Events: Dupont Farmers Market

Another institution I hadn't patronized until recently, I've developed a fondness for items from one particular vendor at the Dupont Farmers Market.

Their booth/tent is set up on the Mass Ave side of the market, and they have these delicious pastries. Both times I enjoyed a ham & cheese croissant. Last time, that was followed by an almond croissant, this time by a...raisin croissant.

Definitely would love to eventually somewhere near there or any other Farmers Market as I start thinking about location to live after I finish grad school in the next several months...

Establishments: Firehook

On the way to the Dupont Farmers Market to grab a bite to eat for a light brunch, I actually stopped at Firehook to get some orange juice.

I've gotten more substantial items there...in fact, I think the past two times I got a soup and sandwich combo. Vegetarian Panini...and I forget what kind of soup.

Anyway, it's a neat little place, the people are nice. Definitely wondering why I'd never really gone there before. I think the first time was only this year.

Encounters: Lala

I'm walking to the entrance of the FDR Memorial. At this point I think I've walked in this park as much over the past week as I have over the past year...maybe more.

Anyway, I'm about to reach the entrance (after walking through the memorial from the exit...if you haven't been, you need to go to understand) and I see a familiar figure standing there talking to two people I assume must be related, if not parents.

It's Lala (a nickname, but I didn't give it), another student taking dance at AU. I think she might even be a Dance Minor. She's a beautiful mover, who's got very strong technique from her ballet training, but it doesn't get in the way of incorporating modern aesthetics, patterns, and style in movement...I say this because from my own personal observations, this is a rare thing with someone of her background. But it speaks to her being a particularly exceptional dancer.

So I got to meet her parents. And in general, it was just nice seeing her outside of AU. It reminds me of just how...now I don't want to say "small" as I feel it has a negative connotation..well, it makes me remember how "intimate" DC can be, for a city.

Encounters: Keenan O.

I'm out with a friend for his birthday this evening, and the music on the lower level of 30 Degrees/Cobalt is really good. Sometimes they just pump what's playing upstairs to this floor, but I guess on the weekend, they want to have a more club-y feeling.

Anyway, I shouldn't be surprised, though, because as I pass the DJ both I see DJ Keenan on the 1's & 2's. Last time I was out and he was spinning, might've been at Marvin, months ago.

I actually don't even know when or how Keenan and I met originally. I'm sure it was probably on the dance floor, and I was trying to pick my jaw up off the floor, because he dances the was he djs, just grooving and having fun.

If you ever get a chance to, if there's a party he's spinning at, I recommend you go.

Establishments: Solas Nua

This is awful...last semester, as part of a "Fundamentals of Fundraising for Arts Organizations" class assignment, we had to do what amounted to a case study on a local organization.

The one my partner and I focused on was Solas Nua, "the only organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to contemporary Irish arts", and based in DC.

To do part of the research regarding our case for support, Linda Murray, the organization's Artistic Director, was kind enough to lend us their by laws and minutes.

Here's where the awful part comes in...this was back in the fall, and I was just getting it back to her. I mean, there had be no pressing need or else I certainly would've expedited its return, but at the same time, there was no good reason not to do so when the Fall semester ended.

Anyway, I actually had the pleasure of meeting Linda during last summer's Capital Fringe Festival. I guess I made a good impression and seemed trustworthy.

And, again, just another great case of the diverse and thriving arts scene we have in DC. Solas Nua, while known for their theatre productions, also has an annual book drive, a film festival, monthly screenings, regular readings, and music and visual arts programs as well.

Extras: Smart Bike DC

I'm on my morning drive to AU, and I see an ad for something I've already seen on an increasing number of sidewalks around the city, Smartbike DC.

Until I get a bike, I'm certainly looking to move to a place where I can ditch the care and use another set of wheels, if not peddle powered, than at least public.

It bills itself as "America's first full-service public bike rental program of its kind" and is a service that is provided by an interesting partnership (but not surprising), Clear Channel Outdoor (didn't even know they had an outdoor component) and the District Department of Transportation.

It'll be interesting, in general, to see how DC adapts its roads to more bike lanes, revamped bus lanes, and a streetcar system in the upcoming future.

Events: The Helen Hayes Awards

So this is the first time in the past four years that I have not attended the Helen Hayes Awards ceremony & celebration.

Last year I attended because the Synetic Theater's production of Carmen received a nomination for Outstanding ensemble. As a nominee, you get tickets :-)

In case you don't know, the Helen Hayes Awards are the DMV area's equivalent of the Tony's.

It was named after an actress who was also a native Washingtonian, Helen Hayes.

This year I didn't have the time or the money...but isn't that what it usually comes to??

*sigh*

next year...

*interesting note: although the actress Helen Hayes passed away, there is a dancer named Helen Hayes in the area (who also went to my alma mater (UMD) as a dance major). The name often causes confusion (at least for me), when my dance and theatre worlds collide...