A continuation of the Best Trip Ever images. We explored the world around Washington DC and became very familiar with the public transit system. I liked the beautiful design with clean white walls. For a subway, it felt like a wide open space.

I called it the Best Trip Ever. And it was. We had the greatest adventure in Washington DC. I even wrote an essay about it which was published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. This is the view of the Jefferson Monument.

Imagine the Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith. Once upon a time I did a photo shoot to capture moments of historical figures. She was a jazz singer in the 1920s and 30s.

(Model: Alexandra Harper)

Fall colors! Patterns and textures all make me appreciate the changes in seasons.

Sometimes just watching the Creator

Not just art.

This year I stretched my creativity when it came to eating.

I used a food delivery service that taught me some really good recipes. It showed me that I can expand my thoughts and ideas on food. I can create new fun places to sit and eat.

One of the best things I did was a black bean quesadilla with onions and bell peppers. I surprised myself.

When I was a kid, the lady next door would always make a pot of beans. I remember the smell and taste of those beans. As a kid, I did not like them. As an adult, it takes me to a warm memory.

This year I stopped at the barbecue place in East Texas. Those beans took me back to the memory of the lady next door who made a pot of beans.

Travel in teams. Groups. With someone else.

It may seem like you are all alone. You are not. This is a view of Lake Michigan.

It is during the times of dark clouds and choppy water that we realize how resilient we are. If it were always sunshine and blue skies we would never know what we could do.