The Inauguration

So, like most others yesterday, I got up early, opened a bottle a Cremant and switched on the telly to watch The Inauguration in DC. I was going to go, but KLM/NWA overbooked their flights, and so I missed my chance to mill about with the other 2 million people who crammed into DC to usher in a new era.

And it does feel like a new era- honestly, it does. It feels like the 21st century just got started!

It was heartening to see all those people braving the cold. Michelle Obama looked lovely, in a gold dress and matching coat hat accentuated her clear dark skin, and Barack looked serious and elegant in a dark navy overcoat and a red tie. There was the tank like Caddy limosuine, and all the hubby-hub of the milling celebrities (including John Cusack and Jay-Z! ) and all the cameras and gushing newspeople. But really touched my heart was seeing the closeup of people's faces. The tears, the yearning, the happiness, the joy.

Aretha Franklin rocked.

Reverend Lowery was wonderful.

Then in walked Barack unto the viewing platform- silent, serene, centered. The very picture of what it means to be Zen

It was hilarious that Barack and the Justice flubbed their lines. So much for perfection!

And after, I got dressed, and slight drunk, went out to walk in the cold January air. There are so many challenges ahead- our state unemployment rate went to 9% ( which means it is probably at 10-12%)our national economy is a mess, we are in two stupid and badly run wars. Yet, I really do feel hopeful and optimistic for the future. I really do.