myself. Definitely, something to consider if you are taking a lot of photos of the garden, vacations or recording presentations. I love my iclever portable power bank. Someone on your list would love it as a stocking stuffer as well!

My next favorite thing is called the Bella Fitness Tracker. I am interested in making sure I get my daily steps in, get ample rest and aware of my stress levels. I also need “cute”. The Bella Fitness Tracker gives me all of this and more. I first purchased the Bella Leaf. I have worn it on my wrist, clipped to my shirt and once clipped to the waistband of my pants. Lately, I have worn it as a necklace – even while working out in my Tiara.

My Bella Leaf as a necklace while exercising with the Go Red Team at Blogalicious9. It captured my steps over 12k per day!!

While it does not come with a Crown, the Bella Leaf or urban is available in bundle form with a necklace or a leather double-wrap wristband.

I have two clips, 2 necklaces (1 silver and 1 rose gold) and 2 double-wrap wristbands (1 beige and one anthracite), as well as a tool for changing the battery.

A few of the highlights the Bella focuses on are activity levels, sleep patterns, stress levels, and a gentle alarm to remind you to get up and get moving. Getting better all the time the Urban also offers reproductive health monitoring and water resistance. Did I mention there is no need to worry about nightly charging? The battery lasts for 6 months and you can synch the Bella wirelessly to your favorite device.

I have a few other items to suggest for this holiday season or anytime. Monitoring how we are recharging our bodies,  is so very important. Equally important is how equipped we are to stay charged up on our devices.

Hopefully, this will jumpstart some ideas for quick gifting!

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Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener

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Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener, and well-known Landscape Architect is a woman who has certainly left her mark on many landscapes around the country. If you admire Dumbarton Oaks, Beatrix designed this very special estate garden for the Bliss Family. This is a woman in landscape architecture that deserves to have her story told.

Beatrix Farrand, a truly unique visionary who forged her own path in Landscape Design

Karyl Evans took the time to actually document this story from Maine to California. Using interviews and footage of over 50 remaining gardens that Beatrix Farrand designed, we have a great story of her life. Beatrix started as a Landscape Gardener and by the end of her life, had become a highly respected Landscape Architect.

As an avid admirer of Beatrix Farrand, I had to seize the moment and attend this showing at Greenspring Gardens in Virginia. Karyl takes the viewer on a trip that gives us insight on how passionate Beatrix was for plant material and design. Beatrix Farrand’s finished landscapes had lots of color, form, heights, and texture.

Karyl Evans speaking to the attendees of her film on Beatrix Farrand at Greenspring Gardens, Virginia.

Karyl Evans placed us in the midst of some of the finest gardens that have survived the test of time. A documentary film has never existed about Beatrix Farrand. A six-time award-winning documentarian, Karyl has captured the story of a young woman who initially grew up in a well to do family. Beatrix Jones father was a well to do industrialist and her Mother was a Social Worker. The marriage was an unhappy one and unfortunately, her parents divorced. Beatrix had to figure out how to make a living to help support herself and her mother.

Employed by her Aunt Edith Wharton and mentored by Dr. Charles Sprague Sargent, Beatrix found herself doing quite well as a Landscape Gardener. With clients from coast to coast, Beatrix made a name for herself as she pursued this career. Not a traditional career choice for women, Beatrix Farrand excelled in Landscape architecture. A career that included being one of the Founders of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Conversations shared with Scholars like Diana Balmori, Landscape Historian Judith Tankard, and Shavaun Towers, Landscape Architect are peppered throughout the film. These conversations give a bit of information on how Beatrix Farrand is an integral part of the conversation on Landscape Architecture to this day.

This film can be purchased by clicking: http://www.beatrixfarranddocumentary.com

There is an opportunity to see this film at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. On November 1, 2017, from 6:30 – 8:30. Karyl Evans will share this long overdue documentary called The Life and Gardens of Beatrix Farrand. Joining Karyl will be Darwina L.Neal, FASLA and Maureen Joseph, ASLA, National Park Service.

