Wednesday, January 21, 2009

NOBAMA

On Inauguration Day, like most Americans and others all around the world, I was glued to my TV set.


On Inauguration night, like only a lucky few, I headed off for my first Inaugural Ball.

Ev and I took the metro --not a limo-- with our friends Linda and Art.

Marg Helgenberger (from the TV series Ocean Beach) and astronaut Buzz Aldrin were a few of the celebs in attendance.

Okay, it wasn't Beyonce and Bruce -- but the real celebs at the Heroes Ball were the Medal of Honor recipients, distinguished veterans and those currently serving in the military.

It was also about gowns...
And necklaces....

And hair ornaments...

And earrings...

And hats and gloves...

And dapper tuxes...
And a fabulous dessert buffet...
While not on Obama's "official" list, the Heroes Ball had always been an "unofficial official" presidential stop.

We were screened, re-screened, carefully monitored and sniffed-- and we expected both the Bidens and the Obamas to show up… eventually.As the evening wore on, it was rumored that the Obamas were very behind schedule. So the crowd continued to dance the night away.


The security dogs were catching a few z's when Ev and I headed upstairs to the lobby bar with Linda and Art in search of liquid refreshment (the ballroom bar was running dry.) The lines at the bar were mile high so we turned around to go back down the escalator.

BUT, at the security checkpoint, those trying to return to the ball were informed that we would have to wait.

The Bidens were in the ballroom and no one could go downstairs.

In the end, Obama was a no show… the the first Prez to skip it in 50- years worth of inaugurations.Despite that fact that I never saw Obama OR Biden, it’s nice to know that I will be able to look back one day and say I was part of this historic inauguration.

But all that was yesterday! Today, I can’t shake feeling like Cinderella the day after the ball.

31 comments:

Georgia Peachez said...

What fun Barbara and everyone looks so beautiful! xo, suzy

Anonymous said...

Oh Barbarella..!!! How beautiful you are. And how honored you were to get an opportunity to attend such a historical event. How exciting.

Such a bummer that you didn't see the new President. But looks like it was STILL a....Night to Remember...!!!

Thanks for sharing your priceless inside pictures and magical memories. LOVED them all...
Biggest Hugs,
Dianne

Cathy said...

Barbara,

You looked beautiful! I'm sure you had an absolutely stunning time. And you didn't even turn into a pumpkin at midnight so it seems! lol

xo Cath

Anonymous said...

You looked Marvelous Darling! Love the red lips and flouncy skirt!
A night to remember.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You look like the bell of the ball Barbara! What a wonderful evening you must have had. And to be a part of such an historic event, how fabulous!

Ruth Welter said...

Your gown is beautiful Barbara...wow, what a thrill to get to go to the ball. I've never been to a ball in my life, inaugural or otherwise. : )

Ruth

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Barbara,
You looked beautiful and I loved your dress. Is it the one you first featured for us?, the skirt? In my pics that one looked lavender or maybe light purple.

Anyway, you were stunning in this one and the pics from the evening look like everyone was having a great time.

Thank you for sharing a bit of history through your inside pics. I know it will be an M&M for you forever. (memory maker)

hugs, Celestina Marie

Tutti Chic said...

You look lovely barbara & looks like you all had a fabulous time. my husband I know 4 couples who attended one of the balls together & are waiting for a total rundown of the evening. I'm sure you'll file this night away forever in memory! :) chris

Anonymous said...

What an exciting night - you looked beautiful!

Mélanie said...

Everyone looks beautiful . Every woman has wonderful dress

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Wow how exciting! So sorry Obama was a no show ); but it looks like fun anyway! Everyone looks so beautiful.
Hugs~Kelly

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

How fun!
You can always know that you rubbed elbows with the elbow rubbers themselves!
You looked fabulous darling.

NeereAnDear said...

Oh Barbara... you look so stunning. you have that classy .... elegant look of by gone days... love the outfit and your hair ... the vintage necklace ... the earrings... what a beautiful belle of the ball you are!!

