Inauguration Morning in San Francisco

This morning. San Francisco's beautiful City Hall in the early morning light.

As the crowd grew larger behind us, spreading out to the sides, everyone so full of anticipation.


And then it was his moment. Our moment.

Finally. Finally.

Finally.

***

I can't say more than what you already feel inside, so we can just enjoy the feelings together.

One thing that was wonderful and creative and perfect to share was this, though. People inscribing their wishes and hopes for our new president.

1000 Origami Peace Cranes on canvas.

Up close, you could not make out the image as easily.

I got a chance to make my small mark on a spot of canvas.

And then the moment had arrived.

The canvas was turned and uplifted.

And so were we.

Happy Inauguration Day.

***

ps.: This glorious artwork, Be the Change You Seek, and the woman who made it, Arlene Elizabeth, can be found here.

A Perfect Day, Before the Inauguration

"No. No, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until 'justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.'" ~ Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington D.C., 1963

***

Today the Boy and I went to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens downtown.

Groups of people were there to read his inspirational quotes. Others were making rubbings of his words, tracing his thoughts onto paper.

It was a glorious day outside. We took the historic F-line street cars up and down Market Street. We love those fabulous old cars.

Char, I took this photo for you. ;-)


It's always fun just riding around and looking out the window. I liked capturing the street's reflections in my sunglasses.


And here's some good advice.

(I know, it's silly but I laughed so maybe you will too.)

We did go to Fisherman's Wharf..

... and splurged a little on some crab cocktails.

I really can't believe the weather here (don't be jealous, just come and visit).

But more than that, I can't believe what's happening tomorrow.

I'm just beyond excited. Beyond.

I'll be going to a simulcast of the inauguration being held outside City Hall. I'm looking forward to being back with a gigantic crowd of excited, happy people, just like on Election Night.

But before that happens, I have one last thing I have to do.

Throw a couple of shoes.

These look preppy enough, don't they?
Isn't this what someone from Kennebunkport might wear?

I know I throw like a girl, but maybe I'll get lucky tonight.

***

This is where I'll be in a little while:

Welcome to the first ever Potrero Hill Shoe Throwing Carnival. Come throw your old shoes at an effigy of George W. Bush. Donate to a good cause. Cleanse your soul from 8 years of carnage and stupidity. Put the wimpy Democrats on notice.

Let the shoes fly!

Bring a flash light. Bring shoes to throw. Wear a hood?

All shoes will be donated to an organization that distributes them to the needy in the US and worldwide.

***

I'll let you know how it goes. I feel some real catharsis is going to happen tonight.

xoxo

ps.: If you wish you could be with us, throwing a shoe in very good company, I will happily envision you standing beside me, helping to guide my almost new Bass Weejun to the right place/face.

***

UPDATE 10:22pm: The shoe throwing was really fun, mostly a neighborhood event. We paraded around the field with our shoes singing "Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye!" Then the large Shrub was festooned with a garland of shoes while another fellow wearing a giant cardboard Bush head read some Bushisms aloud.

And then everyone started throwing shoes (although politely taking turns). I gave one of my loafers to Chipmonkey because she didn't have a shoe to throw. There was also a 21-shoe salute, at which time the Shrub's head started to separate from the body. A few more shoes and all that was left was part of a head. (A local news station was there. If there's any decent footage, I'll let you know.)

And then we went and had a whole mess of pizza. I have to admit it: it felt good to throw my loafer (I hit a knee). I don't know if throwing a shoe will restore our Constitution but knowing that I might never hear the word "nucular" again makes me almost giddy.

What About Change?

Don't you know
They're talkin' bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper

While they're standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion

Poor people gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up
And take what's theirs

Don't you know
You better run, run, run...
Oh I said you better Run, run, run...
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution

***

First, a tip of the hat to Johanna and A Cuban in London for providing the elements that made this idea for a post finally come together.

***
I remember years ago, my sister and I waiting for hours to see Tracy Chapman perform at the Shoreline Ampitheatre, sitting on the lawn on a warm summer night, our backs hurting from hours on the ground, trying to find a comfortable way to sit. Finally, when Tracy came out and sang, it was so worth it.

Looking back, what a thrill it was to see her perform and sing along with the crowd to songs that were very moving and beloved by all of us. But now this song seems like its time has finally come. Even this version of the song, sung years later (and how has her voice changed) only adds more power to the words.

***

In a way, the election seems like it was ages ago.

I just got an email from David Plouffe yesterday (you may have gotten one, too), about taking a survey about the campaign and offering ideas about the new presidency to come in a short time. I was glad to see his name in my inbox again. Seemed like old times. ;-)

It made me think, along with Johanna's post, about what we're prepared to do now that change could truly be coming to us. I know there's a lot of speculation about Obama's cabinet, and people are already griping about this historic presidency being Clinton's Third Term and the far right is already planning its attacks and the man hasn't even taken office yet.

Aside from those distractions (which I'm trying really hard to avoid because I feel like this election has taken an emotional toll on me--you might feel the same way--and it's almost like I'm recovering from an ailment that has alternately made me incredibly depressed and also crazily elated), I know that a shift has come over me. I can't not care anymore about the future of our political system and the impact it has on us and our children's futures. Holding my baby niece and watching Little Curly Girl play made me realize how much we owe our future citizens. This morning, the first news item on the radio I hear as I'm getting dressed for work is how the auto companies are asking Congress for money to avoid bankruptcy. I can't help thinking about those families, those children, the workers who will truly suffer.

I'm not sure exactly how it's going to all come together, but I know that somehow I'll be inspired to act and contribute, not just to do my best to support my new president, but to be more involved locally. Do you feel the same way? And if so, what thoughts do you have about how you'll do it?

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on the matter later, but I'm wondering how this election has affected you to be more aware and involved for the future.

8 p.m., Pacific Standard Time

Election Night.
At 8 p.m., the room exploded with joy.
Inside The Independent, Divisadero Street, San Francisco.

***

Like a lot of you, I'm really tired today. But it's a different kind of tired. I'm thrilled to be tired. I've destroyed my vocal cords from cheering (but my voice does sound damn sexy, kind of like Kathleen Turner in her prime) and the palms of my hands still hurt a little from clapping.
My eyes are puffy from crying.

But it's all good. I wouldn't want to be any other way today.

***

I think this is when I started to go a little nuts.

OHIO! And Florida! And Virginia!
I had it easy. I live in a slam-dunk state. But the people who got the word out, who stood in long lines, who live in parts of the country where making this leap of faith is a HUGE deal...

YOU are my heros. Truly. Thank you.

***

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." ~ President Elect Barack Obama

Once I got outside of The Independent, I saw this flyer just a block away while heading towards home.

I've always felt that I missed out in the great moments of history: the Women's Suffrage movement, the end of WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, the Kennedy Administration, the space race. Times that formed our nation's consciousness and helped make us a country that people looked up to.

I don't feel like that anymore.

***

The entire transcript of Obama's historic speech is here.