Tickets are $20.00 for non-members of the National Building Museum, $12.00 for Members and pre-registration is required.

Walk-ins will be allowed if there is room.

To purchase tickets click here:

http://go.nbm.org/site/Calendar/1848501233?view=Detail&id=122563

Earning a coveted award as Most Outstanding Director, Karyl Evans is someone to get to know as well. She is on the Speakers List for the Garden Club of America and has had a 30-year career in public television, producing historical documentaries. A Fellow at Yale and a degree in Horticulture/Landscape Architecture, Karyl Evans saw a need for this story to be shared. It is truly a labor of love.

Thank you to the Darwina L. Neal Cultural Landscape Fund for recognizing the need for programming like this. As a Garden Writer, I hope to see more programming like this. It will help encourage other women to consider the garden as a place of beauty as well as a career. Thank you, Karyl Evans, for pursuing – from Maine to California – the story of Beatrix Farrand and documenting it on film.

To find out about a quick trip I took to Bellefield click here

Click for more information on the National Building Museum 

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Bunny Mellon – Lady Gardener, American Icon

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Harry Benson/Contour by Getty Images

Bunny Mellon, a Lady Gardener, American Style Legend and a mysterious jewel box to many.  Holding memories of things that would mold her into the iconic legend that she became.

What a wonderful book that details the life and times of Rachel Lowe Lambert Lloyd Mellon, better known to the world as “Bunny” Mellon. Loving flowers and nature as a child, Bunny touched many landscapes, creating magnificent gardens of note. At 51 years of age, President Kennedy asked Bunny if she would create a rose garden for him to enjoy. Initially taken aback, Bunny answered yes and allowed her creative juices to lead her in the right direction.

Bunny Mellon’s grandfather encouraged her to connect with the land. Arthur Lowe provided Bunny with a small plot of land to experiment with her passion – gardening. The two of them created a dialog that shared the joys of gardening and nature. This was a bond that Bunny cherished and one she continued through the written word when she was not by his side. Sketching the latest small bloom or a fallen leaf – it was the simple pleasures that gave Bunny joy.

Known for a few of her eccentric traits, Bunny wanted a crisp, but time-worn look on the things that she loved. This was practiced not just in the house, but also in the garden. In the Mellon Garden, Bunny wanted everything just so…and she made sure that it was. Bunny Mellon was also a sister-friend to Jacqueline Kennedy. They were like two peas in a pod and the external world did not matter when they were together.

Bunny Mellon also cared about people.  Aware of the trouble her father’s business caused in Arkansas, Bunny tuned into social issues when she wasn’t embracing gardening. If Bunny liked you, she was your friend to the end.  Many stories were shared about her loyalty upon her death. A collector of children’s books and fairy tales, Bunny’s world was colorful, bumpy, and definitely before it’s time. Twice married, Bunny became a step Mom and a wife at just the right time. Paul Mellon, Bunny’s husband was happily envious of the passion Bunny had for nature and gardening. Ever the gardener, no matter what she was up against, Bunny Mellon did it with style and grace.

There are many interesting facts that the award-winning author, Meryl Gordon, shares throughout the pages of this easy to digest book. The Mellon family entrusted Meryl Gordon to share the life and times of Bunny Mellon. Tastefully written, Bunny Mellon comes to life in the pages of this book. Humanizing aristocracy can sometimes be difficult. Meryl Gordon has eloquently shared the good, the mysterious and the questionable that made Bunny Mellon the iconic woman that she was.

Oh to be able to touch the books in her library. At 103 years old, I am certain that Bunny took many things to the grave. I am glad that we at least have more insight on who Bunny Mellon was.

I am giving away 2 copies of this book on Saturday, October 28. Like the Cottage In the Court Facebook page, follow my blog, and comment on the blog why this book would be of interest to you.

