Isabell C. May, Ph.D.
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Hidden Gems of Washington, D.C. and Surroundings - Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Garden

7/6/2017

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Second entry in a series about interesting places around the greater D.C. metropolitan area
Even though I had visited Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Garden sometime around 2010 or 2011, using a Groupon that David and I had randomly gotten online, it was last year's visit with my Mom (featured in the picture above) that brought back the memory of this hidden gem right on our backyard.

Hillwood is a house museum on the Northwest area in Washington, D.C., right above Rock Creek Park, nestled in between the daily hustle and bustle of Connecticut Avenue, one of D.C. major thoroughfares, and the quiet beauty of Rock Creek Parkway, the two-lane road that traverses D.C.'s own national park.  

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Hidden Gems of Washington, D.C. and Surroundings - The National Park Seminary

7/5/2017

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First in a series about interesting places around the greater D.C. metropolitan area
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Right where the beltway gently bends to the right, after the Mormon Temple on the left, when travelling on the inner loop, lies one of the many hidden gems in our larger DC metropolitan area: The National Park Seminary. 

This place has fascinated me ever since I drove by it, years ago, during my morning commute to Rockville, avoiding the traffic build-up on Jones Bridge Road. 
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The National Park Seminary Historic District is located in the Forest Glen neighborhood of Silver Spring, walking distance to the Forest Glenn Metro station (around 25 minutes), stretching to both sides of Linden Lane, between ​Sacks Street and Smith Drive, in close proximity to the Forest Glen Annex of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

The area is a conglomeration of condominium units, single-family homes, town houses, and apartments. Most of the condo units and the single-family homes are historically restored buildings, courtesy of a partnership between The Alexander Company and EYA. The Alexander Company specializes in "historic preservation, urban revitalization, adaptive reuse, and urban infill development", according to its website, and EYA is a local housing developer. Building townhouses around this historical site  created a financial foundation to restore the structures of the Seminary complex, which were slowly but surely decaying.

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Having or eating your cake? How about baking it....

6/1/2017

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No, this is not another recipe post - rest assured! I have not suddenly turned into the German baking version of Julia Childs.

Baking for me isn't so much about the final product, but about the emotional need that the act of baking fills for me. As a matter of fact, I don't even eat cakes or cookies.

I know, this is usually when I get some level of incredulous reaction (e.g. blank stares, bewildered frowning of facial structures). Who doesn't eat cakes? Well, I don't, but I love making them.

The plethora of baking shows and, yes, you've guessed it, baking blogs, is astounding. Actually, there are blogs about baking blogs, "11 Baking Bloggers Who Will Help You Improve Your Pastry Game" or "The 12 Best Baking Blogs You Should Be Reading," to just name a few.



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Putting My Head Under Water

5/18/2017

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I will no longer keep my head above water.

"What is going on here," you might wonder, "does this mean Isabell is loosing it - she can't keep up with her life anymore?"

Not at all....

I have decided to wo-man up and put my head under water: finally learning how to master the freestyle/front crawl stroke. It turns out that swimming freestyle is really hard to do while keeping your head above water. If you swim, try it - it's miserable. 

"Wait a minute," you might wonder. "Are you telling me you can't swim?"

Actually, I can swim, but only in the past four or so years have I been able to muster up the courage to experiment with letting water rise above my chin line while in the pool, and it wasn't easy.

You see, when others dreamed of snorkeling and the peaceful environs of the underwater world, imagining myself under water would make my heart rate go up. 

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Mother’s Day – An Emotional Minefield

5/8/2017

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Know the feeling of dread deep in your stomach weeks before an event? That feeling that you just can’t shake and that seems to get stronger the closer you get to the event?

Well, that’s exactly how I have felt these past weeks, in anticipation of a date that everybody around me seems to be super excited about: Mother’s Day.

Who doesn't like Mother’s day?

