All my paintings are stories and they keep memories. The painting Adams Morgan Smiles was painted in 1984. The two little girls, Javiella and Naiji, were flower girls for our wedding in 1983. Their mothers and I worked together as teachers at the beginning of my career. We were African American teachers working at the beginning of our careers in African American schools and we cared deeply about the children and we as teachers developed bonds between each other. Adams Morgan has always been a vibrant Washington D.C. community including small markets, festivals, and colorful flower stands. I was moved by the girls sheer joy at that days outing and the flowers provided a harmonious backdrop. This particular painting became a way to celebrate new beginnings and the joy of living and moving about in Washington.