Teri, Cottage In the Court

WE HAVE OUR WINNER’S!!  Linda and Carol…check your email!!  Thank you to all who took the time to read and respond to this #GIVEAWAY! I hope you continue to follow and share, as there will be more #GIVEAWAYS as well as thoughts on all things beautiful.

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Book Review – Foraged Flower Arranging

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Foraged Flower Arranging by Rebekah Clark Moody is a great book for those of us who just need to engage in nature.  When we think of floral arranging, our thoughts instantly go to what’s blooming now.  Foraged Flower Arranging inspires the reader to go beyond the traditional bloom time and seek unusual beauty.

If you embrace being outdoors, take a look around to see what can be foraged for a vase or two inside the home. Webster defines foraged as the act of foraging – to search for provisions, usually for food. When foraging for beauty, it is like feeding the soul. One can look for tree branches, vines or seed pods.

As the leaves are changing on the trees, what a perfect time to create a vase of branches. Foraging branches from the tree’s in the midst of color change and adding accents of season worn blooms can extend bringing nature indoors. Foraging evergreen boughs in different hues and scents can liven up a room. When artfully gathered in a container, the foliage just shows off. Placed outdoors flanking stairs or just standing guard, this is a winter statement that can keep evolving.

Foraging can consist of a few branches from a tree in bloom. A great resource right now are Camellias. This time of the year Camellias are Queen. With just a few branches, the art of Ikebana can make your foraging efforts look quite artistic. Here s an example of what a few Maple tree branches in the right vase can do…

Ms. Moody also includes a section on making a holiday greens wreath, that can be used indoors or out anywhere. Hung on a door or a mantle, evergreen bough arrangements are true statements of the season. Late fall into winter, evergreen trees and shrubs stand at attention. Waiting to find usefulness as part of an indoor arrangement. Foraging to create unique, bountiful arrangements from nature is a great idea.

Rebekah Clark Moody’s book, “Foraged Flower Arranging: has me looking everywhere for key elements to use. One of my favorite combinations includes Magnolia leaves, acorns, gumball pods gilded with gold glitter, oversized okra pods and a low vase. Gently toss all the ingredients and artfully distribute into the low side planter.

No matter what level of floral arranging, from beginner to professional, Foraged Flower Arranging is just a great idea. As we approach the holidays, what a great inspirational book to gift. Inspiring one to forage for earthly gleaning’s from nature and just create, is an awesome idea.

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Mental Restoration Via Gardening

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Up close and personal blooms. that emmitted an intoxicating smell that drew you in…

Mental restoration is very much needed in the world today. There are many ways one can pursue this thought process. As I go about my day, people often ask me why am I so happy. Mental restoration has played a very large part of my inner peace. I find mental restoration in nature. Sometimes I find it by just thinking about the mysteries of the garden. I usually find it as I am embracing the beauty that surrounds us.

With so much going on in the world, I spend a fair amount of time tuned out to the madness but tuned into nature.  I can wander aimlessly on a path or on a street and breath in the essence of trees.  When I see a beautiful plant, I can peer into its inner core and absorb the essence of its existence. This practice allows a moment of restoration and clarity.

A tree in the Luxembourg Garden, Paris, France 2016

For example, do you ever look up into the branches of a tree or do you walk past it? Do you ever stand still and look up at the clouds?Better yet, do you ever find a patch of grass and lay down and just look up to the sky? These are great ways to clear the mind and create more space for thoughts of restoring inner peace.

A few alternatives ways to describe restoration is to refurbish, renovate or to overhaul. With all of the negative energy that we are exposed, mental restoration should be done daily  – if not weekly.

Here are a few key ways to make mental restoration easy.

  • Make it a part of your daily ritual to go outside and breathe in the air around your home. NOT YOUR OFFICE. As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. Home should be the one place where true mental restoration should take place.
  • Garden. Simply stated, you don’t need a big plot. You can use a pot – inside or out. One can create a menagerie of plants or a pot. Simple is best, as this should not be a chore, but an act of interacting with nature. Taking care of something to bring you joy.
  • Collect things in the garden or in the woods that capture your attention. Place this artifact where you can look at it and remember how you happened upon it. Does it mentally take you back to that place? Does it refresh and restore your mind when you look at it?
Lotus – Beautiful blooms rising high above the less than perfect environment..

