I have woken up early today and I cannot believe I am here in Washington - and alive! - to see this great day in history. The feeling is indescribable, especially when a friend sent me one of those inspirational things that really make you think. It began with the words:

"Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to 'cut back the calories'. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible !!"

Amen to that!

It got me thinking about all the people who couldn't be bothered to share in the moments leading up to today, not because they couldn't afford to, but because they felt they 'shouldn't' or 'couldn't'. I just dropped everything and did it and having you to share it with is just the icing on the cake.

Yesterday I spent at the Martin Luther King Library helping to feed the people. What an extraordinary experience. There were almost more volunteers than people to feed but, hey, who cared? It was just magical to be there doing my little bit. There were six groups for dishing out clothing, giving out hot food (which was delicious, by the way), and tinned stuff, manning the medical desk, cleaning up and meeting and greeting people. Gosh, I was in seventh heaven meeting and greeting and flashing that smile. :o)

There was also a marching band and a small concert. But the atmosphere was electric, full of people of good will who were hell bent on making a difference to others on a great man's day. It gave me a warm feeling of joy.

I followed that up with my first ball, the Grassroots MyBarack social for the campaign website members. Hundreds of people turned up putting faces to handles and a great night was had of performances and music. In fact there was a young teacher-poet there who brought the house down with the most amazing creations around life issues, showing an awesome insight into people. He is Adam Falkner from New York. Check him out. Better still, invite him for a performance. You won't believe your ears and eyes.

Please forgive me if I haven't been able to comment on your posts yet, but I will as soon as the pressure is off. THANK YOU all for sharing my experiences. Your comments are so encouraging and I never take them for granted. Now I must get ready to go to the Mall. My free ticket from a generous stranger was a press one, so I will be in good company...lol.. I am actually hoping to go to a good ball tonight. I will see which one the Universe delivers for me.

To be actually witnessing history first hand. I can feel goose pimples already.