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FIRSTfriday on April Fools Day!

So basically, anything goes. We're hosting a reception for this month's featured artist, Ged McManus, at our offices on Friday evening, from 5:30-7:30. Ged's art, as you can see here, is powerful and lovely. Drop in for a drink and a nosh, to meet the artist and shoot the breeze with the rest of us.

As prep for the exhibit, I asked Ged to give me a bio, and this is what he sent me, unedited and delightful:

Ged McManus is a laconic, brutish sort whose native insensitivity is balanced only by the long hours he spends at work. A slave to his own proclivities, Ged passes his time commiserating with his Boston Terrier (Rudy) and "towel-gliding" off the roof of the shed that stores his beloved hockey equipment. Upon their reading of this, Ged will be survived by his wife of 26 years (AnnaLise) and two daughters (Hendrika and Josephine). In the off-hours, you can find Ged at Ireland's Four Provinces, where he indulges his omnipresent struggle to find meaning in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

Join us, won't you?

Enjoy Spring Flowers at these (FREE) Area Gardens

"I love Spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden"

This quote comes from Ruth Stout, an American gardening author, and I agree with the sentiment. Here in the DC metropolitan area, we have a lovely Spring, although sometimes you might miss it if you blink! After a gray dreary winter, I'm ready for sunshine and warmer temps to coax color back into the landscape.

If you don't have a garden of your own, or if you just want to witness Spring's bounty, here's a list of local gardens that are free and open to the public. Enjoy!

U.S. Botanical Gardens, DC: This living plant museum includes a newly renovated indoor conservatory, rose garden, an exotic jungle and 4000 different plants.

National Arboretum, DC: Famous for its bonsai collection, the Arboretum is 446 acres of beauty, with 70+ varieties of cherry trees and the largest display of azaleas in the area.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC:Along the East bank of the Anacostia River, this 12-acre park features waterlilies, native plants and small animals - frogs, toads turtles, fish.

Green Spring Gardens Park, Alex., VA: 20 different themed gardens, and a native plant trail leads through the woods to two ponds.

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD: 50 acres of gardens, indoors and out, and a spectacular butterfly show in the summer.

Smithsonian Gardens, DC:8 different 'outdoor museums' are part of the SI complex. Our favorites are the Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden, the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, and the Enid A. Haupt Garden.

If you click on the names of the gardens, you will be directed to their sites with more details, directions, hours, and photos. Happy Spring, everyone! 

Who Knew Art Could Make Such a Difference?

Since the first of 2011, we have been participating in FIRSTfriday of Falls Church. Each month a different artist is featured on the walls of our office. I had no idea the impact this revolving display would have on us.

Our first month featured Christine Miller: her landscapes and still lifes were calming, subdued, classic. It was a treat to be surrounded by "real art" -- oils and pastels on canvases, framed beautifully. Christine's work made me feel grown up.

In February, Wendy Wang's paintings went up. Her style is quite different from Christine's. Her background in portraiture showed in her ballet pieces, but much of her art was very free form and alluring. More abstract, and quite stimulating here in the office. The nude that went up over the sofa was spectacular. Wendy's work made me feel sophisticated.

Now, for March, Atti Vakili Wheeler has taken over our space with vibrant colors and dancers that pop right off their canvases. The life and energy they bring are especially obvious coming as they do at the end of winter. Her work has put a spring in all of our steps. Atti's work makes me feel ALIVE.

The point of all this -- art can have a profound impact on both mood and ambiance. I can't tell you how exciting it is to watch the change as new art is rotated in...everyone is affected. Art draws you out of yourself. It can be as mind-altering as music, as uplifting as sunshine.

We celebrate these artists at a reception on the first Friday evening of each month. But if you're in the area any time, stop in and see what's hanging on our walls. This is like owning a private gallery. I can't wait to see what's next! 

Are You Looking for Fine Dining in Falls Church?

I have the solution for you...Idylwood Grill! This charming restaurant - and wine bar - is located in the strip mall that's behind the Idylwood Plaza shopping center (where Whole Foods is located on Route 7). You would NEVER guess that this gem is hiding here.

First, let me tell you about the ambiance. It's cozy and personal, warm and welcoming. On Yelp, one reviewer described it as "smaller bistro feel with bustling New York-esque environment," and I have to agree. The lighting is soft, and the sound level is controlled well enough that even when it's crowded you can still have a comfortable conversation.

Second, the service is great - attentive without interfering. Wait staff is both accommodating and ready with helpful suggestions, and the owner is usually on site, so you will probably meet him. He's delightful, and very knowledgeable about the wine pairings. Trust his judgement, Hedi knows his stuff. Your food will arrive hot (!), and you'll never be rushed.

