Helping To Put Things In Context: Something You Should Know About D.C.

Everyone knows Washington, D.C. for being the nation's capital where decisions are made that affect the country itself and impacts the world at large. But between the time that politicians and special interest groups like to use the city as the reason for all that ails America, it has a more intimate side. This is the side that one could think of as the "local" aspect of the city. I think if people understood what really exists within the boundaries of this diamond shaped (minus a complete side) metropolis, their perspectives may be altered considerably. As AWashingtonWoman will continue to focus on some of the wonderful women who make up the fabric of the DMV (a term used for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and includes: the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), we will also strive to give you a little of the backstory, as objectively as we can. So it's been a year since this all began and without really trying, this blog has exceeded what our expectations were. So we are thinking that with a little love and a lot of integrity, we can share some real true insight which can be entertaining as well as informative. Who knows?.... Maybe it will even be ..... helpful.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Kids from DCPS win "Teen Design" Award Sponsored By Target & Project Runway


On September 13, 2011 students from the D.C. Public School System participated in a "Teen Design Fair" which was created to introduce high school kids to design.

They got to meet one on one with leading designers in fashion, industrial design, architecture, multimedia & graphic design. Some of the visionaries included Mathew Carter, Jamie Drake, Tobias Frere-Jones, Kathryn Gustatson, Steven Heller and Jonathan Hoelfler. A keynote address was provided by Tim Gunn, chief executive officer @ Liz Claiborne Inc. and co-host of Lifteme's Project Runway (also DC area native)

There was also a White House ceremony for the winners and finalists of the the awards which was hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady serves as the honorary patron for this year's National Design Awards.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Mothers, Girls, Wives... AWashingtonWoman Honors All Seen & Unseen





Many Women From The Washington, D.C. Area Were Killed September 11th As They Lived The Lives of Everyday Heros




It is another beautiful day here in the D.C. area on this Sept 11th 2011. Today marks the ten year anniversary of that ill-fated day when thousands perished in an act to vile that words will never be able to fully describe. And yet rather than dwell on that reality, AWashingtonWoman will be highlighting just a few individual lives of women who were quietly going about their everyday business. These women are symbolic of too many for us to list but whose contributions to our community is no less significant. Many of these women were teachers, like Sara Clark (Bertie Backus School) or Hilda Taylor (Leckie Elementary; they were government employees like Donna Bowen; they were twenty-somethings who were serving our country in the military like YN3 Melissa Barnes, USN; and so many others.

Both Sara Clark and Hilda Taylor were in their 60's and accompanying their 6th grade students on a National Geographic trip to California. And then there were the kids who fell victim. There were little boys and little girls who were some of our brightest stars of hope for the future who died on that day. Asia Cottman was one of those children. Like myself, she was growing up in an area of the city known as North Michigan Park. It's a neighborhood with "regular, average" people. Like myself, sbe loved to read and she loved Barbie dolls. We can only imagine what accomplishments lie ahead for Asia. As I write this blog, for over a year now, I reflect on how blessed we all are because there are hundreds of little girls and boys among us who will still carry that spirit and do wonderful things. We have to be glad that Asia's spirit will never die. I think we should honor and nurture that spirit whenever we imagine we may be in it's midst. Just as we should try to recognize the spirits of all the magnificent women who paid the ultimate price on September 11th, ten years ago. So let us pay tribute to you today and let us go on that your spirit may live on beyond tomorrow.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

EARTHQUAKE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. CAUSES WOMEN AT WORK AND THROUGHOUT TO SEEK OUT KIDS AND FAMILY

It felt like 10,677 tons of TNT according to the local news reporter at WUSA-TV in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. At approximately 1:47pm houses, offices, and government building all started to rumble. The epicenter is located in a place called Mineral, Virginia. This is about 41 miles from the nation's capital. Early reporting suggests little damage to our structures here. However, there does appear to have been damage to the National Cathedral. This is a church where many state funerals and events take place. More information to follow.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Replacement For Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Christine Legarde Lived Her Adolesent Years In The Washington Metropolitan Area


She was once the French Finance Minister and yet she actually has local ties to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It appears that she spent some of her high school experience at Bethesda's Holton Arms. Now that may have been some time ago for the 55 year old divorced mother of two but clearly her time stateside influenced her perspectives significantly.

