Meridian Confidential

Shan Little: Metal Artist and Director of Events at the Chili House

Halfway between Birmingham and New Orleans on I-20/59 and just over the border in Mississippi is the town of Meridian. At the exit for 31st Avenue, there are the typical interstate offerings for culinary fare and sustenance. Rather than eat lunch at Cracker Barrel or McDonald's, though, we drove into downtown Meridian and had lunch at the Chili House across from the post office. It was there that we met Shan Little*--a metal artist and Director of Events at Meridian's spicy gustatory spot. In fact, she made both of the metal pieces featured in today's photos. Shan is also the newest addition to my 100 Strangers series.

Repurposing a 55-gallon drum lid : Created by Shan Little for the Chili House
(Click image to enlarge)

If you want good eats, stop in Meridian at the Chili House where the motto is Good Mood, Great Food! And, if you're interested in blues and bikes, be sure to be in Meridian on June 13 when Shan and the good folks at the Chili House will be hosting Meridian's first Bike & Blues Festival. The event will feature bikers from all over, as well as music by The Dominoes and the Ned Addy Band. The event is free. If you want more information, contact Shan.

* For the record, her name is really Shan. It isn't short for Shannon or anything else. Just Shan.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 04/09

Artist

C.J. paints one of Washington's iconic memorials framed by cherry blossoms.
(Click image to enlarge.)

Continuing the 100 Strangers challenge, went to see the cherry blossoms this weekend and came across this young lady who was painting the blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial. C.J. is a student at Georgetown Day School and, according to her mother, she'd been there most of the morning painting.

Beautiful weather + Cherry blossoms = Art

In other news, one week from today, I'll be leaving Washington, D.C., and moving to Washington State. I'll be living on Whidbey Island and will continue my photography and blogging from there. Starting on May 1, check out Whidbey Island Confidential. Between April 15 and May 1, I'll be blogging from the road, so be sure to visit D.C. Confidential for the second installment of U.S.A. Confidential. I'll continue to blog here as I pull pictures from my archives and as I make visits to D.C. throughout the year.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential / Janet Kincaid, 04/09

Checkmate

Checkmate: Some speed chess and lunch with a view.
(Click to enlarge)

Continuing with 100 Strangers, I give you three strangers and an extra. Mike, Victor, and David were playing speed chess the other day outside the Brown Bag, but it was the guy in the window who first caught my eye.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential/Janet Kincaid.

All the News...

Reading the day's news while soaking up some spring warmth
(Click image to enlarge)

Continuing with 100 Strangers, I was downtown today to meet my brother for an early lunch and then to reconnect with a former colleague from my days working at a recycling non-profit. While I was waiting, I took some pictures of a few sights and some of the people out and about. This woman, reading a newspaper outside 14 & K Restaurant and Lounge, intrigued me. Her name is Nell Minnow. I didn't talk to her for very long, but I did compliment her on her name. She said she likes it, too!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential/Janet Kincaid, 03/09

Mr. Johnson

Mr. Rudolph "Rudy" Johnson

Today, I had to go to the bank and I decided to walk because it's a beautiful day, I need the exercise, and, aside from my jaunt to Williamsburg and Jamestown last week, I haven't taken my camera out and shot any new photos in about a month. (Well, maybe not that long, but pretty darn close.) As part of my 100 Strangers series, I was fortunate to run into the gentleman above, Mr. Rudolph Johnson. I met him while I was photographing a tribute to someone gone, but not forgotten.

Impromptu memorial to a homeless woman--gone, but not forgotten.
Note Mr. Johnson in the background.

On my way to Takoma Park, I walked past this little park at the intersection of Cedar, Blair, and 5th Streets NW. An impromptu memorial had gone up beneath a cherry tree and I decided to take a picture. Mr. Johnson called out to me and told me it was meant to remember a homeless woman who had also hung out in the park over the years (I didn't catch her name.)

