Tara Bandes Photography

“Yes, a dark time passed over this land, but now there is something like light.”
 - Dave Eggers, Zeitoun

1337280188 692.030075188 1040 692.030075188 1040

I went to Jazz Fest May 4-7th and I still can’t stop talking about our incredible trip. Not only did we manage to eat our way through the French Quarter, filling ourselves with soft shell crab benedict, beignets and anything else that crossed our path, but we saw a concert of a lifetime. Jazz, I could take it or leave it honestly, but the Foo Fighters playing Jazz Fest? WHAT?!?!? The Foos were the only act we saw the entire weekend and they were all we needed. They delivered a mind blowing, beach ball throwing, party rocking two hour show. Unforgettable. This song off their new album was one of my favorite performances. Steph and I stood (sandwiched between pot smoking, hairy, shirtless, sweaty men) in awe listening to Dave Grohl explain why this song is his favorite out of all he’s written. Dave Grohl freaking rocks. Simply put, New Orleans is just cool. New Orleans + The Foos? There just aren’t words. Enjoy the clip! xxoo, tb

Every year people come from all over the world to see the DC cherry blossoms in full bloom as they light up the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park.  It really is an amazing sight and this year the blossoms are as beautiful as I’ve ever seen them in the 13 years I’ve lived in the DC area.  For the past few years it’s typically been a rainy, cold and windy Cherry Blossom Festival but it is unusually warm this March and therefore, the blossoms have peaked early and are just spectacular.  This festival marks the beginning of Spring and is called the Nation’s Greatest Springtime Celebration for good reason.  I feel lucky to be so close to these blossoms and even find myself being patient (a little, don’t push it) with the hoards of tourist drivers who have no idea where they are going adding a ton of volume to our already heavily travelled roads.  Downside yes, but the beauty of the blossoms well makes up for any frustration trying to get to them.

xo, tb

I grew up outside of Chicago and every St. Patrick’s Day I always remember the huge celebration that Chicago becomes on this day.  The morning is kicked off with bagpipes, a parade and the ceremonial dyeing of the Chicago River.  Though every city has it’s Irish day celebrations, the city of Chicago in my opinion is the place to be on this special day.  Especially when it’s a beautifully sunny and rare 80 degree day!  To all my friends back home celebrating as well as friends from all over the country wherever they may be, HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY!

This photo was taken in a patch of springtime clover and it reminds me of the same green as the Chicago river today.

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

xx, tb