What better way to celebrate the birth of a new year than a photo shoot at a monument dedicated to our first president and Founding Father of the birth of a new nation:  George Washington!  Known as the original Washington Monument, the citizens of Boonsboro erected the monument in ONE day on July 4, 1827!  Compare that to the over 40 years it took to build the Washington Monument in Washington, DC due to, you guessed it, government bureaucracy. 

We were there a few months ago taking advantage of a warm November weekend.  The cover shot, featuring the gorgeous Vince Camuto Antaya booties, was taken as I climbed the circular steps to the top of the Washington Monument.  I chose this particular shot for the cover because I like the symbolism of ascending up, up, up into the light.  Perseverance through the darkness of 2023 to be greeted by light, spectacular views, and … Jesus?!

As you can see, the space is very tiny at the top and the reason why Dad could not get my boots into the frame. Despite, it was still a great shot of me and Yusef!

One of my favorite perks of photo shoots is meeting new people.  On that particular day, we shared the monument with more people than expected.  There was a wedding going on at the base of the monument and visitors enjoying the view from the limited space at the top of the monument.  A group of hikers made their way to the top and Dad and I struck up a conversation with them.  Dad noticed one of the hikers had an uncanny resemblance and similar voice to actor, Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus beautifully in the crowd funded Christian series, The Chosen.

Yosef was really kind and funny!  Although, Yosef had never heard of The Chosen, he seemed genuinely intrigued by his doppelganger and promised to look up the series.  His enthusiasm could be seen here as he portrayed Jesus speaking to the “crowd” in this shot:

Before we parted ways, I told him he would be featured on the blog and he shared his Instagram with me, but I could not completely remember it.  So, Yosef, if you’re reading this, re-send your Insta and thank you for making that day so fun and memorable!

Fun and adventure sum up 2023 for me.  😊  Yes, there were challenges, obstacles, and health scares with family and dear friends, but faith and living a prayerful life led us from those dark moments back to God’s path of light where faith, hope, and love endure.   

I also always go back to my life philosophy that can be summed up in 3 buckets:   

•        Bucket A – I have 100% control of the outcome
•        Bucket B – I have some control of the outcome depending on my influence on other variables           involved
•       Bucket C – I have no control of the outcome; so acknowledge and move on

You can read the genesis of my life philosophy in buckets here. 

And last but not least, some family news!  My sister had her first baby.  My nephew, Holden, was born on December 19th!  Mama and baby are doing well.

My sister, her husband, and my newest nephew, Holden.

Holden weighed close to 10 lbs at birth!

On behalf of Lizzy’s Latest, I wish all of you a blessed and healthy 2024!  I know I always say this, but I mean it!  May this new year be filled with love and happiness!  😊  My sexy open toe orchid/purple booties have a heel height of approximately 3.6 inches.  They are my favorite boots of the season and very comfy too!

Have a great new week, my lovelies! 

Style with a Smile!

XoXo,

Lizzy

A couple bonus shots…avid bird watchers love the Washington Monument to catch glimpses of various birds.  I believe Dad caught some bald eagles in these shots.  The views are spectacular!