Hands that have labored

We started talking and eventually I asked Mr. Johnson if I could take his picture. He seemed happy to let me. I then remarked about his hands and the work they must have seen over the years. He asked, "You wanna take a picture of 'em?" And I did. Seems he worked in construction and landscaping for 30 years. Not long after that bit of information, I went on my way.

Mr. Johnson checks out my card

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 02/09

Historical Strangers

Paul : Aboard the Susan Constant : James River : Jamestown, Virginia

Picking up my 100 Strangers series again, these are just a couple of the volunteers in and around Jamestown and Williamsburg. They're known as historic interpreters and are sometimes referred to as reenactors. They dress in period clothing and provide visitors with important historical information and guidance as we step back 400 years and discover the beginnings of America. This fellow is a guy named Paul who gave us the goods on how 104 men and boys navigated three ships across the Atlantic in 1606-1607 to land in Virginia. I think Paul was from South Africa, because he had the loveliest lilt. What was great about him is, he very obviously loves what he does. His enthusiasm and knowledge were infectious.

Spinner : Whyte Plantation : Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

I didn't get the name of the historic interpreter in Williamsburg who was spinning linen in the weaver's building behind the estate of George Whyte. Whyte was one of America's lesser known, but significant, signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also Thomas Jefferson's law tutor. In Colonial America, there were no law schools, so colonialist had to "read the law" with someone who had studied law in Europe. Jefferson read the law with Whyte. Getting back to the weaver's building, though: The reenactors in this building spin and weave blankets and linens and such, which are on display behind and above this spinner.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 02/09

Painterly

Christine Raymond : Artist-at-Work

The inauguration last week sort of threw things off a bit around here, so this week's 100 Strangers is appearing late. Or early, depending on your perspective. In our wanderings around Old Town Manassas, my friend took me to see her favorite art studio and gallery in town--the Creative Brush. Today's 100 Stranger series features Christine Raymond, daughter of Creative Brush's owner, Mary Reilly. While I was there, Christine was working on a commissioned piece. I chose to capture her working on the piece while one of her finished works--Bodie* Lighthouse in North Carolina's Outer Banks--stood on an easel waiting to be lacquered and framed.

Pretty in Pink

Today's 100 Strangers is a double-feature. In the back of the studio, a lovely lady named Linda was working on a painting of a friend's granddaughter. Linda has been studying under Mary Reilly for two years and this is the result! I was stunned. My maternal grandmother was an artist and she would have loved this studio. When I see people painting and the beauty they produce, it reminds me of all of the loveliness my grandmother brought into the world with her talents.


* Pronounced body.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

The Challenges We Face Are Real...But They Will Be Met!

The Inauguration of Barack Obama as seen by spectators
on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial.

Note the Washington Monument behind the Jumbotron and, way off
in the distance, the Capitol. (Click image to enlarge.)

Despite all the rhetoric from the networks that the Mall was packed, lines were painfully long, and access to the Mall supposedly difficult, I got on the 54 bus yesterday morning at 14th and Colorado NW around 9:15 and traveled down to 14th and L Streets NW. From there, I walked over to Constitution and 19th and entered the Mall unimpeded. I joined my fellow citizens near the Korean War Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial to see and listen to the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. All I'm going to say is it was indescribably awesome and I'm glad I braved the cold and the crowds to see this historic event!

L: Ms. Hazel, a D.C. resident who lives up around Brookland, came out to celebrate a moment she said she
never thought she'd live to see. R: Gretchen, in town from Chicago, was proud to see one of her town's
finest leaders rise to the highest office in the land.

A shout out to Hazel from Brookland here in the city and Gretchen from Chicago, two strangers who became friends while we shared this great moment in American history--along with millions of others--on the Mall, at home, and abroad. To see a slideshow of just some of the hundreds of thousands of people who gathered on the Mall in celebration, click on the slideshow below.



If you missed President Obama's speech, here is the transcript and video below.



