3 little things I loved about the inauguration

What a dreamy day. I felt so in love with the ceremony and celebrations, the hope and the accountability, the crowds of people cheering and the memory of all of those people there in spirit and in memory. And of course, I was head over emerald heels with the Obamas.

As overwhelmed and emotional and high as I felt with the day on the whole, I hope I remember these three things:

1. Malia cam and Sasha silliness. I adored that the first child of the first family is a real kid, texting and taking pictures and even handing over the camera to Joe Biden for a closer peek at her dad on centerstage. I loved that Sasha was as entertaining as Aretha in some moments. I've listened closely to what the Obamas have said about their views on parenting and I imagine many other people have taken pointers from their seeming centeredness and stress on the kids' (and their own) responsibility. I like that. Shining out from the adorable, brightly colored coats and coordinating gloves, it shows. And I totally want to be Malia's Flickr friend to see those shots.

2.  The poem. Ohhh, the poem. Is there any better ritual than commissioning such fine art to commemorate a day? Every single line is perfection. Is it too much to dream that one day Lil E will stand in front of a classroom, reciting this memorized poem for an oratory assignment? Or that he will study it in a college class, doodling around the edges of the copy in front of him, Xeroxed many times over? Maybe those are my own dreams, but I hope he one day appreciates the beauty of this one work by this one writer, who that day was welled up with her own emotion, and who proudly has Chicago ties.

3. The clear love. I watched the new president and first lady walk toward the White House during the inaugural parade and was struck (once again, this is not the first time) by their connectedness. Even as she changed hands to wave at opposite sides of the crowd, she never lost contact with his hand. In this lovely, sweeping, rhythmic motion, Michelle Obama released one hand from his to raise it in a wave while grasping his hand with her other. That tiny moment spoke so much and it made proud of the force of life she seems to be beside him. (And if you haven't seen it already, this head shaking take on their connection is quite funny. Someone please point this woman to the Urban Dictionary.)

Comments

[jm]

She did not say what I think she said in that link, did she? OMG.

I was also a little in love with the dancing later than night...especially Obama doing the bump :)

[furiousBall]

i hear they're into fisting too

[Melissa]

I cannot beLIEVE that clip! Oy vey.

It was great meeting you and sharing the morning with so many revelers. :)