I have so many pics from my ArtBliss trip and I've only had time to edit a few of them but I'll share what I have. While the retreat was actually in Sterling, Virginia, we were close to Washington DC so, of course, Wife Whisperer and I trekked into the city for a bit of sightseeing. We walked the National Mall (it surely must have been at least 25 miles down and back!) on a rainy, humid day. It was my first time there and, hopefully, not my last as we merely scratched the surface of what there was to see. My very favorite site was the Lincoln Memorial...

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln


"Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth." George Washington
My second most inspiring site was the Washington Memorial. These two great and godly men, Washington and Lincoln, helped shape our great country in ways that have been overlooked and just plain forgotten. If you're looking for some fascinating reading on our founding fathers, check out this site...this short book...and this one. I promise, you'll be amazed and surprised!
One of the things I found most intriguing and hilarious was the contrast between the Thomas Jefferson Building, above, and the John Adams Building, below. (Check out this little brochure for an enlightening read on Jefferson's most famous view on "separation of church and state")
At first glance I felt that Adams had been, well...a bit cheated. But, as I pondered this, I felt that these buildings seem to be a direct reflection on the personalities of the men themselves...Adams being more sober, serious and intense to the point of being prickly...Jefferson being more flamboyant and cultured. Jefferson's building is in the front of Adams', whose building is at the very end of the mall. Jefferson's is ornate and gorgeous with an extravagant fountain at the front and gold dome on the top. Adams' is...plain, simple, sensible...much like I imagine the man must have been. I have no idea who designed these buildings or whether this was purposeful but I love the juxtaposition.
Neptune Fountain exterior of the Jefferson Building
Capitol Building
There were many opportunities for artsy photography, including lovely carousel on the Mall in front of the Smithsonian. There was so much to see and, with only one day, it was almost torture having to choose. Next time, WW and I plan on the nighttime Segway tour...won't that be fun.