And, finally, the beauty of the Neighborhood Ball--Beyonce singing "At Last" as the President and First Lady dance.



*****

To see really awesome photos from the inauguration by other D.C. photo bloggers, visit JuxtaExposed and The 42.

Video source: The Washington Post

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Sugarfoots

Ms. Barbara El Wilson, Owner and Creator of Sugarfoots Dolls

This week's 100 Strangers series features Ms. Barbara El Wilson. I met Ms. Wilson the other day, because she's the owner of this red gate. I was walking by her house last week and, wanting to photograph it from inside the yard, I knocked on her door to ask permission to be on her property. We started chatting and she invited me to see her business.

Ms. Wilson is the owner and creator of Sugarfoots dolls, which she describes as "an old-fashioned doll with a fresh new look." The multi-cultural dolls are completely handcrafted and mimic the old-fashioned rag dolls of yesteryear with their hand embroidery and unique and bright outfits. The dolls come in cocoa, ginger, cinnamon, and sugar cream skin tones and in two sizes--25" and 15". If you're looking for a gift for a child, these are great! In fact, the next time I'm over at Ms. Wilson's, I'm picking one up.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Service with a Smile

Ms. Terry: Brightwood Post Office's friendly postal clerk

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, this is Ms. Terry. She's a United States Postal Service employee who sells stamps and helps customers with their mail and packages at the USPS' post office on Georgia Avenue at Tuckerman Street. Ms. Terry has worked for the USPS for 26 years and has been at this location for the last two years. The last couple of times I've gone to the post office, she's always been there ready to help all of us and doing it with a smile.

Today, I happened to have my camera with me and she asked me if I was a photographer. I replied, "Erstwhile." Then I asked if I could take her picture. She very graciously said yes and here is the result!

If you live in Brightwood, be sure to stop in and say hello to Ms. Terry. And maybe the next time I go in, they'll have the Chinese Lunar New Year stamps I was hoping to buy!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Rocket Bar

Rack : The Rocket Bar : Penn Quarter : Washington, D.C.

A departure from my usual fare today: pictures from a pool hall. I took these during a blogger meet-up a few weeks ago and liked how they turned out. I played with a few of them, obviously, but I shot all of these without a flash. They aren't what I would consider high-quality, but I like their grittiness. (What I didn't like, was the guy who wasn't paying attention to where he was walking and almost knocked an entire pint of beer off a table and into my shoes as I was exiting this Penn Quarter watering hole.)

Seems some things never change. We're all still hanging out against the wall, waiting for the
cute boy or girl to ask us to dance. Or in this case, I guess, to buy the other a drink?

The Rocket Bar was pretty low key, as far as I could tell, until the Capitals hockey game let out. Then there was a line out the door. As one of the bloggers in our group, who also happens to be a restaurant manager, stated as we were leaving, "This is an okay location, but I wouldn't stand in line for it." I wouldn't know about that, but I did enjoy the photo opps.

The dude on the far left in the hat looked like Hugh Jackman.
I wonder if he can sing and dance like him, too? I should have asked.

*****

Six ball, off the right side, off the top, and into the center left... Or not.

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, the four guys playing a rack in the photo above were intrigued by the fact that you could take pictures inside in low light without using a flash. They were a polite bunch and even struck a pose for one of the pictures I took. Unfortunately, it looks corny, so I've omitted it here.

*****

Tomorrow: I pay tribute to seven photographers who inspire me and tell you five things I've learned as a result of looking through a lens for the last year.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Flower Man

Flower Man : Bethesda, Maryland

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, I saw this gentleman yesterday in the plaza in front of Barnes & Noble in Bethesda. It was a pretty chilly day. We were all bundled up, but he looked particularly cold sitting next to his cart of flowers.

Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping?

