AWashingtonWoman

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.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

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.

Featured Washington Woman of The Month: Phenomenol in their representation of Washington Women

Each month AWashingtonWoman will feature a woman considered to be a true example of real women who hail from, live, or have lived a significant period of time in the Washington, D.C metropolitan area....(see picture above of this month's feature)

AWASHINGTONWOMAN: MARCH
ELIZABETH TAYLOR once wife of Senator Warner

This month the world lost an icon when one of America's brightest stars, Elizabeth Taylor passed away. When you think about Ms. Taylor you immediately think Hollywood. But she was much like the diamonds she loved so much as she too had many facets. She was born in England and lived for a period of time in a northern Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C. as Mrs. John Warner. Clearly it wasn't her cup of tea. Here in Washington, she moved more into the background as she tried not to allow her career to overshadow her husband's political aspirations. (I remember when I lived in a small town in southern Virginia and I was a majorette in "The Peanut Festival" (try to smile - please), she and her husband were the grand marshalls). She tried to exude a minimalist style and she was very unhappy about it. I think it would be fair to say that her husband was probably a southern gentleman who had a fair male ego. This certainly came with perks but it caused Liz to be a shrinking Violet. The only thing that should be violet or blue about this woman should have been her eyes. She led a life that was more private than her norm. That is a trait of women/people in this area. Another trait that she possessed that many women here have is that they can be very powerful in their own right. Often that power is tempered or marginalized as not to overshadow. Then there is also a really high rate of women who head households. Well, I think Liz just got a little tired of not being Liz fully. We hear at AWASHINGTONWOMAN are prayerful that she can really spread her wings now.

AWASHINGTONWOMAN: FEBRUARY
SHEILA JOHNSON
AWashingtonWoman has selected Sheila Johnson as one of the women who represent the spirit of Washington, D.C. for several reasons. This is one woman who has heart. We see her as an example of how we reinvent ourselves at different times in our lives. Ms. Johnson went from simply being a successful man's partner to becoming a business force in her own right. When life didn't go as planned, she didn't get stuck in negativity but rather became more productive than ever. She is proud mother and savvy businesswoman. Sheila is respected in her community and hasn't been shy extending herself to causes she feels strong about. This is one lady who has heart. Most recently she was bold enough to comment on the new network launched by Oprah Winfrey. Though her comments struck a sour note with some, we admire her sense of confidence and respect that her voice is another valuable one to add to the dynamic media landscape. Recently she has joined forces with another impressive woman who isn't a stranger to the nation's capital, Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post, to bring us "GlobalBlack". GlobalBlack will be a section of the Huffington Post which will cultural trends and current that are of interest to African Americans.

AWASHINGTONWOMAN: JANUARYCHRISTINA TAYLOR-GREEN

So she wasn't quite a woman just yet, but "AWashingtonWoman" believes that the mark of this little girl's spirit which hails from the great state of Maryland (part of the D.C. tri-state area) will leave a mark on the hearts of most and believes that her legacy represents the best of what this area has to offer in it's purest state.

For those of you who aren't aware of Christina or her seemingly senseless sacrifice.... She is the youngest victim of the shooting rampage that took place in Tuscon, Arizona on January 9th.

You see this is a little girl who was born on a beautiful September day in 2001 that was scared by the hatred displayed in the attacks of what has come to be the infamous day in our nation's history, "September 11th" was symbolic of how miracles and hope can blossom in the midst of saddness. Her premature departure was no less indicative of that symbolism as well. But it is the power of her personal beauty that spoke volumes beyond the simple symbolism.

Christina had a joi d'vie;an optimism and a sense of awareness at a young age that enabled her to believe that one day she might be able to make a difference in the world of politics. She had a sense of compassion and interest in topics which may seem mundane for many children her age.

Perhaps her mission was to help to raise the consciousness of a nation, if only for a little while. If that is so, then she has carried out her mission with the style and grace of someone well beyond her years.

There are no words which can make us feel that her sacrifice was justified. But little ladies, growing up to be women the way Christina was makes us proud to bear witness.....

"And the children shall lead us...."... May your spirit forever march on Christina.

2010 HAS BEEN A LONG YEAR HERE IN WASHINGTON

Most of the country seems to be so unaware of the magnitude of the snow storms that rocked the city from the very first month here in D.C.

Actually, our city responded well. It wasn't perfect, but overall the response was pretty good. And perhaps one of the most under-reported stories about our huge snow events was the strong sense of community that prevailed. Residents opened their homes and hearts to neighbors. We pulled together and it made me proud.

The media was intrigued with Washington in a way I haven't witnessed before. Television producers and movie makers became fascinated with using the city as a backdrop for programming. But the problem they encoutered was mainly a choice of reflecting their perceptions of what Washington, D.C. is and the reality. More often than not it became confusing and thus ..... flops.

Americans descended upon the city more than I have ever witnessed. Tea Partiers and counter groups seemed to stage an endless variety of marches and rallys. By December it began to slow down. But tourist/protester dollars must have mounted to a windfall for this city. The downside is that politics got exceptionally nasty.

Yes, it's been a long year and hopefully we will re-boot before 2011 cause let's face it, of all the things that people may want this city to be branded as, being dull just won't fit.(believe me they have tried)

2011 FULL STEAM AHEAD!!!!!!

Who Are Real Washington Women?

The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is home to some of the most educated, professional, assertive women in the world. It is also home to famous opera singers and world reown politicians. But there is another side of this city that is equally impressive. This side of the nation's capital has women of many generations. It has women of wisdom and common sense; women of determination and self preservation. That drive is what propells them to roll up sleeves and do what it takes to raise families and inspire our loved ones to do the same. And through it all, many have a unique sense of humor that allows them not to take themselves or life too seriously.

There's a lot of common sense here. Flaws? Oh yes the women of Washington have those too, but this blog is going to focus on the strengths. Because those are the strengths that enabled us to truly birth a nation.

It is our hope here, that we will inspire and amuse as we share ourselves just a little. (we are also pretty private which is how others have been able to define us ..... dull and conservative... you'll see)

Let A WashingtonWoman introduce you to the real women of D.C.