Find that special place, that special corner of the world that you can mentally hold onto.  Close your eyes and pause there – often and repeatedly. When you repeat this exercise, mental restoration will become easier and easier. Even if you are not a gardener, learn to find one thing in nature that you can embrace. Nature is free. There is no cost to look up and notice awesome branching of a tree that catches your eye. To look into the depths of a bloom and notice it’s inner beauty costs nothing at all.

My Dad used to tell me in his own way to just be still. To allow my mind to rest and just be. Wandering through my mental garden gave me this joy. The ultimate way to restore myself mentally when the energies of the world are not loving and kind. I can sit in the garden and just be – no weeding, no watering, no deadheading.

When people on the street are tuned on to devices, I often wonder what is so important. If they just paused to look up, embrace their surroundings, what a beautiful gift of mental restoration that would be.

Off to practice a bit of mental restoration,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Diversity In Horticulture – Where Are We?

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My first Garden Writers Conference and as a newbie, I felt quite at home with like-minded people. Yet Diversity did not show up…..

Diversity is important to me in all that I do. Just like in my garden, I seek diversity in opportunities offered in life that interest me. Unfortunately, diversity does not always follow. While I am aware that I am not the ONLY person of color that is interested in horticulture, I am curious as to why I keep seeing me at the table? There has to be a reason why there are very few minority groups represented? I yearn to learn more about the history and effect of minorities in horticulture. I don’t think I am the only one.

Participating in a Garden Writers Regional Meeting in Maryland. It was a great day and a wonderful opportunity!

Elementary school taught us a few facts about the Settlers and the relationship with the Native Indians. After a substantial number of deaths of English Settlers in the “New World”, Captain John Smith had an idea.  Captain Smith thought it prudent to communicate with the Native Indians to survive. The Native Indians taught him many things about the readily available food grown natively. This helped the English Settlers survive in this new land.

In Virginia, the Powhatan Indians helped the Settlers survive by teaching them how to farm. The Settlers figured out they needed more hands to survive after killing or relocating the Native Indians. The use of slave labor and indentured servants allowed the Settlers another chance at survival. The diversity amongst these people creates the fabric of horticulture as we know it.

To be transplanted and have to start life in unfamiliar surroundings must have been surreal and unimaginable. Consider being hungry and not know what is edible or not? Imagine toiling in soil that was not your own native soil and plants that were different? The expectation to decipher what was or was not edible, how to clear and plant with no tools or minimally how to survive daily? This must have been quite difficult as well as a daunting challenge. The creative mind had to make the best of it, as a return ticket to home was not going to happen.

According to Agricultural astrology, planting by the Moon’s phases is a successful practice. It becomes quite evident when you look at the growth of things planted during this time. As far as we know, this practice started in the Nile and Euphrates river regions. Diversity has helped with things like using plants and roots common to the United States for food and also as a medicine. Therefore, one cannot ignore the presence of diversity in creating tools from scratch, as well as methods and use of plantings.

Many groups have different methods and logic behind how they grow, whether it is food or for beauty. Why not share? To be perfectly honest, the statistics show although the demographic of landscape employees is predominantly Hispanic. Yet, I do not see a large number of Hispanic or other Minorities as I attend events relating to horticulture. The number of African-American and Asian contributions to this industry isn’t even widely reported. This saddens me.

As I delve deeper into the wonderful world of garden writing, I would love to see and read more about gardening, as well as nature, from a diverse audience. Diversity is a placeholder in the greenhouse of horticultural education. Horticulture is a greenhouse that is constantly growing seedlings for the future. These greenhouse sown seedlings are always ready to be transplanted to horticulturists of all ethnicities. There are rootings of opportunity that grow in this greenhouse from cuttings of the past. These rootings are available to all those wanting to grow in horticulture, whether for personal or career-related benefits.  There are opportunities curated specifically for minorities that often remain untouched. Why are we not coming to the table? I am certain that there is a diverse audience that has something to share.