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/08

Traveling: Small Town Christmas, Langley Style

City Hall decked out in festive delight : Langley, WA

Langley, Washington, is on the south end of Whidbey Island and is a quaint little town with several bookstores, a couple of coffee shops, a few restaurants, cafes, and taverns, a movie theater, a grocery store, a post office, a library, and several boutique stores on the main street. This is a no-stop-light town with a cop everyone knows as Officer Bob and a strenuously enforced speed limit of 25 mph. (For someone from Washington, D.C., the speed-limit-abiding drivers of Washington State baffled me!)

Christmas Parade : Langley, WA

At Christmas time, the town has a Christmas parade. I just happened to be there on the right weekend to see it. It's all of three blocks long, but it was cute and fun to see the kids. It reminded me of the July 4th Parade my siblings and I use to participate in every year growing up in Provo, Utah.

A Bagpipe Brigade from Gig Harbor pipes in the Christmas Parade : Langley, WA

In addition to these holiday photos, see the slideshow below for more of Langley and a few odds-and-ends thrown in for fun. (Click on the slideshow to open in a larger format.)

*****

Mary Elizabeth : Kick-in-the-pants Proprietor of Mike's Place : Langley, WA

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, the lady above is Mary Elizabeth. She owns a restaurant in town called Mike's Place--named after her husband. Every Sunday night is Trivia Night at Mike's. The restaurant is full of comfy chairs in the front and tables for dining in the back. If you ever visit Langley, go to Mike's Place and spend some time talking to Mary Elizabeth. She is a kick in the pants! She's also the person, if I understood this correctly, who arranged a number of the logistics for the Christmas parade, including arranging for the bagpipers. They came up from Gig Harbor.

Tomorrow: Mukilteo Enroute to Seattle

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/08

100 Strangers: DJ & Deep

D.J. and Deep and their sons out for an evening in Silver Spring

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, tonight I was out in downtown Silver Spring and I was setting up to take a shot of the Discovery Channel building and Cakelove, when this group of gentlemen stepped into the picture. I ended up chatting with them briefly, then taking their picture. D.J., the gentlemen on the left, and his son are visiting from Augusta, Georgia. The gentleman on the right, Deep, is his brother. Deep works for the Smithsonian Institution. They were very friendly guys and it was fun taking their picture!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/08

Busts

George S. Pickett, U.S. Army:
Led the futile and bloody assault at Gettysburg
known as Pickett's Charge.

This week, I'm going to feature some photos I took at the National Portrait Gallery last week. Photographing art is often a challenge, but museums provide so many opportunities not only for capturing great art, but also for capturing people interacting with the art. During my recent visit to the NPG, I tried to focus strictly on busts. Here are a couple of examples of my efforts.

In the painting, Harriet Beecher Stowe joined by her contemporary in bust, Susan B. Anthony.
The former, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The latter fought for woman's suffrage.

Several busts were in galleries featuring paints of the subjects' contemporaries. I'll feature an interesting and apropos pairing on Wednesday, along with a book recommendation.

Date Night

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, I was originally intent on photographing the frame around the painting of U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant, but then this couple stepped into the gallery and they became part of the composition. I think I like this better than if I'd simply just photographed the painting in its frame, don't you?

*****

As an aside, I want to call attention to an article in yesterday's Washington Post Travel section about Vienna, Austria. If you are from Vienna or if you've ever lived there (as I have), if you've visited the city on the Blue Danube or have plans to, this is an article worth reading. I'd love to hear what our daily photo bloggers from/in Vienna, the City of Dreams, think of it.

Here is In the Presence of the Past: Vienna's Complicated History is Never Too Far Out of Reach. The article also includes a section on how to get to Vienna, where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and so forth. Any other suggestions for things to see and do in this magical city?

*****

Tomorrow's D.C. Confidential: Funerary Sculpture

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/08

Basilica

Backlit Basilica

I've featured this Washington house of worship before and I posted a couple of pictures as part of my SkyWatch Friday last week. I promised Cowbark I'd post more pictures this week.

The Christopher Columbus Window reflected on the wall
of the stairway leading up to the bell tower.