Her countrymen have been known to refer to her as "the American" as she embraces an American Puritan workaholic approach as opposed to one which is more similar to the French work ethic/culture. Other aspects of her experience that makes her not so typically French includes her friendship with once Chicago Mayor Richard Daley or her being the first female chairman of the U.S. law firm Baker & McKenzie. Recently she even was on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart and it turns out she has quite a sense of humor as she was also on the show back in 2009.

Christine Lagarde replaces former Managing Director, IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. She was appointed to French President Nicolas Sarkozy's Cabinet in 2007 and her unique female perspective is not something she shys away from. "I think we inject less libido" is one of her comments that she shared when reflecting on the role of women in finance, "And less testosterone into the equation.... it helps in the sense that we don't necessarily project our ego into cutting a deal" Ms. Lagarde once told Chistiane Amanpour during an interview.

Malia Obama Gets The Special Joy Of Having Your Father Share His Views On the Perfect First Car


It is hard to believe that we are watching the president's daughters grow up before our very eyes. The first born of the President and First Lady is Malia, who so appropriately celebrated her 13th birthday this past 4th of July. Well, as she inches ever so closely to that magic age when learner's permit and driver's license is the topic at the family table, her dad is already ahead of the game.

Recently while addressing the auto industry, President Obama expressed that he already has the prototype for the perfect car for his daughter all thought out. Seems that part of improving standards to suit his needs for his girls it would include topping out at speeds of 15mph and have an ejector seat for any time boys are in the car. Hmmm.... Got that car industry?

July Brought A Continued Wave of Support To Military Families From Both the First Lady and Dr. Biden




Back in April First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden came together to launch the "Joining Forces" campaign. It's overall mission is designer to garner support and to honor the sacrifices being made by military families. It will spotlight their stories and experiences as it gives a voice to veterans, spouses and their children. The hope is that it will build bridges between the community at large and our military community.

Dr. Biden referred to them as "Gold Star" families. And that they are as many were gathered at the indoor cookout that was hosted at the National Guard Headquarters here in Washington, D.C. "My son, Beau, is a Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard and recently spent a year in Iraq, so I know well the challenges that Guard families face when their soldiers are away".

The bottom line here is that these ladies are using their star power to generate and encourage extra consideration for these families when it comes to employment, wellness and education. Everyday the odds are not necessarily in their favor. So it's clear that it is just the right thing for us as a country to be open to doing.

First Lady Gave Thumbs Up This Month To McDonald's Healthier Happy Meals

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tim Gunn Offers Constructive Critism For AWW Secretary of State Hillary Clinton




Style guru Tim Gunn, Project Runway, appeared on "Lopez Tonight" Tuesday night and was in rare form. I absolutely love his humor and he served it up like on a fashionista can. During his interview George Lopez asked what Gunn's opinion was when it came to several politicians and celebrities. The responses were hysterical but biting and though he had nothing but praise when it came to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she was spared no expense. Apparently he isn't at all a fan of her pantsuits. But I think that the Secretary of State will probably take it in good humor because Gunn isn't the first one to give her a hard time about her outfits.

Just last month German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who also loves herself a "good pantsuit" poked fun at the two leaders attire inclinations by presenting the Secretary of State with a framed Associated Press photo from the Frankfurter Allemeine newspaper (pictured above) which was taken during a visit last April. When presenting it the Chancellor suggested that it "you may take it in a playful mode".

Most importantly, Tim Gunn was clear and pointed in his praise for the Secretary's political accomplishments and activity. In that arena he had nothing but good things to say. And that's what really matters and I think he knows we all know this.

And yet a style expert has to be true to his mission so..... AWashingtonWoman is making a predicition. Here goes "pantsuits just took their official exit off the walkways of Fashion Week by next year".

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Washington D.C. Is Becoming a Real Tennis Town



D.C. Has It's Very Own Royalty






Ashley Boalch (pictured left and center) won the title of Miss District of Columbia 2011 this summer. She is a 23year old student from University of Maryland. Also crowned was Lauren Seely (right)as Miss D.C.'s Outstanding Teen 2011. AWashingtonWoman is looking forward to following your upcoming reign and we are certain that you will continue to make your community proud.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

World Cup Soccer Became Personal Thanks To D.C. United's Women's Soccer Team!




