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The first song is one of Chicklet's fav songs... somehow it fits. The second song, well... it felt right.
I received a comment yesterday from someone I simply adore. I want to be just like her when I grow up. *giggles*
It was about President Barack Obama's inauguration... I think she expected there to be a post about it after my last rant. She and I were apparently both thinking about each other a lot that day.
I responded via e-mail that I wasn't sure I had been able to wrap my brain about my emotions and what it all meant... until I visited her post about that great day.
And this is what came out (well, the gist of it):
This was so much bigger than one country. This was a moment for every person who has been told "NO", whether because of race, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, religion (or lack thereof), manner of dress, ...
Mr Obama will be faced with many challenges. He inherits a great mess... but he understands that "NO" just isn't an answer, not an acceptable one.
I have hope, again.
Patriotism isn't measured by grand displays, but rather by pride in where we come from, remembrance of what we've been through and the resolve to keep walking forward on that journey. I hope all nations, all people have the freedom to take that journey.
WE are citizens of the world before anything else. We are all sisters and brothers. When we forget that? We forsake our humanity.
I hope we can all keep that in mind.
To borrow Mr Obama's words: "(...) all are equal , all are free , and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the entire proceedings live (and bawling with Starrlight,... thankfully we both had tissues aplenty). That evening, after picking up my daughter (the very smart and observant future head of the United Nations) from school, she and I watched the coverage of the parade and discussed her day. We had a celebratory diner and broke out a bottle of virgin sparkling apple cider to toast with.
A new day... another step on that journey.
Maybe this is what Cat meant when she gave me this...
Thanks doll, you rock.
It's exhausting at times, being raw and honest and putting it out there - but it's good to have the right to speak up. Of course, I am also thankful for the fact that I can be selective about what I chose to talk about. FREEDOM!!! WOOOOO!
I think I get to pass it on (I don't think there were rules...), so:
Dianne, this award's for you! Your honesty inspires me. Your passion and fire humble me.
28 comments:
I have hope again too.
I love your post!
You are always so eloquent, sweetie. You say what most of us can't manage to put into words, and you do it so beautifully. Love you.
you and the wee chicklet!
Kate, thanks sweetie. Hope is a good thing.
Coco, I wish it came easily. Thank you for the compliment, coming from you it means a great deal. Love you too. *hugs*
Gary, yessir!
Great Post honey. :)
Someday you will sit with me and I will teach you how to write from the heart!
SARCASM ALERT
I have always told you how much I admired your skills with words...
I'm hoping the new year and change in presidents will bring some well needed common sense to the table.
Yeah, I think I meant something along those lines. You totally deserve it!
When the National Anthem played, I actually stood up an put my hand on my heart...I haven't done that in YEARS.
Congrats on the award, very apropos!
And that picture of you and chicklet...gold, baby, gold.
Here's to hope! *clink*
It was so much bigger than one country.
It is almost to good to be true after 8 years with that idiotic cowboy.
I was impressed how he kicked the Lobbyists in the knackers on day one and he is the Internet Prez...exchanging emails with millions of people to make them feel empowered...and not relying on the mediarrazi!
GOBAMA!
I agree---I think it was amazing to look at the folks from around the globe posting on Obama's FB wall.
I think you should check out Faiqa's blog---she also writes very well on the topic
http://native-born.com/2009/01/21/welcome-to-post-racial-america-the-land-of-pink-elephants-and-sugar-plum-fairies/
Akelamalu, thank you. I had wonderful inspiration. Peace!
Bond, hope tends to facilitate that.
Charles, I think he's up to the challenge set before him. (I like the new profile pic!)
Cat, coming from you it's an honour doll.
IG, I'm glad it's stirred the flame in you, my friend.
She's pretty cute, if I do say so myself. Slainte!
Cap'n, I hope our neighbors can grasp just how big the ripple is.
Mr Coppens, sir... I have to say I was quite impressed myself. It's about time!
It's going to take some doing, staying connected and keeping people involved... but it just might work.
Turnbaby, I loved sharing that with you, Gail, Mo, an everyone else on Facebook. How cool are we?! Thanks for the suggestion. I hope you visit Maithri, he's awesome as well.
http://soaringimpulse.blogspot.com/2009/01/opposite-of-love.html
No arguments- no freedom... from a Canadian speaking about America.. how do you think I feel right now?
Oh go make me cry why don't you!
I love that picture of you and the future head of the United Nations - wish I'd been there in real time.
I love ya more than my luggage!
Oh and I Shall Be Released is one of my all time favorite songs - but of course you probably knew that.
Great music choices. Awesome post. Dianne rocks. You do too! And I lovelove that pic of you and your sweet girl!
I watched a good bit of the days events and I cried like a baby. A very good cry though. It's great to feel proud and hopeful.
Have a nice weekend lovely lady! :) hug, M
I'm still high over that day. I was lucky that I went to work late that day and was able to watch our new President being sworn in. Even sitting here typing these words I feel a chill...it's so awesome.
And "I Shall Be Released" is one of my favorite songs in the world. I made a cd of all the different versions that I could fit on it. Such a wonderful song.
Here's one of the thoughts I have about hope with Mr Obama leading the US.
Whenever I used to ask a question about why the former administration did something, I was called disloyal for daring to dissent. And sometimes it wasn't even dissent...it was just a question!! I wondered when those people determined that I had lost the right to ask why.
Now, it would seem that those people who used to call me unPatriotic for asking questions feel like they are on the outside looking in. They are all asking why, and some are simply refusing to give the new administration a chance to get in and get to work.
My hope is renewed...because not one time have I felt that those people are disloyal or unPatriotic. I simply find it sad that they have lost sight of what it means to live in a Republic such as ours, that offers the freedom to question and disagree.
And I hope, for them, that they come to realize that no one is coming to tell them they can't think what they think or disagree legitimately with the direction of the new administration.
Buff, I'm not quite sure what to make of your comment. What I can say is that I was speaking as a woman, as a human being, for myself... not as a Canadian vs an American. I don't presume to speak for anyone else.
Dianne, I love you Mama.
CC, I'm glad you found in this post something that spoke to you. It was a good cry for me as well.
John, I hope people who don't agree with him will at least give him a chance and keep an open mind.
That must be an awesome compilation. Choosing one version to post was difficult.
Travis, following blindly is not patriotism, agreed. I love it when you share your insights and add to a discussion.
*fly-by hugs*
Hello Anndi,
Our collective hope has been reinvigorated indeed! Thank you for two nice song selections. I Shall Be Released brought back many childhood memories and it felt right for this moment for me too!
Best,
Mama Shujaa
I watched the entire day of the festivities, and I must admit I wasn't as emotionally charged as I thought. But I did get very reflective of my own past and experiences with discrimination and ridicule, and that gave me perspective.
I trust that those who think President Obama can change the world were listening and heard him say that change was up to all of us. Because it is. We ALL need to work hard to make changes. He has no magic wand, but he has us. And THAT is his magic tool.
I know what you mean about focus, I've been having that trouble in spades lately, heh. Great, great post. Congrats on your award!
It's a great time for our country! What a great post. And congrats on your award!
the times, they are a changin...
strap yourself in...
was just thinking about you ... it's Australia Day and Chinese New Year - wanna party ;)
Ah Peter, he is so awesome and The Band is one of my favorites. Levon Helm IS the man.
I did cry. Now I begin the 4 year breath holding when he goes out in public.
I watched the inauguration too and you could really see how happy and proud the people were to be American. Of course, he can't possibly live up to people's expectations of him (after all, he is just a human being like the rest of us) but it will be interesting to see how he makes out! :)
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