Using your Mac creatively

**Bloom Into Self-Love: A Creative Reflection Workshop for Women** Bloom Into Self-Love is a creative reflection workshop designed to celebrate the strength, beauty, and identity of women. responsibilities, women rarely pause to reconnect with themselves. This workshop creates space to slow down, reflect, and honor the journey that has shaped who you are today. Through guided reflection and a relaxing painting experience, you will reconnect with your inner self and celebrate the woman you are becoming. ### **The Experience** During this workshop you will: • complete a guided reflection exploring identity, growth, and self-love • paint a personalized canvas portrait prepared from your photo • relax in a supportive and inspiring creative space • leave with a beautiful keepsake that represents your journey No painting experience is required. This experience is designed to be calming, meaningful, and accessible for everyone. ### **What’s Included** • Guided reflection worksheet • Pre-prepared canvas portrait from your photo • All painting supplies • Creative guidance during the painting experience • Your finished portrait to take home ### **Who This Workshop Is For** This workshop is perfect for: • women looking for a meaningful creative experience • anyone wanting a moment to slow down and reconnect with themselves • women who enjoy reflection, creativity, and personal growth ### **Hosted By** Bloom Within Studio

**📸 Studio 151 Glamour Series: Featuring Porrapat Por!– Only $150** Date & Time: April 11, 10am-12noon (optional 1 on 1 opportunities after 12:30) Location: Sterling, VA (exact location provided upon registration) Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (All are welcome!) **🛠️ What You'll Learn** Join us for an immersive, hands-on photography workshop designed to elevate your skills! This session is perfect for hobbyists, aspiring photographers, and anyone who wants to build confidence behind the lens. We’ll cover: * Learn the fundamentals of [e.g., portrait lighting or composition]. * Practice techniques to [e.g., control exposure and use natural light]. * Get tips for [e.g., setting up creative shots & working with models]. You’ll walk away with actionable knowledge and beautiful images to show for it! ### **🧑‍🏫 What Makes This Workshop Special** * Hands-On Practice: Bring your camera – most of the time will be spent shooting! * Small Group Setting: Personalized feedback in an intimate group size (limited seats). * Professional Guidance: Led by an experienced photographer who knows the craft inside and out. ### **🎒 What to Bring** * Your camera (DSLR or mirrorless preferred, but all gear welcome) * Fully charged batteries and memory cards * Notebook (optional, but recommended) ### **💲 Pricing** Only $150 per person – reserve your seat today! Spots are limited, so book early to avoid missing out. ### **📢 Refund/Cancellation Policy** Refunds will be issued only if the class is canceled by the host. ### **📅 How to Reserve Your Spot** 1. Click the "Attend" button to register. 2. Complete your payment on Meetup to confirm your seat. 3. Get ready to learn, practice, and have fun! We can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions, please email us at info@studio151photo.com. Additionally, this amazingly versatile model has agreed to offer 1 on 1 sessions, afterwards for a discounted fee of $50 per half hour for fashion and $65 per half hour for tasteful nude. Take advantage of these rates and use our studio lights to create dramatic and stunning images (Samantha or Jason will be there to assist with lighting setups)!!!! There will be a limited amount of 1 on 1's offered, so book early!!! 1 on 1's (email us and we will update this list with your requested time!) 12:30 - 1:00 - 1:00 - 1:30 - 1:30 - 2:00 - 2:00 - 2:30 - 2:30 - 3:00 - 3:00 - 3:30 - 3:30 - 4:00 - Samantha

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/leesburg-va/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, April 11th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Hi All! I wanted do something big a little different. I have recently experienced th trials and tribulations of cancer treatments for my mother in law. Through this time I have seen a ton of support fromm people far wide. To give back a little I wanted to donate some bracelets. There were some that were made and given to the patients at the cancer center. I thought we could’ve come together and make the bracelets to donate. I have an excess amount of beads and things that we can use and if you would like to donate that would be great as well. I got a some cancer ribbon and hope charms to add a special touch. Come join in making bracelets for cancer!