Sharing a moment with Mr. Pearl Fryar, a self-taught topiary genius that is known around the world.

There are several new books that speak to embracing the diversity in what we grow. Wendy Kiang-Spray has written an awesome book called “The Chinese Kitchen Garden – Growing Techniques and Family Recipes From A Classic Cuisine”. Wendy shares the trials and joy of learning how to cook traditional Chinese dishes and shares some of her family histories as well.

Michael Twitty, food historian, speaker, and author of “The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African-American Culinary History in the Old South” shares quite a bit in his own words as well.  Slavery was not good nor was it glamorous. It did, however, change the culinary history of the South. As an African-American, I am quite proud of this fact. No matter what ethnicity you are, I am certain that there are horticultural practices to be proud of.

Therefore, whether young or old, diversity can open up a new world of opportunity and discovery.  As I attend conferences, join committees and take my seat at the table – I only see me. Where are we? Why not share your horticultural family stories? Write about your journey into the wonderful world of gardening. We have quite a bit to be proud of.

I know we are out there – where are we?

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Heritage Harvest Festival – Community, History, Gardens

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Heritage Harvest Festival at Historic Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

The Heritage Harvest Festival on the grounds of historic Monticello brought back many memories. Having lived in Virginia, while raising my daughters, an escape to the countryside always led to historic adventures.  Trips to Charlottesville to visit Monticello was within reach, as well as country markets along the way. I had not been to the Heritage Harvest Festival in a few years, so this was a welcomed road trip.

Not feeling 100%, my Aunt Yvonne and made the trek to the Heritage Harvest Festival just to get away from it all. I instantly felt better when I saw the Celosia….

Celosia…Red Cockscombs on the grounds of Monticello.

Or did I feel better when I saw this bed of horticultural delights…

A perfect Heirloom patch of mixed flowers for cutting and enjoying on the grounds of Monticello.

Despite the negative publicity that Charlottesville has received of late, I felt a bit better and right at home. Perhaps because I am a country girl at heart. Perhaps because the Ladies who worked at the Michie General Store made us sincerely feel welcome. It did not matter, we were on a mission. Our mission was to say “Hi” and give a big hug to Ira Wallace of Southern Seed…to buy my garlic for Fall planting.

You see, Ira Wallace is a fellow Garden Writer, Master Gardener, Author and worker/owner of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. This is the short list of everything Ira Wallace does or has done. Most importantly, Ira has become a cherished friend. Ira and I bonded at this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling after spending three days sharing and exploring the many gardens in the DMV (more about the Fling later). When I get an invitation to visit, I take it seriously. Ira invited me to come on down and so I did.  It was the perfect day, perfect weather and there was no drama. Ira even helped my Aunt Yvonne select seed for cover crops for her raised beds.

Ira Wallace advising my Aunt Yvonne on what are the better cover crops for the winter garden.

I was not only glad to see Ira Wallace but elated to purchase some garlic cloves from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange as well.

Garlic with planting/harvesting instructions from a reputable resource – Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.

It is important to support…and I do when I can!! Thank you, Ira, for Being YOU!!

 

There were many things to see and do at the Heritage Harvest Festival.  We tasted many different varieties of tomatoes…

The tomato tasting table…all delicious in unique ways.

Next, we headed to the melon counter…..

Yellow melons, white melons, pink melons and red melons – I never had so much melon!

There were a few that Aunt Yvonne made it clear she did not like. I, on the other hand, have never met a melon that I did not like. We moved through the booth and happened upon some heirloom greens.

Heirloom Kale, Collards and Creasey greens. Luscious greens. The taste of some properly cooked collards crossed my mind.