A couple of weekends ago, a friend of mine from high school was in town. We went to Hillwood Museum & Gardens, which I'll feature more of later this week, as well as to the National Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. These are just a few more of the pictures I took.

Niche off the Grotto Chapel on the Crypt level

If you'd like to see some additional photos featuring a handful of the more than 30 chapels and rosary altars in the Basilica, as well as the robes worn by Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Washington this past spring, see Standing Room Only.

Adoration

I liked the sun coming through the windows and resting on this woman in our tour group. She lingered a bit longer than the rest of the crowd, who moved on from the sanctuary in the Great Upper Church to see the icons for Our Mother of Perpetual Help in the same.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/08

Skywatch + 100 Strangers

Looking heavenward in the
Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Technically speaking, this isn't a picture of the physical sky, but it is a picture of the metaphorical sky. Cathedrals and basilicas, with their soaring arches and domes, are meant to draw the worshipers' eye skyward toward heaven as a reminder of God. I recently took these photos at the National Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and thought they would be a nice twist for the weekly Skywatch challenge.

Detail of the ceiling partially seen in the first photo

*****

Contemplative

And, continuing my 100 Strangers series, I give you a photo of a gentleman contemplating things spiritual and praying the rosary in the same basilica. He looked so peaceful in the midst of all the chaos (i.e. a tour group full of 30 somewhat enthusiastic teenagers from a local Catholic school.)


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/08

Jubilation

Chants and outbursts of jubilation define the crowds that surged into
the streets of Washington and flowed to Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the
White House after it was announced that Barack Obama, the long-shot candidate
and senator from Illinois, had been elected America's 44th president.

Last night, history was made in the United States of America. For the first time, a black man has been elected to the highest office in the land. More than 100 117.7 million Americans voted. Of those who voted, 52%, or 52.7 62.4 million, cast their ballots for Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. Senator Obama garnered 338 349 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed, and was declared the 44th President of the United States.

Celebrating with the crowd in front of the White House

A large portion of the country burst into spontaneous celebration. Down on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the White House, a crowd of thousands gathered to chant "Yes We Can!" and "Yes We Did!" and "Obama! Obama!" Most of them appeared to be students from nearby George Washington and Georgetown Universities, but there were also many who seemed to be coming from the city's neighborhoods and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland to be a part of history. Up on U and 14th Streets NW--Washington's historic Black Broadway--crowds of people poured out of their homes, restaurants, and bars and began celebrating.

While I was down at the White House tonight, three complete strangers--all African American--hugged me and others. This is a monumental day for them and an opportunity for change for all of us. The pictures I took aren't the greatest. I was being jostled by the crowd at times and didn't want to block the way at other times. But I hope they give you a sense for the moment. Similar celebrations were taking place from coast-to-coast.

About a mile from the White House,
a few people quietly gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

America has spoken and the way is clear. It won't be easy, but if we work together so much is possible. Last night was a night for all Americans to be proud!

*****

Kendra and Jake, new D.C. residents who moved here from Montana,
join in the celebration in front of the White House.

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, this is a picture of Kendra and Jake. They just moved here from Montana to work for a couple of non-profits here in town. They were soaking up the enthusiasm in front of the White House and were excited to learn that as of 12:30 a.m. EST their state was tilting toward Obama. As I type this at 2:50 a.m. EST, Obama and McCain are tied for Montana. Update 8:25 a.m. EST: McCain carried Montana, but while 50% of Big Sky voters cast their ballots for him 46% went for Obama. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/05/08

Posted at 3:30 a.m. EST. Updated to reflect new polling results at 7:30 a.m. EST.

Worth the Wait

Voters in line at 8:00 a.m. at Calvin Coolidge H.S. in Ward 4

I was like a kid at Christmas this morning. I couldn't wait to vote! The polls in D.C. opened at 7:00 and I was in line at 8:00. If the line I was in is any indication, turnout today will be historic. I waited a little over an hour to vote, but as I said to a fellow voter, "This is a line worth waiting in."