Women's D.C. United Soccer woke up a sleepy, hot Washington summer when they turned up in the quarterfinals with a win against Brazil. The women gave fans throughout the city and the country something to shout about, and shout they did. By now everyone knows that ulitmately the team succumbed to the deserving victors from the Japanese team. Yes the loss was painful, but the effort was great. D.C. United gave it their best and represented like on AWashingtonWoman can. No regrets and still basking in the accomplishment and joy that their efforts brought to Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

HUMA ABEDIN: "Real" Wife of Washington


People are really intrigued with wives lately. There are more reality shows than one may care to count about wives. Bravo even ventured to do a Real Wife franchise based on spouses of D.C. However, what the network realized is that the "real" real wives weren't seduced by the fifteen minutes of fame and it wasn't easy to find participants who would share the details of their lives or allow themselves to be portrayed in a manner they probably where they wouldn't have much input. The result was women who were nice and or spicy but not too exciting in a way that much of the country could relate to or find interest in. Which is what brings us to sharing a little insight on yet another of Washington's jewels.

Huma Abedin,aide to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has been refered to as Madame Secretary's "secret weapon". And it is no wonder as Ms. Abedin has a reputation for being no nonesense when it comes to her deciation to her work. She has also found herself with the much undesired focus for being married to Congressman Anthony Weiner. Congressman Weiner has recieved more than his share of media spotlight for being yet another politician behaving badly. As you must know by now, the congressman admited to exercising poor judgement when he tweeted pictures of his anatomy via social media to a variety of young women. AWW knows what you have all been thinking but we thought we would simply introduce you to truly Congressman Weiner's "better half".

The congressman and Huma have been married a little over a year. She was born in Michigan and yet was raised Saudi. Her father (who is deceased) was of Indian descent and her mother is from Pakistan. They raised Huma to be muslim and her jewish husband, Congressman Weiner often celebrates muslim holidays with her. Not unlike a growing number of mixed families they know how to celebrate the best of their faiths in a respectful and loving manner. AWW is sad that hubby forgot to keep the spousal respect thing going. But let's try to keep it real. Human frailty escapes not many of us so far be it from AWW to throw stones (wer'e just sayin'......). Anyhow.... back to the woman of the hour.

Ms. Huma is known to be very fashion forward and Oscar de la Renta actually designed her wedding gown and she was absolutely a vision. Apparently she also has a fashion appetite for Marc Jacobs and Prada.

On a more weighty side, Time magazine cited Huma Abedin to be "40 under 40" List of New Civic Leaders. Certainly, with grace, style and intelligence is how this AWashingtonWoman will weather this storm. We wish her well and though she has been brought to our attention because silliness seems to be able to both make and brake important people, our bets are that this won't be the last of hearing about Huma Abedin.

Friday, April 29, 2011

The White House Correspondent's Dinner Is Upon Us and Julia Whiston at the Helm



Meet the Executive Director of the White House Correspondent's Association Dinner, Julia Whiston. She came on board over 15 years ago and has earned the designation of being a true veteran in planning the ever increasing in popularity event.
There will be over 2,600 guests filling the Ballroom of the Washington Hilton. This is an event that brings together politicos, Hollywood celebrities, sports figures and journalists as they break bread together under one roof. In a recent interview, Ms. Whiston shares some colorful experiences. This year if one simply peeps at the guest list you can be certain that this one will be no less colorful. Stay tuned and if nothing else AWashingtonWoman promises to give you the 411 on who wore what. So stay tuned....

What Once Washington Insider Made an Appearance On '30 Rock'?


Condoleeza Rice has long since blew out of the D.C. area, but who knew she would show up on an episode of '30 Rock'? Well that's exactly where you could have gotten a glimpse of her if you tuned in last Thursday. Ms. Rice was once the 66th Secretary of State during the Bush administration. She is also a respected scientist and diplomat, not to mention an accomplished pianist and professor of political science. However, wearing all those impressive hats didn't preventing her from taking on the role of Jack Donaghy's (Alec Baldwin's media executive character) ex-girlfriend. Writers even managed to include a scene where Rice's character has a musical showdown with her old beau. AWASHINGTONWOMAN is truly impressed with Ms. Rice's versatility. We say two thumbs up.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

A Washington, D.C. Resident and the Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for CBS Make An Ultimate Sacrifice

Lara Logan is not only the Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for CBS News and correspondent for 60 Minutes, she is also a wife and mother who lives here in Washington. While Ms. Logan was recently covering the Egyptian Revolution she and her crew were detained by the Egyptian army in Cairo on allegations that they were actually acting in a different capacity. Later Ms. Logan was covering the celebrations taking place in Tahirir Square following the resignation of Hosni Mubarak when she was brutally assaulted.