**Registration required;** [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-april/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*

**Ed and Gail's Second Saturday Hustle/West Coast Swing Night** NEW!!! Ed and Gail's Second Saturday Dance will now feature hustle and west coast swing music, by popular demand. Lessons will be taught by guest instructors. Note: We will continue our long-running Fourth Saturday Hustle/West Coast Swing Night with Joyce Szili - So you'll have TWO opportunities per month for hustle and west coast swing dancing! Saturday, March 28 Guest Instructor Shawn Brennan 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm Beginner Hustle 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm Intermediate Hustle 8:30-11:00 pm Dance (Variety) $15 cash, check, or Venmo

Sac au Lait has been bringing New Orleans Traditional Jazz to the area for 20 years. This happy music will make you smile & move your feet! Dubbed “Baltimore’s Finest in Dixieland” by the City Paper, Sac au Lait has been playing melodies New Orleans Traditional Jazz in the Baltimore/DC area for over 20 years. The band brings plenty of youthful energy, mixing vocal and instrumental tunes to get people happy and dancing! The appeal of this music from the ’20s and ’30s is broad, and that has allowed them to perform in all types of venues for a variety of audiences. With a fun band name like Sac Au Lait (translation: Bag Of Milk), you hardly know what to expect, but we think it's gonna be a great time! So, join the PRJC in beating the tax day blues with some live local music. Bag of Milk, indeed! [https://www.sacaulait.com/music/](https://www.sacaulait.com/music/) Our in-person concerts are held at Rosensteel Hall in Silver Spring. It's just a few blocks from the Forest Glen metro (Red Line) and has plenty of parking on site. Inside, there are tables and chairs, a big dance floor, and a cash bar with beverages and snacks. Come on out and have some Spring fun with us. The Potomac River Jazz Club (PRJC) has been bringing live New Orleans/Trad style jazz to the DC area since 1971. Admission: PRJC members ($20 (this means [dues-paying members of PRJC](https://prjc.org/joinprjc.html), not this free Meetup group), General admission $25 at door, $22.50 if purchased [online](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prjc-presents-trad-jazz-mardi-gras-bash-featuring-orleans-express-tickets-1093860960579?aff=erelexpmlt) in advance. Youth with valid student IDs: Free. Sales at door are by cash, check or PayPal only. [Click here to buy tickets in advance!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prjcs-beat-the-tax-day-blues-with-sac-au-lait-in-person-concert-tickets-1983916767457) Our events page: [https://prjc.org/prjcevents.html](https://prjc.org/prjcevents.html) [Join PRJC here!](https://prjc.org/joinprjc.html)

DESCRIPTION: This is a 12.7-mile loop hike that goes along Seneca Creek. There is not a lot of elevation change but please know your limitations as this is a longer hike. Because of the minimal elevation change we will go at about a 3 MPH pace when hiking. We will take breaks ever 2-3 miles with a lunch break at about the 8-mile mark at a nice place along the creek. This is kind of a cool hike as you are by the creek or in some of the lowlands the majority of the trip. We will have to cross Rt. 28 and walk over the Rt. 28 bridge as well as the River Road Bridge crossing Seneca Creek. There is also one place you will have to cross the creek but there are very large flat boulders you can hop on. All are easy to do but just calling them out in advance. It will likely take us between 4.5 to 5 hours. It is really nice this time of year as the leaves are starting show on the trees but you can still see pretty good through the forest. Rockland Farms Winery is about .5 miles away if anyone wanted to go there to relax after the hike. For the all trails please go here: [Explore Lower Seneca Creek Greenway Trail | AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-30-2024-de6b1cf?ref=share-sms&sh=omb4v6) **Parking Lot:** 39°05'27.4"N 77°20'40.6"W Plug in the GPS coordinates and it will take you there. The parking lot is on Montevideo Rd between Rocklands Farm and River Road. 14510 Montevideo Rd. Seneca, MD will get you pretty close. Key info: **Parking**: Parking lot is on Montevideo Rd. and can hold about 15-20 cars **Meet at**: Parking Lot **Time**: Meet at 8:30am. We hit the trail at 8:40 sharp EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. **Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks**. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike. SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 11am-11:15am: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 11:15am-12:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 12:45pm-1pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What Digital Detectives Find,”** on the afterlife of your digital data and the methods of those who investigate it, with Jim Jones, associate professor at George Mason University and cyber security and digital forensics expert. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives) .] What happens when you delete digital data such as a picture, video, or email message? The truth is that “deleted” doesn't mean “gone,” and digital forensic investigators can extract and make sense of the residual fragments left over from data often assumed to be gone forever. Learn about the field of digital forensics—and the lessons it offers those who worry about sensitive data being exposed—with Jim Jones, who has been a cyber security and digital forensics practitioner, researcher, and educator for more than 30 years. You’ll learn how all investigations today, criminal and otherwise, to some degree involve digital forensics, an interdisciplinary field that draws from computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics doesn’t just respond to specific incidents, but also seeks out threats within organizations, analyzes malware, and buttresses cyber security. Much of the work of Dr. Jones, his colleagues, and students involves examining digital systems of all types to understand how data persists and decays and how it can be found and recovered. Dr. Jones will discuss how what happens to the digital data that you deleted depends on the type of device you are using, along with a host of other factors. You'll learn how digital data is stored on different devices and what does and doesn’t happen when you delete that data. You'll see examples of data extracted from different devices, demonstrations of what can be inferred from these remnants, and how investigators can tell if such remnants are genuine or not. Finally, you'll learn about strategies to mitigate the risk of exposing sensitive data. Dr. Jones will sort those that work from those that don’t. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A digital forensics examiner works with evidence in the FBI’s New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (FBI photo).

