Inauguration 2009

It’s official! We have a new president, new hope, and tons of work to do.

This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so regardless of the 20 degree weather, or the estimated 4 million people, or even if we couldn’t see anything, we wanted to be a part of the day. Lionel chose to ride his bike in 18 degree wind chills (weirdo). While he pedaled furiously from Maryland to downtown DC, I found parking at the metro and even got a seat on the train. Surprisingly easy! We met on the designated corner (17th & K St) and Lionel left his bike with The Washington Area Bikers Association (WABA) who had set up a fantastic bike valet for FREE!

As we walked towards the Mall in a huge moving mob, someone began to chant “When I say ‘O’, you say ‘BAMA’ – ‘O’ ‘BAMA’ – ‘O’ ‘BAMA’”. The smiling crowd joined in and at that moment, we were satisfied with the decision to venture out on a cold January morning. We knew we would have a better view on TV, but the energy and the feel of the day could only be found in sub-freezing temperatures among 2 million hope-filled faces peeking out between layers of scarves, hats, and heavy coats. That energy continued to fill our day – people on the steps of Constitution Hall cheered us as we went by, holding up signs saying, “MLK is smiling today!” – volunteers directed us towards the Mall with high fives and shouts of joy – flags waived – shouts, songs and chants emanated – a young white man played a fantastic drum rhythm while 2 older black women grooved to his music – high school kids from Alabama snuggled in a layered bunch to keep warm – people shared their snacks, hand warmers and flags – a woman began to get separated from her daughter while moving through the crowd but a stranger grabbed the daughter’s hand and the mom’s shoulder and said, “I’ll keep you together.” The excitement, love, and hope was enough to warm our spirits if not our bodies. The whole experience was positive and pleasant – well except for the aching lower body from the walking and hours of standing in one spot.

We were able to maneuver about halfway up the mall where we found a view of the Capitol building in the distance and a huge screen to watch the proceedings up close. The excitement grew as the ceremony finally got underway and then exploded when we finally got a glimpse of the man on whom we’ve pinned so many hopes and expectations. During the prayer, it was powerful to see all the bowed heads and closed eyes – millions praying for our new president and for our country. An African man nearby was quiet and still but I could see tears welling up in his eyes. Another woman cried openly. Although I couldn’t stop smiling, my eyes were wet too.

I am proud that my country has elected a black man to the highest office of government - but I am most proud that we elected the right man for the job – regardless of color. That is how it’s supposed to be. My biggest take-away from Obama is that it’s not HIS responsibility, but OUR responsibility to make things better in America. He has asked this of us and we will listen. We just needed someone we trust… to ask. In that spirit, sometime in the near future, we will ask our friends, family, and clients to join us in at least one community service effort this year – maybe more. I hope you will join us or even start your own annual community service event.

Please enjoy our slideshow of this very special Inauguration (sound on):

The many faces of Ms. Johnson...

Business Owner, Realtor, Graphic Designer, Executive Assistant, Perpetual Student, Pizza Lover :-). Tamika Johnson is an inspiring entrepreneur and colleague of mine (friend too!). She’s down-to-earth, talented, hard working, supportive, and she tells it just like it is. She started Administrative Partners (a virtual support practice) last year which has been a terrific success. I highly recommend her to anyone who is struggling to stay on top of the grueling work load that comes with owning a small business. A few weeks ago we did a studio shoot to provide her with a variety of images to use on her website, for her Real Estate marketing, and some just for fun. She claims that she hates to be in front of the camera, but I think you’ll agree that the camera loves her – just like I do!

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2008

This post comes a bit late but, as a business owner + full-time rat race participant, time is not something I have much of. Better late than never right?!

Thanksgiving is the big holiday for the Lewis family. As many of us as possible squeeze into my dad’s house for about a week. We play cards (the annual “Oh Hell” tournament including trophy – which my dad almost always wins), talk trash, watch movies, and eat. My dad’s saintly wife, Angela, cooks most of Thanksgiving dinner all by herself. This year was no exception -- except that my Aunt Iris and her family were able to make it out from California – a rare treat. As such, we decided to do something special and visit NYC with all the kids. That would be 5 rug rats ages 3-13, and 7 adults ages 22 to old. 12 people trying to get around New York is certainly a challenge, but it was great to see the kids experience the wonder of the big city for the first time. My dad elected to stay home and enjoy some peace and quiet in his home.

(Matthew, Bonnie & Poppy, Wendy & family, and Kathy - we missed you!)

Please enjoy this photo documentary of our time together.

(sound on)

Lauren and Donnie - Wedding

The last wedding of the year and what a way to end it! Talk about a FUN, energetic couple and bridal party. Lauren and Donnie's wedding was held at St. Jane Frances de Chantal which is a familiar location to me as my grandparents have attended this parish since they moved to this country.

The morning started off a little gloomy but by the time of the ceremony the sun decided to come out and provide us with an unseasonably 'warm' December day. We spent some time doing our portraits at the Strathmore then took the Metro (for more portraits) from Grosvenor to Bethesda and ended the evening at the Women's Club of Bethesda.

Our portraits session was unlike any other as our amazing all female bridal party performed skits for us and kept us laughing the entire time - Donnie you're a lucky guy! Sally who also did the engagement session with me was on hand to shoot along side of me as Kristiaan was visiting family in California.

I'd like to give a huge THANK YOU to both the Borchard and Walker families for being so warm and kind to me and Sally. You all made the day even more enjoyable!

Wedding photos are finally available! http://pictage.com/600346

And now for some of our favorites: