Maryland is such a beautiful state! To this day, we continue to discover amazing treasures such as the War Correspondents Memorial Arch at Gathland State Park in Western Maryland. I was so excited to have a fall photo shoot here because of the gorgeous backdrop. Part of the Appalachian Trail cuts through here and the area is steeped in Civil War history that I was not aware of until we found this hidden gem. I’m hoping to write more about its Civil War past in future blog posts. (more…)
MERRY CHRISTMAS to my family, friends, followers, and visitors! I can’t believe how fast December flew. It felt like just yesterday I was writing out Christmas cards. Now, I will enjoy “Midnight” Mass at 8PM this evening with my parents. Then after, I will be up late wrapping presents and baking my famous chocolate chip cookies.
My sister, Jeanette, and my brother, Michael, and his family will arrive tomorrow afternoon just in time for Dad’s legendary turkey feast and chocolate pudding pie – mont blanc, anyone? 😉 I can’t wait! It is such a joyous time of year for me and my family.
Yet, I also realize this time of year can be difficult and challenging for some. People who are alone and/or estranged from family and/or friends. I’ve had years like that in the past growing up and it’s not a good feeling. Long before my deeper conversion to my Catholic faith (read about it here), I was spiritually lost. I ignored the true meaning of Christmas and blamed God for whatever suffering I was struggling with, never looking myself in the mirror for the true architect of my misery…me. (more…)
Savannah, GA captures my heart over and over again. Its beauty captivates me while its soul always draws me back. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2019. I arrived the evening before my parents got there and I felt so happy to be back in my favorite Southern city. (more…)
April 11, 1865: Washington DC socialite, Miss Clara Harris, was at the White House listening to President Abraham Lincoln address a mostly jubilant crowd. Just a few days before, Confederate General, Robert E. Lee, surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Union General, Ulysses S. Grant, at Appomattox Court House. This surrender marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy and the long fought Civil War.
Can you tell I’m on a cage heels kick? 😉 These Vince Camuto Paxton sandals are from last Summer. They are part of a surplus of blog pics that have yet to be published. I’m so happy to finally feature them this week before we say good-bye to Summer. (more…)
The Battle of the Crater fascinates me because it was filled with political intrigue, courage, and sorrow. It was a battle that culminated in a spectacular explosion resulting in death, destruction, and deep regret. Union General Ulysses S. Grant lamented that it was “the saddest affair I have witnessed in the war.” When you consider all the atrocities Grant witnessed, that’s quite a statement. (more…)
It’s always a great weekend when we can take blog pictures and indulge in Civil War history. My dad and I did exactly that Fourth of July weekend. We toured Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s Headquarters at City Point Museum, located inside Appomattox Manor approximately 8 miles outside Petersburg, VA and part of the Petersburg National Battlefield. (more…)
The first time I visited Charleston, SC was years before I became interested in the Civil War. At that time, Fort Sumter was simply an anomalous structure hovering on the horizon of Charleston Harbor. I remember wondering what it was and then quickly dismissing the thought because I had the beauty of historic Charleston at my feet. Perish the thought in hindsight! (more…)
Beautiful mountains and lush forests surround the quiet town of Sharpsburg, Maryland. The tranquility of nature is inviting, like a sublime melody on constant repeat. It is hard for me juxtapose the peacefulness of today with the tragedy of bloodshed and carnage 153 years ago at the Battle of Antietam. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history with approximately 23,000 men dead, wounded, or missing. (more…)