With information sheets to guide the novice gardener, there were also many folks who were ready and available to help. Even the people in the line started sharing memories and recipes as we continued to move through the tent. I happened upon Kamala, a young lady that was sharing the virtues of ginger and turmeric. Her Mom, Ann was just chatting away with the customers who crowded her booth. The naturally unsweetened tea was perfect as the afternoon became a little warm.

Momma Ann was making the tea and serving it up in the midst of fresh ginger root as well as ginger plants for sale.
Locally made tea with fresh ingredients – ginger and turmeric. Nisani Farm actually operates in Takoma Park, MD. and Phenix, VA.

I can not wait to chat with Ann of Nisani Farm to hear about her journey. Every woman has a journey and the next vendor we happened upon, shared a unique journey indeed. Lady Farmer – we have been waiting for you! With a sustainable clothing line and more about to hit the DMV, as well as the web, conscious clothing choices are within reach. Emma and Mary have lots in store to share! I am excited!

Lady farmer – offering unique sustainable clothing – locally! I need NEED the overalls, Lady Farmer!
They will be promoting their wares once the website goes live….
I just had to have this really cool carryall bag – so much better than plastic and easy on the shoulders!

It was a full day in Charlottesville at the Harvest Heritage Festival. Triggering memories of my daughters running in the lawn and stopping at the Tavern for candy and ice cream.

I am certain that some people stayed away due to the National attention Charlottesville received a few weekends prior to the Harvest Heritage Festival. Let me tell you, it was a day where trouble was not welcome. Community, history buffs and those who embraced gardening all shared the West lawn and grounds of Monticello in peace. I am so glad I was not scared away! What a great day experiencing community, history, and gardening at the Heritage Harvest Festival!

My Aunt Yvonne and I pausing before the long trek home…

Til next year Harvest Heritage Festival,

 

Teri – at the Cottage In The Court

 

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Words are Beautiful – Philanthropic Patriotism

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Dessert table at The Ball On The Mall 2017

Words – when the beautiful gift of words become etched in your heart and mind, one realizes just how special that gift is. Words – unique, passionately thought of as part of the packaging, can often be the perfect gift. We were gifted with two important words at this year’s Ball On The Mall.

Earlier this Spring, I received the perfect gift when I volunteered at the Trust For The National Mall Ball On The Mall.  I would like to say “Thank You”, for the gift of two simple words that were shared at this year’s Ball On The Mall. Allow me to share.Each year, The Trust for the National Mall has several events to support their mission.  These fund-raisers allow continued beautification efforts on behalf of The Trust for The National Mall. There two awards shared on this night under the mist and stars. The Distinction in Corporate America Service Award was awarded to Volkswagen Group of America honoring their generous financial gift of $10 Million.

The second award was the highlight of the evening. The History, Heroes and Hope Award is gifted to one special person. The requirements to receive this award are quite specific. One has to have made extraordinary civic contributions, made a positive impact through public service, and has made an impressionable impact on our country. There have been two previous recipients Mr. John Akridge, Founder, Chairman and Steward of the Land and Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director, National Park Service.

This year, The Trust For The National Mall honored David Rubenstein for the History, Heroes and Hope Award. I am still choked up from the beautiful gift of words Mr. Rubenstein shared with us.  The beautiful gift of two words were Philanthropic Patriotism. Let me first acknowledge the first two recipients – Mr. Jonathan Jarvis and Mr. John Akridge.

Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis, 2016 Recipient

Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis has quite the track record for being a Steward of this Land. With an employment history as a Park Ranger, park biologist, resource management specialist to becoming the 18th Director of the National Park Service, Mr. Jarvis has certainly put in the work to become quite the Hero. The National Park Service is currently a leading authority  when expertise is needed in cultural and natural resource management thanks to the efforts of Mr. Jarvis.