Moms are awesome – and I personally think that my mom is just beyond fabulous. I also love to honor my mother-in-law who has given me the gift of my absolutely amazing husband David. Plus, I know so many women whom I dearly love and admire who are mothers – and this is a day to celebrate them.
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So what makes me dread this day?

It’s simple, and I am sure millions of women who experienced what I did can relate.

You see, when you're in your 40s and trying to be a mom, things don't always go so smoothly.

I actually have fond memories of mother’s day growing up in Germany. One year, when I was a little kid of maybe seven or eight years, I remember making breakfast for my mom, with my dad’s help, arranging the table and putting some fresh cut flowers in a vase on the kitchen table. I sneaked into my parent’s bedroom to wake my mom up with a kiss and a self-made card, and I remember her beaming smile as she embraced me in the special hug that we can only get from our parents.

​Writing this, I can feel the tears well up.

In December 2014, David and I started consulting with a fertility clinic about growing our family. We had been married for three years, two of them separated while I was living in Germany, and getting pregnant just wasn’t happening for us. I was 39 at the time and full of hope that this process will work for us.

Two and a half years later, here I am, mother's day looming upon me - and no child in my arms.

Mother’s Day 2015, the first after our initial consult in December 2014, was filled with yearning for a child, but also with hope. I needed surgery in March of 2015 before we could even start the process of fertility treatments. Everything went well, thanks to a great surgeon, and we were getting ready to start our first IUI (intrauterine insemination – think sophisticated turkey baster and loads of crazy-making hormones).

Three IUIs later, I finally got pregnant in December of 2015.

We were elated – alas, at our 10-week check-up, our baby’s heartbeat was gone. Two weeks later, I was in the hospital for a scheduled D&C. The miscarriage was caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

Mother’s Day 2016 was hard. We went to a baseball game that day, and seeing all these families with little babies was painful – and then there was the hope that this might soon be me.

Fast forward: two unsuccessful IVF egg retrievals – both times, the one embryo tested positive for chromosomal abnormalities.

Finally, in March 2017, the good news: our two embryos of the third IVF egg retrieval tested negative for any abnormalities.

Transfer was scheduled for mid-April.

I started hoping for a mother’s day filled with the promise of a new life growing inside of me.

Two weeks after transfer, when the phone call came in the afternoon of my early-morning pregnancy test, my hopes shattered again. HCG values were lower than expected. Four days later, they were even lower.

Another miscarriage - and more broken dreams.

So what will I do this mother's day?

Honestly, I don’t know. I remain amazed how much my heart can stretch to accommodate the hopes and dreams as well as the disappointments, sadness, and anger.

So if you are a mom, go ahead – revel in the attention that you so very well deserve. Mother’s Day is a special day that should be cherished and celebrated by those who can.

As for me, I will need that day to feel my grief for the children I lost, who will never come up to my bedside and wake me up with flowers or a self-made card. And I need to face the possibility that I might not be privileged to experience that in my lifetime.

So for me, Mother’s Day offers a sobering opportunity to practice gratitude in the face of deep sorrow and unimaginable loss – and brunch, lunch, or dinner with flowers and beautiful greeting cards and toasts to the amazing jobs that moms do every single day doesn’t really fit into that.
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However, when I will be calling my mom this Sunday, who lives an ocean away, I will celebrate her, as I still, 42 years later, need her to be a pillar of strength and comfort for me. And that is what being a mom is about - and I can toast to that.
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Re-Launch - Ready, Set, Go

3/31/2017

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So what happened to my great plan to write on a daily basis, regularly updating my blog?

You guessed it - not much.

In order to not feel like a complete failure, I am at least posting an entry today, to make sure that there is an entry for each month in my archives.

Yes, I know, none of that happened in January - well, we just let that one be.

So what is keeping me from regular writing?
  • new job -started the end of February
  • infertility stuff - the physical and emotional consequence 
  • docent training at Hillwood
  • long commute
  • getting meditation and exercise into my schedule

Sure, all these things are valid and true, but I know that I can fit in the time to write - I just have to commit to it and make it a priority.