The line continues up the block in front of the school.

The enthusiasm for this election was palpable and people are excited! One young man was voting for the first time. Another talked about how he hopes this election will result in more opportunities for everyone, not just a select few. We all agreed that America's isolationist policies have to end.

I spoke with voters whose parents and grandparents led the way in the fight for racial equality and justice. The shine in their eyes and the hopefulness in their voices was inspiring. Many of them have fought long and hard to see this day when one of their own is within reach of the White House.

Voters waiting in line to verify their registration and receive a card
that then allows them to pick up their ballots and vote.

I saw voters of every demographic. Sure, the majority of them were black, because D.C.'s population is largely black, but there were white people, Hispanics, Asians, young and old, gay and straight, Christians and atheists, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, able and disable, decideds and undecideds. I saw my neighbors I know and people from the neighborhood I've never met. In short, I saw America. And it is voting!

The D.C. voting ballot. Note in the upper right hand corner that
we have candidates for the offices of U.S. senator and U.S. representative,
even though constitutionally we are prohibited from having equal representation
in Congress. Nevertheless, candidates run every cycle in the hope that the Constitution
will be amended and we'll have representation.

If you haven't yet, please, get out and vote. It's the best time you'll spend in a line. Ever.

*****

Steven, a first time voter, and Mr. Johnson, a retired math teacher,
wait in line to vote.

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, I spent the better part of my hour talking with these two gentlemen while I stood in line. We had a lovely conversation while we were waiting to cast our ballots. Both of them have lived in the neighborhood a long time. Steven, the gentleman on the left, grew up a few blocks from where we were standing and attended high school at Calvin Coolidge--the location of our polling station. It was Steven's first time voting! Mr. Johnson lives not too far from here either and is a former math teacher. His son, Brandon, was with him. This was Brandon's second election. Mr. Johnson declined to state how many elections he's voted in!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/04/08

Read to Me

Reading: Time well-spent with a child and a gift they'll cherish forever

Those who know me, know I'm a huge proponent of children reading (and really, just reading in general, regardless of age.) I grew up in a household where, until I was 16, we didn't own a television and my parents encouraged us to read. Our home was filled with books and both of my parents read to us as children. When you visit my home, what stands out are all of the books on a broad range of subjects. Books are the bedrock of a well-informed, intelligent civilization. Maybe that sounds elitist to some, but I truly believe that.

Books big and books little with bugs big and penguins little and lots and lots and lots of big words
for lots and lots and lots of little people. Books! Books! Books! Yeah, books!

That's why, in this internet world full of gadget craziness where soundbites rule and people get less of their information from reading and more of it from cable news shows, I'm always gratified when I see people reading. And I'm especially gratified when I see kids reading. Every time I see a kid with a book, I stop and talk to them for a few minutes. If their parent is with them, I thank them for encouraging their kid to read. I believe reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give to children and I applaud parents who give their kids books.

While I was out shooting pictures for yesterday's Two Things Challenge: Big / Little, I went into Border's Books and Music and took these pictures of parents (big), kids (little), and books. (And yes, I asked and received permission to post these photos.) I also singled out some children's book titles that feature the words big and little. I know these photos would work well for the upcoming City Daily Photo theme, but I couldn't wait.

Whether it's reading about green eggs and ham or princesses, quantum mechanics or the politics of hope,
the effect is the same. Words and ideas and our ability to understand and articulate them empower us.
So, get up from your computer and go read a book! ;-)

If you have children in your life--whether your own or others--please read to them or give them books. In addition to your time, it's one of the greatest gifts you'll ever give them.

P.S. A couple of you emailed me and said that the new "embedded below the page" comments set-up I had (thanks to Blogger who changed it without asking my permission), was making it difficult for some of you to leave comments. I've changed the settings so it's back to its original full page set-up. Hope this makes it easier for folks to comment. Thanks for stopping by!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08