Inauguration Day Thoughts: Tears, History Books, and Sparkly Hats
I watched history unfold today.
It was pretty awesome.
Throughout the day today I kept watching the Inauguration coverage and recaps, and caught up on the stuff I'd missed through the wonders of streaming media feeds.
I watched Aretha Franklin sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and really didn't expect to end up crying. A lot. Same thing happened when I saw Barack being sworn in - it was a ceremony I'd seen before, but really didn't place any store or faith in. All of a sudden, the image of him with his hand on the Lincoln Bible and his other hand raised was suddenly so striking and representative of the moment in which the country was caught, I got all choked up and started crying again. Tear of happiness, of course.
As I've said before, I'm so happy that we've reached a point as a country where we realize what we truly need, and who we really need as a leader. I'm so proud, and for the first time since I was very young I found myself being moved to tears by the national anthem and other patriotic songs. Today was a victory for African-Americans, and for people of mixed-race backgrounds, but it was also more than that. Really, it was a victory for everyone. It was the realization of the true capability of the American people to unite under a common goal, and to move together towards one cause to better their nation together. Cheers, America. I toast to you.
I loved watching the Inaugural Balls, particularly the Neighborhood Ball. Barack is always a good looking guy, but I was still surprised by how good he looked in a white tie tux. One of the news reports mentioned how politics is "Hollywood for ugly people" and then proceeded to talk about how gorgeous both Barack and Michelle are, and what a stunning couple they make. Hey, when real life politicians are this awesome, there's no need for Hollywood adaptations! I wasn't too sure about the little poufy things on Michelle's dress, but the rest of it was spot on. She's such a classy lady! I loved her dress otherwise - it draped beautifully and was a lovely color for her skin. I got all excited when Beyonce (who's dress was also gorgeous, by the by!) began to sing "At Last", not only because it's one of my favorite songs, but because I think it fits so well with them, and with the beginning of the next four years.
Same sort of thing with the Bidens. Joe and Jill look so fantastic together. I loved Jill's dress - it fit her perfectly and was gorgeous in it's sweep and flow! And Joe's comment about "I can't dance very well, but I sure love to hold her," was pure love. Like Michelle and Barack, you can really tell that Joe and Jill are truly in love with each other. It's a fantastic example of a loving, healthy relationship. And they just look so adorable together.
I also loved Aretha's Sparkly Bedazzler Crownhat - so fabulous that you know only someone as fierce as Aretha could pull it off.
I hope I can tell my kids and grandkids about this day. I hope they grow up in a world where someone's race is not as important as their ability to do good and inspire others to better themselves and their world.
Here's to a better world.
Love you guys.
It was pretty awesome.
Throughout the day today I kept watching the Inauguration coverage and recaps, and caught up on the stuff I'd missed through the wonders of streaming media feeds.
I watched Aretha Franklin sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and really didn't expect to end up crying. A lot. Same thing happened when I saw Barack being sworn in - it was a ceremony I'd seen before, but really didn't place any store or faith in. All of a sudden, the image of him with his hand on the Lincoln Bible and his other hand raised was suddenly so striking and representative of the moment in which the country was caught, I got all choked up and started crying again. Tear of happiness, of course.
As I've said before, I'm so happy that we've reached a point as a country where we realize what we truly need, and who we really need as a leader. I'm so proud, and for the first time since I was very young I found myself being moved to tears by the national anthem and other patriotic songs. Today was a victory for African-Americans, and for people of mixed-race backgrounds, but it was also more than that. Really, it was a victory for everyone. It was the realization of the true capability of the American people to unite under a common goal, and to move together towards one cause to better their nation together. Cheers, America. I toast to you.
I loved watching the Inaugural Balls, particularly the Neighborhood Ball. Barack is always a good looking guy, but I was still surprised by how good he looked in a white tie tux. One of the news reports mentioned how politics is "Hollywood for ugly people" and then proceeded to talk about how gorgeous both Barack and Michelle are, and what a stunning couple they make. Hey, when real life politicians are this awesome, there's no need for Hollywood adaptations! I wasn't too sure about the little poufy things on Michelle's dress, but the rest of it was spot on. She's such a classy lady! I loved her dress otherwise - it draped beautifully and was a lovely color for her skin. I got all excited when Beyonce (who's dress was also gorgeous, by the by!) began to sing "At Last", not only because it's one of my favorite songs, but because I think it fits so well with them, and with the beginning of the next four years.
Same sort of thing with the Bidens. Joe and Jill look so fantastic together. I loved Jill's dress - it fit her perfectly and was gorgeous in it's sweep and flow! And Joe's comment about "I can't dance very well, but I sure love to hold her," was pure love. Like Michelle and Barack, you can really tell that Joe and Jill are truly in love with each other. It's a fantastic example of a loving, healthy relationship. And they just look so adorable together.
I also loved Aretha's Sparkly Bedazzler Crownhat - so fabulous that you know only someone as fierce as Aretha could pull it off.
I hope I can tell my kids and grandkids about this day. I hope they grow up in a world where someone's race is not as important as their ability to do good and inspire others to better themselves and their world.
Here's to a better world.
Love you guys.