And frankly, I have not done that. 

Here is to a better start into a new season, full of promising opportunities and ideas.

Stay tuned for more on
  • my favorite podcasts and why
  • the coming of an age of a docent
  • little historical tidbits about the different place I frequent in Maryland
  • personal reflections on all sorts of things

So long, and hopefully off to a more productive re-launch!
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Oh golly....

2/1/2017

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The events of the past week have left me exhausted, worried, and at times pissed off. It has gotten to the point where I need at least one media-free day a week, where I don't check my news feed or my Facebook/Twitter feed. As a matter of fact, I deleted my Facebook app from my phone, at least for the next two weeks. I am undergoing some medical treatments for which I want (and need) to be as relaxed and serene as possible.

I am grappling with the guilt I feel about that - isn't that something! 

Needless to say, as an immigrant to this country who had numerous student and other visa prior to becoming a permanent resident, I have been deeply affected by the most recent executive order on pausing entry for immigrants and refugees from certain countries. 

Wherever you fall in terms of the political spectrum, this particular order was poorly executed. I wish that somebody in the administration would man up (pardon my gendered expression here!) and admit that this was extremely bad form. 

It just confirms my ideas for my podcast, interviewing people from all over the world who are living in the United States as participants in the Fulbright exchange program.

Well, two weeks of R&R will also help me solidify some more concrete ideas on this, so that hopefully I will be able to launch that podcast soon. 
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I'm dreaming of a White House Christmas

12/15/2016

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Security Check
There is something magical about entering our nation's top residence on a cold winter night. Not the long lines and the padding by the Secret Service officer - definitely not that magical!

Then you snake through the different security stops, including a fan blowing air on you so that the working dog (shout-out to the K9 officers!) can sniff you for residues of explosives or whatever else they are trained to detect. And voila - the entrance area of the White House! It's like you are invited to enter your own personal little jewel box, with precious little baubles and glittery things to behold.

This year, we were greeted by a large red bow, taped around a giant, invisible present. People were going gaga over this, causing quite a traffic jam before the main entrance. So all the families were getting their selfies on! 

Having been to the White House during Christmas a few times, I just wanted to shout: "Move one, people! The real deal is inside! Glitter, opulence, crystal, lights - all that awaits you if you just move the h*** on!" But then I realized my first reaction many years ago, the sheer awe of having the privilege to enter the private residence of the nation's leader, and arguably one of the most powerful people in the world. And that was in a year where I personally didn't think too highly of the then sitting President, but you gotta respect the office. 

Enter the magic kingdom of Christmas!

And just like every year, once you enter the large white doors, I was prepared to be wowed - and just like every year, the White House did not disappoint. As it is customary, every year, visitors receive a little booklet with charming, holiday-themed drawings of the White House. The brochure includes the usual greeting by the First Lady (shout-out to the stylish and amazing Michelle Obama - we will miss you!) as well as a description of each of the rooms in the East Wing. Each section explains a little bit about the decorations and the role of each room. And for those even more knowledge-thirsty (including my mother-in-law), the Secret Service officers present throughout the entire building are available to answer any of your questions. Seriously, big shout-out to those folks - they are extremely knowledgeable about the history, and no detail is too mundane too be asked about.
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Read Stars everywhere!
This year's entrance hall (officially called East Visitor Entrance and Landing) was tastefully decorated with German paper stars called Froebel Star, or "Fröbelstern" for those among you who want to practice yet another really complicated German word - I know you are out there!!!. 

All red in in color, these stars were arranged on certain parts of the wall, in different sizes, and really created some nice texture. Last year, the theme was all about Christmas ball ornaments in different sizes and colors probably the most amazing decorations I have seen in the White House yet.

I felt like I was in a big present, and the fun was just starting. On our way towards the hallway, called the East Colonnade, next to Rose Garden, Bo and Sonny, the United States first dogs, are honored with huge statues, complete with a dog-themed Christmas tree full of doggie treats and tennis balls - just adorable! Maybe this year I will finally remember which one is Sunny and which one is Bo. 

