The Ellipse — Attraction in Washington

We are the sum of our parts; stitched from sidewalk chats, shared meals, borrowed sugar, and the quiet dignity of showing up.

We’re built from unguarded hugs, songs in unfamiliar languages. We aren’t born with clenched fists, We’re taught to fear what open hands might build.

When leaders fan division like dry kindling, weaponize our differences and call it leadership, they subtract from us, not just trust or civility, but soul.

I remember 1992 Los Angeles. Rodney King’s broken body lit the spark. The air turned heavy with betrayal. The military came, not to calm, but to posture. Power shouting over pain.

But then, the angels of LA came. Not with wings, but with brooms, buckets, and broken hearts. They cleaned, cared, consoled. And I stood with them, tears in my eyes not just for the hurt, but for the hope rising from its ashes.

Now I live oceans away, but that memory beats in me still. So when I see a reckless leader turn soldiers on civilians, I know what’s at stake.

That’s not strength. That’s subtraction. And a nation that subtracts from itself can’t stay whole.

But I still believe in the angels. In the sum of our parts. That we can rebuild if we remember how to stand together, instead of being told to stand down.

Let’s choose each other. Not because we’re unafraid, but because we are one people "indivisible with liberty and...

The Ellipse, set in the heart of Washington, D.C., is an expansive, iconic green space often playing host to various events and offering picturesque views of the White House's southern facade. It's a place where history and present-day activities seamlessly merge.

However, much like any outdoor space, its charm can be momentarily overshadowed by the capriciousness of weather. A cold and rainy day can indeed veil its true beauty, turning the usually vibrant grounds into a muted canvas, and reducing visibility of its surrounding landmarks.

While it's unfortunate that the elements didn't cooperate during your visit, the Ellipse, on a brighter day, promises a delightful experience, whether it's for a leisurely stroll, a moment of reflection, or simply to soak in the historic ambiance. Perhaps a return visit under kinder skies might offer the full majesty of this...

I need a no star for this foolery today. So my kids were to perform at 1pm but the president decided to fly out so everything was shut down for a little over 30 mins. Rather then push the time for all the performances we were told that we needed to be off the stage by 1:50. The kids hit the stage and guess what??? No power to the stage which meant now we had 10 minutes to perform in silence! To top it off they didn't even have zones blocked off so people that didn't have enough kindness to wait were just walking right in front of the stage! Total fiasco. I smiled to keep the kids smiling...