“A Call to Action” is the landmark document Mr. Jarvis has left as a blueprint for the next Century as The National Park Service enhances it’s mission.  This document details how The National Park Service will become a leader worldwide as it embraces how to engage the general public. Taking ownership and participating in the programs our National Park Service provides, each of us can become inspired to become better Stewards of this land. Thank you Mr. Jarvis for this wonderful blueprint, “A Call To Action”.

Mr. John Akridge, Founder, Chairman and Inaugural Recipient of the History, Heroes and Hope Award 2014

Mr. John Akridge, Inaugural Recipient 2014

John Akridge is a man with a conscience. Challenged by the thought of a person commenting on the dismal condition of Our National Mall, Mr. Akridge decided to roll his sleeves up and get busy. That is just the kind of person Mr. Akridge is, another true Steward of this land.  Presenting evidence of the condition to Congress, Capitol Hill and his private sector peers, Mr. Akridge began to shed light on the neglect of Our National Mall.

Spearheading a 7 year campaign, Mr. Akridge bent the ears of many City Planners, Environmentalists, Civic leaders, Government Leaders and Philanthropists. Mr. Akridge’s efforts were to bring long overdue attention to the dismal conditions of The National Mall, as he testified before Congress. This Harvard Business School graduate knew what he had to do to bring about changes that would benefit The National Mall.

As Founder and Chairman of The Trust for the National Mall, Mr. Akridge and his beautiful wife Sally raised $46 million in an effort to finance the mission of making The National Mall, one of the best parks in the world. Most successful men have a supportive companion by their side. Mrs. Akridge has shown support by founding the Women’s Leadership Committee. The Benefit Luncheon is the Signature Event for the Women’s Leadership Committee. It is one of THE anticipated events of the late Spring season.  I am honored to say Thank You Mr. & Mrs. Akridge.

Mr. David Rubenstein, 2017 Recipient of the History, Heroes and Hope Award

David Rubenstein, 2017 History, Heroes and Hope Award Recipient

In is own words, “Philanthropic Patriotism is not a term to be thrown around casually.” Sharing his meaning of these two  words gave light to the evening.  Mr. David Rubenstein defined this term as giving money to projects that the government cannot afford to fund.  When one has been blessed to have so much money, Mr. Rubenstein feels that giving back is essential.

A native son, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland,  Mr. Rubenstein was raised in a working class family. An only child, his parents only wanted the best for him.  A postal employee and a homemaker made a way for David Rubenstein to attend many prestigious schools like Duke University, among others. After attending law school, he served as Deputy Domestic Policy Advisor during the Carter Administration. Afterwards The Carlyle Group was started and continues to thrive creating meaningful ways to enhance wealth.

A proud signer of The Giving Pledge, Mr. Rubenstein has dedicated more than half of his wealth to philanthropic efforts.  Here are a few of the ways Mr. Rubenstein has put his money where his heart is:

  • Washington Monument repairs after the earthquake
  • JFK Performing Arts, funding for the expansion
  • The Thomas Jefferson Foundation for Mulberry Row restorations
  • Montpelier restoration efforts
  • National Park Service restoration of the Lincoln Memorial
  • Washington Monument elevator repairs

These are just a few  of the ways that Mr. Rubenstein has given back while demonstrating what a Philanthropic Patriot looks like. Thank you Mr. David Rubenstein for being an example that we should all find honorable. The gift of those two words re forever etched in my heart and in my own small way, I will give back as well. If each of us gave back what we could, when we could, it is a way to take ownership in the world around us.

Catherine Townsend, President
Trust For The National Mall…great job!!

Catherine Townsend, President, Trust For The National Mall – Thank you for a fantastic evening of great food…..

Just delicious !!!!!

and gorgeous floral arrangements (of course)…Thank you to each of the recipients of the History, Heroes and Hope Award. Philanthropic Patriotism…Thank you Mr. Rubenstein for the gift of these two words.

Douglas Brinkley presenting David Rubenstein the History, Heroes and Hope Award

Click here for information about The Trust For The National Mall

Click here for information about The National Park Service

Thankful for the gift of two words….