AWashingtonWoman would like to take a moment to recognize the sacrifice that she has had to make in an effort to keep us informed. We have the utmost respect for her professional commitment and though we know it is a small gesture for a tremendous and horrific experience we want to acknowledge her courage and it be known that time will heal.In the meantime she is in our thoughts and prayers.

We want to point out that many different people make up the great city of Washington, D.C. They make huge contributions and sacrifices that many only read about in books or go to movies to witness. But these are real people with real lives. They have families, conflicts and struggles just like people all over the country.

Frequently, "the problems of Washington" are discussed by talking heads, politicians and other politicos for their own self serving purpose. Many times the image they try to cast on this city is more a reflection of the acrimony and negativity they bring with them both in their hearts and their minds eye, as they are the ones prepared to do whatever is necessary to achieve thier own personal goals. Well, the next time that politician uses Washington as an example of what goes wrong with this country, perhaps it would serve everyone well to actually take a look at who and what actually hails from this city. There are more common everyday people that they seek to marginalize and villify also. These are the people whose ancestors litterally built and designed the walls of the Capitol and the streets they drive upon to get where they are going. Perhaps that too is a metaphor. Bottom Line: whether you were born here like myself or have been brought here for education or work like Ms. Logan (who by the way is originally from South Africa), we don't deserve to be used to elevate other's sense of purpose.

People like Lara Logan are here in numbers larger than anywhere else in the country. AWashingtonWoman will continue to elevate their images because they are the "real" women of Washington. By the way, she is also married and lives in a house, so perhaps she could be considered to be a REAL housewife of D.C. (And by the way, the men of this city are equally admirable, AWashingtonWoman is simply devoted to the task of shining the light on the women of the city)

Friday, February 11, 2011

Loving vs Virginia: A Valentine's Story and A Tribute To Black History Month



This story actually occurred when I was a baby. My mother comes from a town not far from Caroline county. Many of my relatives from that area have been and continue to be of mixed blood. I am posting this for a couple of reasons. First, topics that seem to be ancient history aren't really that ancient unless you are suggestion that this "AWashingtonWoman" is ancient also (and I don't think ya really want to do that :). Next, these folks weren't trying to make a political statement. They simply loved each other and wanted to share their lives as man and wife. I am happy to say that love triumphed and thanks to the courage of these simple people Virginia became a state worthy of it's slogan saying "Virginia Is For Lovers". Not long ago, Virginia also could claim the unique distinction of having a city with the most diverse population in the world. I believe it was listed in the "Guinness's Book of World Records". It makes me proud to come from an area that has come such a long way in it's journey to respecting culture. Yes, there is still work to be done. But I believe Virginia will rise to the occasion.

When people visit Washington, D.C. I don't know if they understand the tri-state nature of this area. And us natives are often amused that the level of diversity is probably a surprise to many of our tourist. I even joke to my friends from other states that living here is like being part of the United Nations. I love that my children have been raised in a community that has every flavor of human being you can imagine. I love when I attend church when the priest asks visitors to introduce themselves and tell where they are from. People rattle off every country from the Netherlands, to the Caribbean and in between. I loved going to the monument for the fourth of July and looking out over a vast sea of humanity where people of all sorts of nationalities all sat together, anticipated and were in awe of the fireworks for this nation's birthday - together.

And I love that peole who just want to love each other -legally- came from the area I call home. So as we embark upon Valentine's Day weekend during this month where we acknowledge Black History I would like to embrace the spirit of Mr. and Mrs. Loving.

Star Jones, D.C. Native Appearing On The Apprentice and Is Concerned About Real Housewife of Atlanta's NeNe Leakes


Mother of Five From Lanham Has Life Changing Experience Thanks to Ellen Degeneres


Thursday, February 10, 2011

High Percentage of Women Are Working Moms

Washington, D.C. has one of the highest populations of professional working women in the country. Many of these working women are moms and some are wives. Hey some are actually wives and moms. So just how do we pull it off? We aren't unlike women all over the country except for one dynamic: we are doing it in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Washington, D.C. just recieved some rather dubious recognitions. For example we spend more time in traffic than most others; we are apparently some of the rudest folk; we are very ambitious as we have one of the most educated populations and the distinctions go on and on. We are unique also as we are the seat of power in one of the most powerful cities on the planet. No pressure there. Actually, lot's of pressure there.

