Tag: WordCamp NYC 2014

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Destination: New York

IMG_3453 IMG_1907During the month of August scheduling time to getaway is a must. A few weekend getaways were planned to break up the monotony of summer, as it is so important to get away from the ordinary to reset your approach to thinking.

First on our list of weekend exertions is New York City, which is always exhilarating to experience, the impressive skyscrapers, the Hudson River with Lady Liberty, and the eclectic list of museums. And for the piece de resistance, attended my first WordPress Conference in Brooklyn {WordCamp-NYC 2014}.

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Ai Weiwei: According to What? at the Brooklyn Museum of Art
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Two works of Ai Weiwei, triptych on the back wall “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, 1995/2009” and in the forefront, “Colored Vases, 2007-10”

 

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Moon Chest, 2008 by Ai Weiwei at the Brooklyn Museum of Art
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Moon Chest 2008- 7 chest made of Chinese quince (huali wood). The upper and lower openings in the chest align so they create the effect of teach phase of the moon.

In order to accomplish all that was planned a master schedule was devised to fit all the to-do items into manageable portions. Arriving in the city, we hit the ground running, heading immediately to Brooklyn for the final three sessions of the Saturday conference. It was great to meet fellow bloggers whose experience ranged from professionals for WordPress to beginners. Everyone was able to contribute an idea or technique, which made the day a learning experience.

IMG_1797While in this Borough the next stop was the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the creative expression of Ai Weiwei’s exhibit: According to What? Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist with prolific political and cultural views that are conveyed throughout his work. I saw Ai Weiwei’s work in China a few years back and it was great to see this exhibit in the United States.

K

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Stylish Favorites {7.31.2014}

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Williams Greenhouse in Northern Virginia at Cascades Parkway and Marie’s Place.

Summer delights come in all forms at Heath and everything is verdantly green. Here are a few joyous pleasures I find to make the season a lot of fun!!

Williams Greenhouse
One of the best-kept secrets in Northern Virginia is a nursery tucked away off a gravel road with acres of untouched land and a mossy pond loaded with ducks. Williams Greenhouse is a place I enjoy coming to slow down, unwind and completely relax. The Williams family who own the farm are quite eccentric but, charming and extremely knowledgeable about herbs and plants. Being the only customer today at the greenhouse, I was able to enjoy the quiet solitude and while taking a few photographs of the property.

IMG_3383A Bowl of Pho
There is nothing like the strength of a dear friend when you are feeling frightened and troubled; they are the proverbial warm blanket during a blistering storm. Whenever I have a bowl of pho {Vietnamese beef soup} I feel an immense pleasure when this dish is served. Delicious beef broth made from savory spices, such as; onions, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and ginger. Throw in a bit of rice noodles, sliced brisket or sirloin, Asian/Thai basil, spring onions and cilantro, and you have the ultimate comfort food.

IMG_3225Oreo Cheesecake
Summer is most definitely the time to indulge in decadent desserts made with lots of ice creams, melted chocolates and crunchy cookies. The season would not be complete without a dipped cone from Dairy Queen or a cup of creamy yogurt made by a couple from a roadside stand in Falls Church. And, every once in a while a savory treat must be relished and today it is the Oreo Cheesecake enjoyed by Tony on his trip home from the Middle East. Thank you for sharing this photo of your cake.

IMG_3240The Light After A Storm
The butterfly may definitely be the symbol of hope, but the light after a tempestuous storm is definitely a consolatory feeling. The house was under siege the other night with severe winds, lightening and thunder, which seemed to last most of the evening. But, by dawns early light, I came down to the deck area of the house to see all was intact and this of beacon of light streaming through the trees!!

WordCamp NYC 2014
I am attending my first WordPress conference, which is being held in New York City this weekend. After carefully reviewing the sessions I hope to come away a bit wiser in the way of blogging, and having made a few new friends.

Stay stylish!!
K

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