Photo Friday: Reflecting Pool, beaches & Nats Park

Happy photo Friday, DMV! It’s June 26.

Chris Wathen, a 38-year-old resident of the Navy Yard neighborhood of D.C., sent me pics of joy in his life as he finds his footing again after losing his job last year.

“My North Beach trip (this past Sunday) was completely unplanned, as I like taking drives to clear my mind but felt the need to be around water. Standing on the shore, seeing all these animals living out their lives, provided some perspective and momentary peace. That’s a theme with these pics,” Chris wrote to me in an email.

About his trip to Ocean City: “I love being by the water — hearing the crash of the waves and seeing the horizon so clearly shows me how clarity and change can exist simultaneously,”

About opening day at Nats Park: “The main reason I live in Navy Yard is because I’m a huge Nats fan, and going to games has been especially therapeutic this year. My mood improves every time I have a game to look forward to (I share quarter season tickets with my cousin, which equals out to a little over 20 games a season).”

And about his four-mile walk around town yesterday: “Made it to the reflecting pool AND didn’t get arrested!” Chris texted me by phone.

“I thought it was fenced off … but didn’t see any today. Didn’t touch the water b/c I didn’t want to get arrested. Lots of national guard around … It felt a bit weird, like there was tension in the air where there shouldn’t be.”

Readers: How are you finding comfort, joy and community? Have you visited the Reflecting Pool lately? Share your photos and anecdotes here.

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