These last few days, I’ve found myself over and over and over again telling people how much I’ve enjoyed blogging on this here little site. And then immediately realizing my failure to actually… blog.
Let’s catch up a bit, shall we?
Thursday, I… met a couple of friends I haven’t seen in far too long for lunch.
The summer after my junior year of college, I went on a three-week study abroad trip to Salzburg, Austria. It was a global media literacy course, and the students came from schools all across the world. I met some incredible friends, learned so much about other cultures through wonderful conversations (genrally in the Bierstube over way too many Steigls). Two of those people were I, a fellow U-Maryland student, and A, a fabulous man from Chile. A is now writing soap operas in Santiago, and was sent to our nation’s capital to do some research for an upcoming political drama. Seriously. What a great life.
After lunch, I decided it was time for a little culture. A had to be in Dupont shortly after so I dropped him off close by at the National Portrait Gallery — of course with the recommendation to relax a while in front of the Great Picture. Then I ventured down to the Mall to meet C at the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden.
Everyone had been recommending I check out According to What? An exhibit on Ai Weiwei, a Chinese artist perhaps most famously known as the creative mind behind the Bird’s Nest / Bejiing National Stadium for the 2008 Olympics. It started outside, with a series of bronze sculptures all representing animals from the Chinese Zodiac. The tiger was fierce, y’all.
Inside, you can see the man has a distinct, politically charged voice, and it was interesting to walk through and see his sculptures, photographs, and videos he took around the city. He also controversially painted ancient Han vases with bright colors, and captured himself dropping one of them in a series of three photos — all of which were also on display. Today was its last day at the museum, otherwise I’d definitely encourage you see it
Exhibits around the rest of the museum were also lovely — including a huge glowing golden cube, a floor filled of graphic quotes and words, and a painting called Canuck Yankee Lumberjack. Who knew my dream man was so close by… and made of oil paints?
The weekend meanwhile has floooown by: Friday was spent having lunch with my parents. No pictures, but a midday meal at Great Falls’ famed Old Brogue is always a true delight. The night ended with buckets of cheap beer and great friends. Saturday, I ventured back out to NoVA for a GORGEOUS bridal shower for one of my best friends, K. Her maid of honor did such an incredible job with decorations, food, and good times; I’m so, so excited to be a part of her wedding in a short 6 weeks!
And now I’m wrapping up the weekend praying for the Oscars to end so I can finally get some sleep. I also made hush puppies — a family favorite, as the Southern treats from Gary’s BBQ are a staple of our family’s summer vacations. I made them in honor of Beasts of the Southern Wild, obviously. I’m pretty proud.
Hope everyone’s Oscar parties or celebrations were (Argo)nuts! Gotta love Ben Affleck.
Upward,
S