Patriotic Christmas
You might think that the rest of this tour is just some more Christmas decorations, stars, ornaments, tress, wreaths, yaddiyadda. Well, there is more Christmas deco for sure, but let me tell you that for me, the real magic starts with the East Colonnade - every single year. This year, the mood was quite patriotic. The ceiling of the East Colonnade was covered with paper flares in red, white, and blue, in different lengths, back-lit by small Christmas lights. The flares moved ever so slightly, almost feeling like you were in a particularly patriotic Jaques Cousteau underwater documentary. 

Snowflakes Galore
The walk down the East Colonnade is always my favorite part of the experience. Last year's ceiling deco consisted of hundreds and hundreds of small paper snowflakes interspersed with largeer paper snowflakes, each large one dedicated to one of the states. Each state-specific star featured elements typical for that state. Maryland's, of course, included the obligatory crab. Every visitor was mesmerized by those snowflakes, looking for the snowflakes of states that were meaningful to them in a way. Hands down, best decoration EVER!

So, this year's patriotic theme had a tough standard to live up to. Did they outdo themselves again? Well, I have to be honest - last year's deco was just so amazing that probably nothing else could have come close to it. The snowflakes alone were just amazing - it was magical to walk below these hundreds and hundreds of snowflakes, with the bluish light reflections. Plus, the glow of the many differently colored Christmas balls all over the entrance hall and throughout the White house added to the magic of being in our nation's home during this special time of the year.

Even though last year's deco will always have a special spot in my heart, I still loved the different themes throughout the 2016 White House decorations. So, let's get back from memory lane to this year's more intimately themed decor. 

On Our Way to the Main Floor
Before going upstairs where the East Room, the State Dining Room, and the Green, Blue, and Red Rooms await, you'll go through a large hallway, with three beautiful rooms off to the side on your left and right. They are the White House library, the Vermeil room, and the China room. You can't enter them, but you can take a peek inside.  Plus the ceilings of the hallway are always beautifully decorated, continuing the theme of the magic Christmas wonderland. 

This year, the White House library was dedicated to the First Lady's initiative on education for young people, and specifically her global initiative on girls' education. You'll find more info on these two programs on their respective websites: Reach Higher and Let Girls Learn. 

We Made it to the Main Floor!
The East Room, the pendant of the State Dining Room on the other side of the East Wing, is a magnificent room by itself. At Christmas, it transforms into an enchanting space that always displays the White House creche. 

Large Christmas trees and beautifully decorated mantels and mirrors throughout this large room add to the charm of this room. 

ART ALERT
The East Room is home to the famous full-length portrait of George Washington, by the American painter Gilbert Stuart. 

Three Differently Colored Rooms

The Green Room

This year's decorations in the Green Room celebrated the abundance of greenery. This is a homage to the First Lady's efforts to grow fruits and vegetables on the grounds of the White House. It is in line with her overall focus  on nutrition and health. 

Many of the ornaments in here (as well as in some of the other rooms here on the 2nd floor) were fruit ornaments and particularly tastefully displayed throughout. 

ART ALERT
Lots of great paintings are displayed around the White House, but my most favorite one, and one I look forward to seeing every year, is the painting by one of America's most celebrated artists of the 20th century, Jacob Lawrence. Lawrence's painting "The Builders" hangs in the Green Room. 

Blue Room Christmas Tree
This is always a favorite of mine! The Blue Room features the 17 foot 6 inch Christmas tree, always a farm-grown fir tree. Constitutional law scholars will get a kick out this one, I am sure: this year's theme was dedicated to the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

This room continued the patriotic theme started in the East Colonnade, with a particular focus on celebrating our troops. The mantelpiece in this room featured mirror cutouts of U.S. service women and men - a subtle reminder that much of the freedom that we enjoy in these United States has been paid for by the blood and sweat of those who have dedicated their lives to serving this country.