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Be Paris – The Journey Continues

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Be Paris Toolkit….a personal collection of items needed to just Be Paris!

Be Paris best describes why I make the seasonal journey to the City of Lights.  I make sure I create the opportunity to reboot, refresh and restore my spirit as I travel. I call this my Be Paris journey because in Paris, I find it easy to just be. Be quiet, Be engaging if I want to be, Be emotional, Be adventurous, and most importantly Be spontaneous. My first Be Paris journey was all about what we read in books and see on TV. A typical tourist, armed with maps, emergency numbers – I was scared to death.

Although I have family that lives here, they were on holiday out of the country. I was left in the hands of Ricki Stevenson, Owner of Black Paris Tours, and a family friend.  Quite the whirlwind adventure and only piqued my interest in getting to know the City of Lights more intimately. Thank you Ricki for sharing your friends, food and fellowship with me. I think I started breathing when I got back to the United States. It was my first time soloflighting to a land I dreamt of as a teenager. For the first time in my life, I had the opportunity to just Be.

After a few well-timed trips to Paris under my belt with friends and without, I have learned more about Me. I need this moment, in one of my favorite places (so far) to pause and just Be Paris. There are secret streets that I need to find, as well as food that I need to experience. Now that I know this, I have acquired a few tools to just Be Paris.

My latest tool is a newly published book from Messy Nessy “Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris“.

How could I not order a signed copy of this book! It is quite dog eared right now…

Getting through this book in advance of my trip did not happen. I enjoyed reading it while in the Tuileries and on the Metro on my travels. This book provides a great roadmap to some of the places I was not familiar with. “Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris” also provided identification to places I had recently discovered.  When I am in Be Paris mode, I do not get lost, I just discover new and interesting territory. One of the most interesting things I find about Paris is the ease of finding your way back to where you started. One of the areas featured in this book was the fabric district, just below Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

I can usually find something that I NEED at les-coupons-de-Saint-Pierre

I have to catch myself and be mindful when looking for fabrics.  One year I had to purchase an additional suitcase…and put some in the suitcase of my co-worker. When I visit Paris, one of the places I pause is les-coupons-de-Saint-Pierre. I visited there again this trip for some cool fabrics and some serious deals! Ooo LaLa!

When hunger hits, my next tool comes in quite handy, particularly if you are in the 5th AR.

Tom Reeves reviews some of the best places to eat when this lady wants to just Be Paris.

Read this book in advance as I did, you will find it is very practical to keep on hand.  I made the effort on my past two visits to Paris to actually check out a few of the places Tom recommended.  I must say now I understand that slow service is not bad service…but all the more reason to linger and actually savor your meal, and enjoy the ambiance. In addition to this book, make time to see what Discover Paris Tours is offering. Tom is co-founder and offers a fantastic Black History Tour of the Luxembourg Gardens area. I took this tour and it was fantastic!! Next visit, I will plan on partaking in one of the Gourmet Walking Tours.

In order to just Be Paris, one must find time to just wander. A tour can be a wonderful think however. Finding that one tour that will blow your mind while in Paris can be challenging. I have learned that you really do not need to do more than two – but one can create  memory.  I am glad that this time I chose CityWonder for a Castle Trifecta Tour.

Great job CityWonders with two of the most enthusiastic tour guides I have ever met!

I had such a terrific time on this tour, I almost signed up for another day tour with two other travelers I met.  We had a fantastic time on the way there, as well as on the way back. Of the Castles we visited…my favorite was…

Definitely a Palace made for ME….and oh the gardens……

Now you know how I just Be Paris.  I am certain that the next time I visit, I will have a bigger toolkit and more stories to share. In the meantime, where is the place where you can just Be?

Slowly checking back into reality……

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Learn more about soloflighting

Be adventurous with Black Paris Tours

Click to find out more about DiscoverParis

Discover Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris

Explore City Wonders Paris Tours

Look here to find fabric deals in Paris les-coupons-de-Saint-Pierre

 

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