Typing this with the TV on...
What a day! I'm watching Michelle Obama wave at the crowd as I type this. And I have shivers.
This video gave me shivers, too. Pete Seeger is an old man now. I wonder if he thought he would ever see this day. I loved this so much.
And I loved the inclusion of the lyrics that are so often excised in this song (I certainly didn't learn them in school):
As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there
And that sign said - no tress passin'
But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!
Chorus
In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple
Near the relief office - I see my people
And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'
If this land's still made for you and me.
Obama is onscreen now, heading down the stairs to join the crowd. What must he be thinking right now?
Did you know that there is a Canadian version of this song?
"from Bona Vista, to Vancouver Island, from the Arctic Circle to the Great Lake Waters - this land was made for you and me!"
The video also includes my two boyfriends, Bruce Springsteen and Tao Rodriguez. Yum! And everyone in the crowd is so happy. Check out George Lucas. And a bunch of other people who I'm sure I should recognize.
Here he is!!!!! He's looking very Presidential. And confident.
My older son called me from school this morning. He and his friends had been combing the school for an available (and functioning) TV. His teacher suggested that a parent could tape it, so I am doing that now and they will watch tomorrow. I think it is so cool that they want to. Remember that we are in Canada and they are in Grade 5.
Rick Warren is speaking now. I imagine he will stay away from gay marriage. He's invoking Dr. King as I type this.
Obama's Playlist has been posted. One of the song's I nominated (it means "the complaint of the seal in Alaska") made the cut. It's a terrific list - diverse and interesting. And truly representative. Apparently, there were more than 130,000 votes cast.
If you are stuck inside today and want some diversion, check out The Seated View. Lene has lots of great links to interesting things posted there. There's one link though that struck me as typically American. What do you think about the Back-Up?
Oh, Aretha is singing! Shivers again! And goosebumps the size of golf balls!
I am going to try and tear myself away from the TV soon (but not just yet) so I can make dinner and go and meet Sassymonkey for decadent afternoon pint (or two) and some knitting. Going to celebrate a clean scan, the completion of my latest round of edits - and this incredible moment in history.
Biden is being sworn in! Obama is next!
Let's all hold some joy in our hearts so that we can work together to bring some real, lasting and positive change to this world of ours.
He's being sworn in now! He's screwing it up a bit, it's so cute. First sign of nerves. That's it! Congrats my American friends!
6 comments:
The funny thing is, Obama didn't screw up the swearing in, the Justice did, LOL! Obama was just following what the Justice was saying.
Obama -- cool as a cucumber as always. Wonder when we'll see that crack.
Doesn't matter -- he's human and I love the guy.
Did you see the benediction? SO wonderful!!
Thanks, Laurie! The inauguration was certainly an exciting thing to see. I'm kinda wavering between awe because we have actually voted in an African American president - didn't think I'd ever see it in my lifetime - and also I'm kinda blase about it because, well, this sorta thing happens every four years and I still had to teach and raise my son and think about my own kinds of issues. In other words, in some respects, my day was a normal day. Not much has changed about it - yet. Here's hoping that more positive changes are on the horizon!
Laurie, I too had a difficult time tearing myself away from the television. And I am surrounded by them at work! But It was certainly a monumental day in world history. I'm glad you were watching it with all of us Americans!
n a country that seems to have more elections (every 18 months or so) and produces fewer and fewer true leaders, I think as a Canadian I am truly envious of the Americans at this point. I know there's a lot to work on for all of us and the days are early but watching the celebrations of this historic moment let us all believe, even briefly, that change is possible. I hope I continue to reflect that in my everyday actions and words. And this coming from a cynic!!! Plus, it was so nice to see Pete up there having so much fun!
I love the the playlist and I think it is great although 49 songs certainly is not enough to please everyone! To find out what songs made the top 49, visit Obama's Canadian Playlist.
Brenda
Post a Comment