Michelle Obama wore an Isabel Toledo ensemble to the Inauguration celebration today, and looked very presidential indeed. It was a creamy golden yellow that spoke without saying a word, for the optimism in the air. I was mesmerized by the fabulously engaging musical performance of “Air and Simple Gifts.” All four musicians, violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist Anthony McGill, and pianist Gabriela Montero brought tears to my eyes with this special composition by John Williams.
"Simple Gifts" was written by Elder Joseph while he was at the Shaker community in Alfred, Maine in 1848. These are the lyrics to his one-verse song:
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
Thank goodness for FaceBook at work and earphones.
I’m watching the Inaugural Balls right now, and can hardly wait to see what she is wearing! Lady Bird Johnson wore yellow to the ball, and looked fabulously chic and trendy in 1965.
Of course, who could possibly compete with First Lady Jackie Kenndy. But after all, this is not a day to compete, it’s a day to celebrate.
More later….
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