Angela Goes to the White House
Wow a blog. What am I thinking? Do I really need one more thing to do? Regardless, I am going to give blogging a try. I have heard that I am a decent writer and people enjoying reading what I have to say. I am going to try and post at least a couple times a week. I am also planning that from time to time I will have some guest bloggers. Blogging it’s the “thing” to do now. So here goes my first blog post.
I am quite sure that each post will not be as eventful or memorable as this experience I am writing about. Last week I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of woman from the “Off the Field” Players Wives Association. Off the Field (OTF) is a diverse organization for talented wives of active and retired professional football players. The group is all about creating awareness for local and national charitable organizations that strengthen the family unit.
I volunteered to photograph their inaugural conference in Washington DC to assist them promoting their organization for the members, potential members and the sponsors that support them in all their philanthropic endeavors. I had no idea how many great women I would meet and in no time become friends with. I think it’s amazing when you just meet someone and in just a few days you feel like you have known them for years. We really did have a blast in 4 jam packed days.
I had no idea when I planned the trip that the event included a private tour of the White House. Yes, I said THE WHITE HOUSE. After providing all the necessary personal information to get clearance to go I was not even sure I would be allowed to bring a camera in. The morning of the tour I was so happy to learn (thanks Ashley) that I was going to be able to bring a camera in. Thank God! I don’t know what I would have done if I could not have taken pictures.
I was so flooded with emotions as we all waited outside to go in. I honestly never thought that I would be doing this. I was trying as hard as I could to stay in the moment and take it all in. I was going to be inside The White House in a few moments. I really felt like a kid in a candy store I was so full of excitement. All of us were so giddy and excited. The tour did not disappoint. We were guided by Chief Usher of the White House Admiral Stephen Rochon. He was just wonderful, very knowledgeable, kind and generous with his time and knowledge.
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The artwork in the White House is just breath taking! The portraits of the presidents and first ladies made me want to cry. There is beautiful artwork or all kinds everywhere. I also could not get over how beautiful each piece of furniture was. The drapes, woodwork, floors, walls and everything your eyes could see was just stunning. It was all so gorgeous! As we entered each room I was thinking of all the people throughout history that had been here. All of the history that had taken place there. Oh if the walls could talk the stories they would tell. I just could not begin to take it all in no matter how hard I tried.
I can’t thank everyone at OTF enough for inviting me along on their private tour and allowing me the joy that that experience. Of course, I have hundreds of great images of the group on our tour to preserve the memory for all.
Like I said each blog post won’t be nearly as eventful as this one. I just had to share my experiences with you and I hope that you all one day
have a chance to visit the White House and fell the surge of pride in our country I have after my experience. Until next time, be well.
My new OTF friends.
Comments
Ronny Hamida commented on April 23rd, 2009
It's a wonderful thing to see a photographer volunteering her time for such a great organization -- Keep up the good work, Angela!
Robin Franks commented on April 23rd, 2009
Nice blog!!! Look forward to many more.... xxoo Robin
Jennifer Palazzolo commented on April 23rd, 2009
Hey Ang, miss you, your new web-site is awesome and the blog is great to! Elena really misses you call when you can. Love ya, Jennifer
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