A pacifist by nature who would prefer to see all war banished from our planet, I have always struggled with this culture's celebration of the armed forces. However, I cannot but admire our servicewomen's and men's dedication and am glad to see it honored so prominently in the White House during Christmas.

Red Room
The Red Room, the last in this triad of differently colored rooms, has always some of the most vibrant decorations. At least, I think so, probably because red is one of my favorite colors, especially for Christmas decorations. 

The Red Room continues the theme of fruits and gardens. In contrast to the green and yellow focus in the Green Room, with its display of lime and lemon ornaments, we'll see red and orange colored fruits here: oranges, pomegranates, cranberries. For red lovers, an absolute delight!

I was particularly charmed by the real oranges on display, which were decorated with cloves, creating different patterns and shapes. When I was little, my mother and I used to spend endless Advent weekends doing this, and it is something that I distinctly connect with Christmas while growing up. 

East Dining Room
Almost at the end of the tour, the East Dining Room never fails to disappoint. As the location of numerous State Dinners, with foreign heads of states, dignitaries, and other celebrities, this room has a special place in the nation's imagination. And at Christmas time, this is the highlight of each tour. This is mostly because the East Dining Room always displays the world-famous Gingerbread White ​ House, a creation by the White House pastry chefs. The White House has had its own Gingerbread House version since 1969. Children and adults delight in this confectioner's dream every year. 

As the State Dining Room houses the Gingerbread White House, its deco theme is usually playful, centering on what might appeal to children, This year, the mantel piece and the adjacent Christmas trees were decorated with gingerbread people and gingerbread houses made of Lego. 

ART ALERT
The State Dining Room is home to one of the most famous paintings of Abraham Lincoln. George P.A. Healy captured the 16th President in a contemplative pose, and this portrait has been a favorite among White House visitors since.

Grand Foyer and Cross Hall
The tour ends with great bravado in the iconic Grand Foyer and Cross Hall, featuring the Presidential Seal. If you are lucky, you might be charmed by live music once you get here. The White House invites choirs and musical performers from all over the nation to perform at the White House, delighting visitors and spreading Christmas cheer!

Until Next Year
It is always such a privilege and delight to see the White House at Christmas time. As we were leaving this December, I contemplated on what our nation will look like over the next four years, with the White House in the hands of our newly elected President. 

Our 44th President and his family have brought hope, dignity, and grace to our nation's home, and I hope that our 45th President will continue that tradition. 

Read about my December visit in the White House's historic East Wing during the Christmas season
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The Gift-Themed Entrance!
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White House Entrance 2015
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Thousands of red "Froebelsterne"
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Same hall, 2015
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A dog's dream come true!
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A dream of Red, White, and Blue!
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Christmas Deco 2015
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Ceiling deco
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Another page from the booklet
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For more White House Christmas pictures, check out HGTV's image gallery here. 
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Is it Christmas Yet?

12/14/2016

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The holiday season - mixed emotions running galore. Just like when I was a little kid. Or maybe I wasn't aware of mixed emotions; I might not have had any, blissfully unaware of the complexities of adult life. Today, in my 40s, the holiday season, with all its mirth, also comes with the stress of getting to all the holiday gatherings, organizing your own holiday gathering, getting the right presents, remembering who doesn’t want presents, updating my annual gift-giving to charities, finishing up the tasks at my job to wrap up the fall semester... the list could go on - scary, but true!

And in the midst of all that, I am trying to be present, to let go, to just be. I feel like a race horse chomping at its bit, waiting every second for the gun to mark the start of the race, but somehow, the shot never fires. So I find myself in this perpetual moment of anticipation, never arriving, always expecting, fearing, worrying - that can't be healthy now, can it?

The solution? Other than Christmas just being over? Once I finish my cider-run for our office party, select the best possible wrapping paper, check on the gifting list four our church's charity, I will let you know!
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Beautiful Chicago

11/16/2016

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