And now to the food...exquisite! Idylwood Grill serves a broad range of dishes, with a list of specials that are always reliable. Wine suggestions are included on the Specials menu. Steaks are cooked to perfection, seafood is fresh and delicious, pastas are dreamy creations. And the sides are modern takes on traditional ingredients.

Take a chance on this neighborhood find. You'll be delighted with this Georgetown-like dining experience in such a convenient location. It's the perfect date night restaurant minus the hassle of driving into the city.

Idylwood Grill, 2190 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church, VA 22043 Reservations: 703-992-0915

Come to the annual Valentine's Auction and Gala to benefit the Falls Church Winter Homeless Shelter

On Saturday, February 12th, you are invited to this fabulous event! From 8 until 11pm, you can help support the Falls Church Winter Shelter while you party to the live music of Sudden M-Pac, with their own Andre Jackson serving as Master of Ceremonies. There will be a wide assortment of delicious food from many Falls Church restaurants, and Rob Donovan will be behind the bar.

Opportunities for FUNdraising will include both live and silent auctions and raffles. There are some terrific auction items already, with more coming in everyday. You can bid on a Photo Safari (6 days) in South Africa (value $4000), a Beach house in Captiva for a week, an Outer Banks beach house for a week, a signed soccer ball from the Washington Freedom, or a signed Stevie Ray Vaughn poster. There's also a Washington Freedom jersey signed by all the original players, some one-on-one soccer coaching, restaurant gift certificates, manicures and pedicures, handyman and landscaping services.

You may know that homelessness is on the rise, and our area is no exception. During these freezing winter months, the Shelter is filled to capacity. Each night, it provides a warm bed to its 12 residents, plus a shower, and a hot evening meal. Counseling services and mentoring from community volunteers strive to move the residents into more permanent housing solutions. All of this takes time, energy and funding...which leads to you!

For $25 (by Feb 5), or $35 at the door, you can enjoy this exciting evening of great food and great music for a great cause. You can purchase your tickets online or by sending a check (made out to Falls Church Winter Shelter) with the names of the attendees to Jody Kane, 1100 N. Tuckahoe Street, Falls Church 22046. The Gala will be held at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Building at 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington 22203. There's free parking underneath on Taylor.

And for more information, to donate, or to volunteer, please contact Stacy Hennessey (of Fall Properties, of course!) at stacyhennessey@gmail.com or 703-395-4868, or email Hannah Jordan at HJordan3@cox.net.

Fair Season is Underway!

It's summertime, and that means it's time for local county fairs. Our nine local fairs all have standard fare: carnival rides, food & craft vendors, and an assortment of livestock on display. We've tried to highlight the most interesting attractions that each fair has to offer. Find one that sounds like fun, and GO! It's really a part of Americana, don't you think?

Loudoun County Fair - Sunday 7/25 thru Saturday 7/31 - Ives Brothers (Extreme cyclists), Masters of the chainsaw show, Great Outhouse Race, professional bull riding, Timberworks Lumberjack Show, and their first annual Karaoke contest.

Fairfax County 4-H Fair - Friday 8/6 thru Sunday 8/8 - Horse show, Pie eating and Watermelon seed spitting contests, wagon rides and tractor pull.

Howard County Fair - Saturday 8/7 thru Saturday 8/14 - Live music, Stock car racing, Petting zoo and Pony rides.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair - Friday 8/13 thru Saturday 8/21 - Monster truck show, Rodeo, Kid Zone with interactive games and activities, So You Think You Can Dance contest, Toilet decorating contest (!) and Watermelon seed spitting contest.

Prince William County Fair - Friday 8/13 thru Saturday 8/21 - Chocolate Challenge Competition, R&R Productions demolition derby, KYDA Pro Wrestling, and Freestyle Motocross Jumpoff.

Arlington County Fair - Wednesday 8/18 thru Sunday 8/22 - Bixby's Rainforest Rescue! features special appearances by Bixby's many rainforest animal friends: Treetop the singing toucan, Allie the 18 foot albino Burmese python, Juan the green-winged macaw, and Tikatu the Kinkajou.

Prince George's County Fair - Thursday 9/9 thru Sunday 9/12 - Beautiful Baby contest, Clydesdale horse presentation, and Magic show.

Anne Arundel County Fair - Wednesday 9/14 thru Sunday 9/19 - Live entertainment by Kid*Fiddles, the Fitzmaurice Band, and Big Cam and the Lifters, plus Arundel Idol #4, Queen contest, tractor and horse pull, and a Tug of War.

The Great Frederick Fair - Friday 9/17 thru Saturday 9/25 - Tractor pull and Demolition derby, but this fair is known for its live musical entertainment: Three Dog Night, Jo Dee Messina, Kevin Skinner, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Craig Morgan, and Danny Gokey!