Mr. Obama Goes To Washington

On Saturday, I headed back to DC to participate in the event of the year, the century and many centuries past. The Inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama. At this point we have read and, if we were there, have stated the obvious many times over. It was uplifting, tranformative, inspiring, a new beginning, historic, the start of real change. While this account is quickly turning cliche, yesterday was far from run-of-the-mill. And so these expressions, full of love and good energy, are universal and will remain fresh for quite some time.

For me, it was a weekend of blessings and relative ease. Out of the States for the past few months and never really in the know in Washington, I decided early in the game that I'd celebrate and have a good time no matter where I was, no matter who I was with. And it turned out to be a good strategy. Jubilation and celebration were accessible to everyone, from VIPs who had invites to the hottest parties in town and prime seats on the Capitol to the rest of us, who banded together in the bustling streets to whoop and cry and embrace each other. And thank goodness for the hugs, because it was cold! I'm actually sitting here now with my right knee elevated; it's still not defrosted from 6 hours in 8 degree weather yesterday! But it was worth it.

Here are some pictures from the weekend and of our glorious experience on Inauguration Day, tucked right up under the Washington Monument, stamping our feet to keep the blood flowing, in awe.


Monday afternoon on U Street, epicenter of African American history and culture


Obama fused with Lincoln's face


Endless coil of a line outside Busboys & Poets, a relatively new DC institution. A reading by Alice Walker induced the mayhem.


Celebrities and politicians gave interviews around the clock at Ben's Chili Bowl, a neighborhood greasy spoon and meeting spot for civil rights heroes, jazz greats and everyday Washingtonians since 1958


A more tranquil lunch at U-topia


Inauguration Day, navigating the streets in search of an entrance to the Mall


Shout out to MLK on the steps of Constitution Hall. He and Marian Anderson, who was refused the right to sing "My Country 'Tis Of Thee" on these very steps in 1939, are iconic reminders of how far we have come


Food and love were free


The elderly came out in throngs, physical limitations an after thought


After almost 2 hours of re-routes, we approached the Mall. Choral music greeted us, ringing through the barren trees.




Happy we made it!




It was cold, but the sun kissed our day






Bye-Bye, Bush!


Groovin' and Movin'









The morning after, we all have work to do. Let's do it with energy, hope, grace, joy. And purpose.