I am.... however..... going to express my disappointment that Obama did not attend what to me is a way to honor those who have served our country and given their lives to protect it ... sorry... but I think that really stinks.... running behind or not... I am sure there were other balls he could have skipped to make it to this one....

HUGS
JO

NeereAnDear said...

PS DASHING date you have there too!!

HUGS
JO

Barbara Jacksier said...

To Celestina Marie

Yes, it's IS the same skirt. It looks -- and photographs -- differently in different light! Sometimes it looks completely black, sometimes it has a green cast, but at other times it appears violet.

That's part of what I love about it.

Anonymous said...

What fun Barbara...love the pix of you in your dress in front of the white door. You look stunning! A night to remember for sure. I love the vases with the flag motif! :) Kathryn

Barbara said...

Interesting. I guess the poor couple had so many of these balls to attend after such a hectic and exhausting day.

Anonymous said...

You looked BEAUTIFUL!!

xo,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Great photos, and what a beauty you are :) xo

Lee Weber said...

that is SO cool!!!!

The Painted Garden said...

Hi Barbara,

How beautiful you were in your ball gown. What fun and what an honor to attend such a historical
event. Thank you for sharing your photos.
Have a lovely week.
Erin

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

You looked lovely.

But, I find it interesting that you wrote; "In the end, Obama was a no show… the the first Prez to skip it in 50- years worth of inaugurations."

The Heroes Ball - Medal of Honor recipients - distinguished veterans - and those currently serving in the military...

How telling, that he missed it.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Aunt Amelia
"Won't you come into my garden? I would like my roses to see you." ~~Richard Sheridan, 1751-1816

shabbyfufu said...

Oh wow Barbara....lucky you to be invited to such a momentous occasion. Sorry that the big guns were a no show, but it looks like you enjoyed. You look absolutely stunning my friend..xo~ Janet

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hello Barbara,You looked stunning,I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.I would have loved to meet the vets,because Of course I come from a military family.You take care and May God bless you.
P.S. China Beach.That was my fav show back in the day,when Marge h. got her start.Thats where William Devoe got his start too.Hugs Marie Antionette

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

WOW!
WHAT AN AMAZING DAY TO WITNESS AND BETTER STILL TO PARTICIPATE!
YOU CERTAINLY LOOK LIKE A DARLING CINDERELLA.
LOVE,
DEBBIE MOSS
(England)

Jennifer Paganelli said...

Lucky you and you look so pretty!!!

Barbara Jacksier said...

Get A Grip

Most women whine about their sore feet after dancing the night away at a ball. I had a different problem. My right hand was so sore that I couldn't even hold a knitting needle.

Of the 1,000 guests at the ball, it seemed like Ev knew at least 800 -- and I had to shake hands with them all. Military men have mighty firm grips.

Several friends have asked about the young soldier standing in profile in front of the flag.

He’s wearing his Army dress blues. The hat indicates that he is a member of an Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Others have asked about the Medal of Honor:


The Congressional Medal Of Honor is our nation’s highest award.

It is awarded to a person who, while a member of the Armed Services, distinguishes himself above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States. The deed performed must have involved risk of life.

From the Civil War to the Present - 3,460 and counting… have been issued. Many are awarded posthumously.

A Romantic Porch said...

Barbara, What a fun memory! xo rachel

FrenchGardenHouse said...

sigh...while I've been toiling away here, I've missed all the fun. You look stunning, darling B.
I feel like the naughty sister who hasn't been home to hear all about the goings on...sorry. Will better my life. {or stop working so darn hard}
hugs from here, Lidy

Susie Q said...

Oh Barbara. How beautiful you looked! I am so thrilled you went and experienced such a marvelous event! Even if the Obamas were unable to attend.
I am green with envy!

Love,
Sue

Susie Q said...

Just wanted to add that, as a military family, we were Obama supporters. I wish he had been able to attend for you and for
the others in attendance but I don't think for one moment that it was telling at all! (As soe here have commented!)
I know many military folks who have met Mr. Obama, usually without any fanfare, who thought him wonderful.
I think it just came down to time and scheduling that interfered.

Again, you looked just so pretty!!
What a marvelous experience!