a day in d.c.

part of the mica orientation program is a day trip to d.c. tara and i went on this one last year, so tradition's sake we had to sign up for it again. it was so nice to get off campus. and neither one of us had any "need to see" things. we just took it slow. starbucks at union station. lounging on the mall. lunch at potbellies. perusing the national gallery gift shop. sticking our feet in the fountain at the sculpture garden. just lots of relaxing and soaking in the last bits of summer. felt so nice.

last time i was in d.c. i had my eye on this book titled "the accidental masterpiece: on the art of life and vice versa" by michael kimmelman. for whatever reason, i didn't grab it. but this time around i made sure to buy it. the concept is perfect, "that art provides us with clues about how to live our own lives more fully ... how creating, collecting, and even appreciating art can make living a daily masterpiece." sounds good to me. the book jacket goes on to say that "the accidental masterpiece encourages us to live life with eyes wide open, because the drive to live life more alertly is instinctive, and, whether you are an artist by trade or by desire, the art of seeing well is one that can be learned." and "you don't have to be an artist to experience art's truths and consolations because art is not just created, it is also discovered. kimmelman contends that art can be found almost anywhere and everywhere, if only our eyes are trained to see it." i'm looking forward to reading the rest.

edit: these posts are pretty delayed. but i figured i'd cheat and put them up anyway...