Over the next few days, I will be speaking with a variety of women who are coping with the uniqueness of our city while they raise families and earn incomes.

No Picnic On The Hill For Elenor Norton Holmes

Friday, February 4, 2011

White House Social Secretary, Julianna Smoot Takes A New Role


It's seems like not so long ago we were anticipating who the new White House Social Secretary would be. Well, it was not so long ago that we were introduced to Julianna Smoot and begun to get a glimpse of how her style would compare/contrast with that of her predecessor. We can forget about all of that now, as it appears Smoot is moving on down the line. But her talents will still play a major part in the president's team of players. Looks like she will be assisting with the upcoming campaign plans for the 2012 elections.
Though we didn't really get to know much about Julianna (and apparently that was to be part of how she handled things anyhow) but AWashingtonWoman can say that the social events of late at the White House have appeared to be virtually flawless. And to that end, might we say "mission accomplished". It's nice to feel pretty sure that there won't be any reality shows building itself on the backs of our citizens. All the best!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

President and First Lady Obama Looked Regal As They Welcomed Guest to A State Dinner Last Night At the White House

The Arrival of China's President and First Lady

White House State Dining Room Is Host To President Hu and Many Other Chinese Americans, Celebrities, Politico's and Elegant Attendees

Frank Sinatra-The Way You Look Tonight ..... A Salute to the Beautiful Women Who Attended the White House Dinner Tonight




"AWashingtonWoman" is kicking off our focus on D.C. Styles and have added one of our favorite Sinatra tunes so that you can enjoy "old blue eyes" as we focus our eyes on the looks of the evening.....


Cheers!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Civility Is The Message of the Day In Washington, D.C.

Today is the day we reflect on Martin Luther King's Birthday and at the risk of it becoming simply another day to take off and catch post Christmas sales many of us grapple with how to approach it. So as I woke up this morning I thought about what seemed to be the main message of Dr. King's life. At first glance it appears that it was about race, and in it's day it was about race. However, race, I believe was the tool to put a face on the need to address a topic that transcends race. It was a tool used to work on our failing practices toward humanity. No characteristic should have caused humans to treat humans so poorly --not in 1963 or 1863 or 2003 or today. And yet we as a nation were not evolved enough to completely wrap ourselves around the notion. But it took the civil rights movement and Dr. King as it's voice to deliver critically needed concepts to Americans and then on to the larger world.

I was actually thinking about Dr. King's "Dream" and what he must have seen. I thought about how we can still hope to continue to see similar images. As as mother, I thought about how I can work to show those type visions to my own children and to the children I encounter..... I think Dr. King saw civility, compassion, caring, consideration to name a few... They seem like such simple concepts and yet in today's world they have become so elusive. These aren't principles we should have to work to focus on as we try to celebrate this man but rather they should be a basic part of our humanity. They should be incorporated into our daily lives and yet for so many of us it is actually a struggle to think of ways to display the concepts. Many times we surrender and simply try to do some things we otherwise don't seem to have time for in our lives.

There is a note of irony that just a week prior to the King holiday there was an act of violence in the country that once again stunned a nation. Then again, perhaps it isn't ironic at all. Could it possibly be that what Dr. King stood for is so much bigger and stronger than he, a mere man? Could it be another example of his spirit demanding our attention? Through seemingly sensless acts of anger and violence something is still trying to remind of us of how we are to live. Perhaps it is harder to get our ear with all our Ipods and IPhones.... we feeling like we have to be superhuman and getting frustrated with the reality that we are simply humans.... We must committ ourselves to remembering to care for one another and for ourselves without the need for gunshots to ring out and get our attention. We must committ to compassion and perhaps it is as easy as starting in our own homes, our own lives and then take it out into the larger world. For those of us who pride ourselves on being good christians this is what we profess and supposedly live by and for all those who follow different doctrines there is usually a fairly similar drumbeat that you march to.

Recently we have come up with a catchy slogan about letting this be a day "on" not a day "off". Well, I suggest we let it be the beginning of how we live our lives everyday. Perhaps we should have something formally renew our intentions of being more civilized than the year before. Maybe it should be a time when we remember to feel for one another. Clearly the spirit lives on and it is our job to make the vision more of a reality.

Let's all simply show care for somebody .... and let us start with today.