Woodley Park Guest House

Courtney Lodico and husband, Joe, are the owners of Woodley Park Guest House which they run with Raymond and Laura Saba. It is a neat twist that Courtney and Laura are sisters and both are extraordinary hosts who know how to make guests feel at home. I am serious that you will simply NOT want to leave. We were late for most of our scheduled events because we had so much fun talking to the hosts at both B and B's. I don't regret a minute and you won't either. These B and B's are simply not to be missed when you go to D.C.

Here I am with Courtney, the vivacious host of Woodley Park.

Embassy Circle Guest House

The Embassy Circle Guest House offers great conversations, great food (depending on the season) and top-rate accomodations. Here is a sampling of hummus, baba gnoush and bruschetta - the best I have wrapped my lips around.

Pictured: Raymond and his lovely wife, Laura.

The Best Bed and Breakfast Chef in DC

Here is my new friend, Raymond Saba, who in my opinion is one part of a duo who run the best bed and breakfast in D.C. He owns Embassy Circle with his wife, Laura, and is a partner at another great B & B, Woodley Park. Raymond is in his extraordinary kitchen taking out his famous Shortbread which is mouth-watering.

More to come about Embassy Circle, which wins in every category: beauty, comfort, terrific food and super-stimulating conversation with guests from all over the world.

Yes, You Can Change in 2009

For all one of you who might be reading, "Yes, You Can!" This is the year for change in every area of our lives from deeper needs dealing with our finances, employment, homes and spirituality, to reconnecting with people from your past.

Now is the time to renew our strength for the tough times ahead. Now is the time to make relationships with people a top priority. Every day on earth is a gift, no matter how hard. If you got out of bed today and walked without assistance, count your blessings. If you are working, count your blessings. If you aren't working, make this the year you find the job you are destined for. Do what it takes and the tide will break. Eventually. It has to.

You see I am reading about Change and making plans for a lot of change this year. I am still evolving my plan but I can tell you that I plan to celebrate life more in 2009. You can do it. Yes, you can.

Marley Teaches Us to Celebrate Life

Here I am writing my first blog of 2009 and yes, I have been a bad blogger. Life, holidays, a lot of parties, life, holiday and parties and here I am. Just getting around to writing a little note about a big-hearted story that took me by complete surprise. I like dogs, don't get me wrong, but I was not excited about reading about one. I gave in out of curiosity and read the book before seeing the movie. Let me tell you, the movie is good but the book is superb. I did not know who John Grogan was but now we all do. I can tell you he is a man with heart and a writer with soul. I was hooked from page one and raced to the finish. As Marley's life was coming to a close, I felt emotion brewing that I haven't felt in a long time while reading a book. I am not embarrassed to say that tears streamed down my face as I read about his last breath.

The story of a crazed, out-of-control dog with overwhelming devotion to his owner puts life in perspective and gives new meaning to unconditional love. Love is healing and Marley has no doubt healed a lot of people with his story. A highlight for me was John Grogan's response to my email thanking him for such a first-rate book. He really is a genuine guy and he has given us all a reason to keep believing in love in 2009.

An Inspiring Woman You Won't Forget

Here is my other new hero, Tameka Bedgood, a recent subject of an article I am writing about Family Services of the Piedmont during the Greensboro United Way campaign. Her story is gut wrenching and one of drugs, alcohol, prostitution, disease and despair. Her father died in prison and her mother ran a massage parlor. She was on Montel Williams in 1997, weighed 324 pounds and was miserable. She has lived a lot more heartache since that time.

Like Ishmael, Tameka is now smiling and coming back to life after an incredible journey which most folks wouldn’t survive. I will attach her article when it is published and plan to help her write her book. It is story that you don’t want to miss.

Note: Tameka is holding her certificate for being the first graduate of one of the Family Services counseling programs. She is on her way to a new life!

Long Way Gone from Sierra Leone

I am privileged to write about people from all walks of life. I have met political figures, the Vice President of El Salvador, Judge Hatchett from Court TV and my favorites: the average Jane and Joes of the world. Recently I met two incredible people who have changed my life but they don’t know it.

One, is Ishmael Beah, former child solider from Sierra Leone who fought in a war he didn’t want and killed rather than be killed. The fact that he can smile is mind blowing to me and his lecture at UNC-G was inspiring. Read his book, “Long Way Gone,” a story of courage and strength.

You will meet my other hero in my next blog. Keep reading.....