Dazzled and Distracted – Guest Blog
December 19, 2009 by joanking
When my invitation to the Dec. 1, White House holiday party came on Nov. 19, I was thrilled! After opening the envelope addressed to Ms. Joan King, with the engraved return address: The White House, Washington D.C., there it was–a beautiful red invitation with gold lettering and the White House seal at the top. It read: “Mrs. Michelle Obama requests the pleasure of your company at a Holiday Open House to be held at The White House on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at six o’clock.” My hope was that Barack, himself, would drop by. And then, the news reports began stating that President Obama would be announcing his decision on Afghanistan troop deployment (and, yes, there would be around 30,000 more troops going!). And, it looked like the only night available for his speech was DEC. 1! My first thoughts (after realizing Barack would not be dropping by the party) were: should I boycott this holiday party? Should I wear an anti-war pin, at least? In truth, I did neither. After all, it was an invitation to THE WHITE HOUSE by Michelle, for campaign volunteers and volunteers in the White House Correspondence office, where I answer phones two days a week.
So, there I stood, in line with a couple of hundred people on Dec. l, as President Obama left the White House in his helicopter about 5:45 p.m. to fly to West Point to give his long awaited speech. I felt helpless and somewhat chagrined, which lasted only until I entered the White House (after, of course, three checkpoints, and the metal detector) a little after 6 p.m. A string trio played as each person was “welcome (ed) to the White House.” Wreaths of red painted magnolia leaves adorned the East Colonnade, which we walked down. Each room was absolutely beautiful, with holiday decorations, sparkling decorated trees and lit fire places in every room. The gigantic 18 ½ feet tree in the Blue room was adorned with 800 ornaments from previous administrations. Red taffeta ribbons and cranberries festooned the two trees in the Red room. An unbelievably beautiful white orchid plant was prominently displayed in the women’s rest room.
I began my evening with maybe the most delicious eggnog I have ever had; it was laced with rum, and ladled out of a crystal punchbowl. But that was just the beginning. In the East room, tables were laden with vegetables, fruit, oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, roast beef, cheeses, and fruit. Wine and other drinks were plentiful. After this smorgasbord of delight, I went to the State Dining Room where we sampled the most scrumptious desserts, and admired the miniature gingerbread White House covered with white chocolate panels..
But it wasn’t only the stunning decorations, the beautiful music, the bountiful and delicious food. It was the feeling of warmth and good will that emanated from every area, and the graciousness and hospitality expressed by Michelle when she thanked all of us for volunteering. As she shook hands and gave hugs to those volunteers she knew from the campaign, I thrust my hand out and she took it in both of her hands. I was happy; I had made brief physical contact with Michelle Obama, an amazing first lady who exemplifies beauty and grace, elegance and naturalness. As I walked out of the White House at 8 p.m., the bushes glimmered with white lights, a full moon hung over Pennsylvania Ave., and I realized for a little while I had not thought about war, and Afghanistan. If only everyone could have those two magical hours in the White House.
Joan
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Great story, Joan. I understand the mixed feelings – and being bedazzled by the brilliance. Glad you got to meet Michelle – hopefully you’ll have another chance to meet Barack.