ETA: Let’s go back and enjoy. Beautiful because music. Classic vinyl album covers line the walls, with a vibe to match. They roast their own beans, which they supply to other local cafes. If I remember correctly, they don’t serve breakfast sandwiches, but get a fresh,warmed pastry and you’ll be happy. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

⚡ Reset your direction. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with fresh clarity. Join us for a relaxed **small-group afternoon event** that blends a light **Inner Coach conversation experience** with a **community potluck lunch**. In February we hosted our first **Inner Coach event**, and many attendees said it helped them notice something powerful — the voice inside that quietly guides better decisions when life gets complicated. This event builds on that idea. Instead of overthinking the past, we’ll explore how to **reset direction for what’s next** — through thoughtful conversation, new perspectives, and the kind of questions that spark real insight. We’ll start with a few short conversation rounds designed to spark reflection, humor, and perspective — and then continue the discussion over food and relaxed conversation. Think **good food, grounded people, and real conversations about what comes next in life.** Held in our **Startup Garage** — a bright, comfortable living-room style space inside a single-family home. (Couches, food, conversation — **not an actual garage** 😊) *** ## **🥘 Potluck Lunch** If you're able, bring something small to share. Homemade or store-bought — both welcome. A dish you enjoy making. A dish that always works Or simply something easy from the store If you're busy, come anyway — the goal is **community, not perfection**. We’ll share a relaxed **afternoon potluck lunch** while continuing meaningful conversations with people navigating their next chapter. *** ## **What You’ll Experience** • Light conversation rounds designed to spark insight • Fresh perspectives from people navigating similar life transitions • Humor, perspective, and grounded conversation • A relaxed environment where ideas and connections happen naturally *** ## **Who Typically Attends** • Professionals in their 30s–40s–50s • Entrepreneurs and builders • Divorced or separated individuals navigating what’s next • People who prefer thoughtful conversation over surface-level small talk Whether you're **resetting direction, building something new, or simply meeting grounded people**, this event is designed for honest connection and fresh perspective. *** Most attendees are navigating life and growth with **curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.** 📍 Hosted in a spacious living-room setting inside a single-family home (Ashburn – 20147). Full address and parking details are emailed **2–3 days before the event.** 🌐 Learn more about the community [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) *** If you're curious about the **Inner Coach vs Inner Critic concept**, here’s a short introduction: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgoDgqppGI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgoDgqppGI)

10:00 AM - Meet & Create We’ll start with networking, content creation and more. This includes BTS photos, updated headshots, and in-action shots. We’ll use both indoor and outdoor spaces as available. 12noon - Lunch + Networking After the morning session, we’ll head to a local restaurant for lunch and continued networking and conversation. If the weather is nice, we’ll be outdoors. If it rains, we’ll use the studio.

Join us for a cozy, in-person journaling session! Whether you’re new to journaling or a seasoned writer, this meetup is a great opportunity to carve out some intentional time for self-reflection, creativity, and connection with others. Event Outline: • We’ll begin with brief introductions so everyone can get to know each other. • I’ll provide a journaling prompt to help guide your writing. • Afterward, we’ll take about 10 minutes to write quietly. You can use the prompts or go wherever your thoughts take you! • Once we’re finished, we’ll come back together and share (if you feel comfortable). This is a chance to reflect on the process or share insights, but sharing is completely optional. • We'll repeat this process with another prompt or two as time allows. Bring your favorite journal or notebook, and get ready to enjoy some thoughtful, reflective time in a welcoming community. Grab a coffee or tea from the café, settle in, and let’s journal together! Feel free to come as you are—no prior experience necessary. We can’t wait to meet you!

Come bring your junk journal, scissors, and ephemera and let’s journal together! Any type of journal style is welcome.

