Like Alice in Wonderland, I fell into a different world today. A multi-layered, sensory overloaded, topsy-turvy, delight of a place: The Mansion on O Street. I almost hate to share any details because it really is a place that needs to be experienced first hand, but here are a few highlights that might entice you to visit one of DC's most unique offerings. There are 32 hidden doors and passage-ways. Rosa Parks used to stay at the Mansion during her visits to the city. There is a John Lennon suite (be sure to read the note about dirty laundry in the bathroom). We did the treasure hunt, but I am now itching to return for one of the concerts.
The Mansion on O Street
2020 O St. NW,
Washington, DC, 20036
***The Mansion belongs in the very good company of The 24 Hour Church of Elvis in Portland and the UCM Museum/Abita Mystery House in Louisiana. Three very special places that make me happy to live in this crazy little world of ours.
Surrounded by polka dots, books, special pals, and making a friendship bracelet: this is what seven looks like.
I am done with winter. It just keeps hanging around with its scraggly, greyness and numbing coldness. I keep reminding myself that February really is a winter month and I shouldn't expect anything less from it. This is the first time we have lived in a place with real winters in quite a while so it is a re-adjustment for all of us. Sadly, I am even starting to resent the fleeting sunny days. On several occasions over the past few weeks,the kids and I have foolishly woken up to sunny mornings thinking sun would equal warmth. Nope, still winter with bone chilling temps and grumpy children who have to run back inside to grab big jackets.
I should quit my complaining and learn a lesson from a little girl named, Hushpuppy. Adam and I finally saw Beasts of the Southern Wild. Have you seen it? If not, do. We were both blown away by the beauty, the rawness, the imagery, the tenderness, the beastliness, and the music. And we aren't the only ones raving about the film. It has been brought back to theaters for several well deserved Oscar nominations (but I think you can also rent it) and it even made it to the White House last week. Truly a stunning piece of work with some wonderful back stories to its creation (listen to the White House piece to learn more about the director and the actors). As a Louisiana native, I was especially moved by the film and saw some direct parallels with Flaherty's Louisiana Story. Louisiana is a tricky place to capture and it is rarely done well on film so these two movies both deserve special recognition. So very glad we got to see it on the big screen and we have been re-living it all week long by playing the sound track over and over again. It's quite a haunting and strangely joyful gumbo of an experience. Long live Hushpuppy and the Bath Tub!
Anyone else grappling with the beasts of winter? or been entranced by The Beasts of the Southern Wild?