Fairfax Public Access fcac.org **Adobe Premiere Essentials – Start Editing Like a Pro!** Ready to bring your video ideas to life? Join our **Adobe Premiere Essentials** class and learn the fundamentals of one of the most widely used video editing programs in the industry. **About the Class:** Adobe Premiere is a real-time video editing software application used by both beginners and professionals. This course is designed specifically for new users and focuses on essential editing techniques and core functions of the program. **Topics include:** * Importing media * Project management * Trimming clips * Creating titles * Exporting final projects *Note: Part of the class will also include a review of our edit lab rules and station procedures.* **Prerequisite:** Basic computer knowledge **Certification:** Awarded upon completion of the class project **Schedule & Cost:** * 6 sessions (3 hours each) * Class fee: $290 ($26 annual membership) * Tue. and Thu. 7pm-10pm, edit 1 on 4/14, 4/16, 4/21, 4/23, 4/28, 4/30 * Inst. Moustafa Mohammed **How to Enroll:** Step 1: To join the class, you must become a member of FPA. Annual membership fee: $26 Join here: [https://www.fcac.org/payment](https://www.fcac.org/payment) Step 2: Contact the Training Department to confirm your registration and complete your class payment: 571-749-1132 / FPATraining@fcac.org **Not Ready to Enroll?** Come check us out first! Join our community media station’s next **FREE Open House** to learn more about community programs and content creation options: Wednesday, April 15 7:00 PM (2 hours) 2929 Eskridge Rd., Suite S, Fairfax, VA 22031 We’d love to meet you and help you get started on your creative journey!

We are now Meeting at ResQ BBQ in Leesburg \*\*help us track guest attendance, please register here please: https://www.bniconnectglobal.com/web/open/visitorRegistration?chapterId=16801 \*\* *** Thanks for visiting our meetup group for information for BNI Potomac Business Alliance where I am honored to hold the Title Insurance seat. During this meeting you will meet other local business professionals from a wide variety of industries who commit to providing excellent service to people within our shared networks. We will pass over 1.5 million dollars of business in 2022-2023. and we want you to consider applying to be a part of our referral network. So come out, enjoy an excellent breakfast, learn a little more about me and Title Insurance, and consider being a part of a fantastic group of business professionals. Be prepared to tell everyone about your business in about 30 seconds or less. We want to know what you do but have to keep it short so we can complete the meeting's agenda, we want to honor your time! • 30 second elevator speech? What do I say?! Your Name Your Company's Name What your company does (in basic form) One key difference maker (deliver on-time, on budget. or We close complicated cases. or We can sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Etc...) Who you would like to meet in the room or in the area (so we can refer you business :-) ) Keep it short and sweet, there will be plenty of time after and before the meeting to get to know other people in the group and even opportunities to schedule "one to one/1:2:1" meetings. We love to grab our coffee and go out to a spot in the lobby afterwards in one on ones to discuss how we can work together, get to know each other, get business done! So plan a little extra time to meet if need be.

Everyone has access to AI. Everyone is creating more content. The real question is **How do you create content that actually performs when everyone is using the same tools?** At this DC Marketing Tech Talks session, we’re going beyond prompts and tools and getting into what actually matters now: * How to build a content strategy that doesn’t fall into the “AI slop” trap * How AI and search engines are actually evaluating and surfacing your content * How to distribute and structure your content so it reaches the right audience and drives results **What This Session Will Cover** This session is designed as a focused, three-part experience, with each speaker taking a different angle on what it really means to create content in an AI-driven world. We’ll start with **[Tara L. Finney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarafinney/)**, who brings a strategic lens shaped by over two decades of building content programs across B2B and B2C. Tara will walk through how to build a content strategy that aligns with your business goals, reflects your brand, and resonates with your audience. From there, **[Stephen Hart](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephenahart/)** will shift the focus to what happens after the content is created. Because even strong content fails if it doesn’t reach the right people. He’ll walk through how to structure your content ecosystem so it can be distributed effectively, reused across channels, and scaled without requiring constant output or burnout. We’ll close with **[Alex Lindley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lindley-50823437/)**, who will take the conversation into how content is actually being evaluated today. As AI becomes a gatekeeper for discovery, it’s no longer just about what you publish, but how it’s interpreted. Alex will unpack how AI and search systems read, assess, and surface your content, giving you a clearer understanding of what drives visibility in an AI-influenced search landscape. This is a practical discussion about how to create content that shows up, gets read, and supports real business growth in a world shaped by AI. If you’re a marketer, founder, or content leader trying to figure out how to stay relevant in an AI-saturated world, this is the conversation you need to be in.