National Museum of American Museum Smithsonian

This summer my daughter took my four granddaughters and I to the National Museum of American History part of the Smithsonian Museum complex in Washington DC. We began the day by attending mass at the National Cathedral and then she led us on an ambulatory of the radiating side chapels. We prayed at some of the chapels and identified Saints. My favorite chapel is Our Lady of Guadalupe where over the years I have sought solace.

We then drove over to the National Museum of American History and went on a Scavenger Hunt using the Brochure we were given to find the dozen or so items. The Grandies had a lot of fun doing a full museum search. We also got to see some very special exhibits. Here they are in front of the favorite First Ladies Dress - Michelle Obama's- and you can see them holding their scavenger hunt brochure.

One of the girls' favorites was the First Ladies Exhibit in which we saw their inaugural gowns, jewelry, shoes and personal items. They loved Michelle's Obama's Dress which was designed by Jason Wu. It was made out of chiffon with the fluffy feather like appliques that made the dress look like it was floating. The dress, jewelry and shoes were stunning.

What surprised me the most is how big her feet are - maybe a size 12? This is very significant to me because I also have very large feet, now a size 11 and was rather ashamed of them growing up until I found out that Jacqueline Kennedy had a size 10 when I had a size 10 in high school.

This was the inaugural dress that of Jacqueline Kennedy wore - my favorite First Lady. They even had her pearls which I have loved and admired always. The day is coming when I will wear only pearls. Don't they just make you feel dressed up and elegant?

Notice she chose not to display her shoes however.

We then went to see the iconic National Treasures of Popular Culture. My youngest granddaughter was fascinated by Kermit the Frog in a display case and thought Dorothy's red sequin shoes very pretty.

I was fascinated by the Scarlett O'Hara's green velvet curtain dress worn by Carol Burnett in an episode I actually saw.

This is what the actual dress looked like in the movie,

Notice the golden tassels.

If you would like to watch the Carol Burnett Episode on You Tube here is a link: Carol Burnett episode on You Tube

 When I was about 10 years old, my mother took me to the original Radio City Music Hall complete with the Rocketts in New York City to see Gone With The Wind. I will never forget the images of Atlanta burning on that giant screen. My mother was particularly enamored of the GWTW movie. Having lost everything in a war torn country and seeking refuge in a new country, she could easily identify with Scarlett. Not only did she sew drapes, she also had lost a young son from which she never really recovered.
So after seeing the movie she hands me GWTW and says SO now you need to read. Have you ever seen the size of the book?  I had to prop it up with pillows balancing it on my small chest. I had to regularly report to her what I read. Accomplishing what I considered a miracle, I finished the book.  I have since read it again. One profound affect GWTW had on my life was that I have been very attached to my homes and mourned their passing out of my life.
My friend Ethel and I have recently finished reading Julie and Julia and then saw the movie which was one of the best movies I ever saw. Merill Streep was fantastic as Julia Child.  There in the museum was Julia Child's Kitchen.

The Kitchen is super tall to accomodate her height of over 6 feet.

Here she is demonstrating the different size fowls while smacking them soundly on their bottoms  You can see this episode of the introduction of the chicken sisters here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ohiUbQyDhk Jula Child actually introducing the Chicken Sisters.

                                                                                                        My young son loved to watch Julia Child on PBS. It was one of his favorite programs after Mr. Rogers.  I think that is the reason he is such a good cook it that he was facinated with Julia Child's cooking show as a young child. 

Julia Child  played by Dan Aykroyd on Saturday Night Live. Dan Akaroyd does an hilarious parody of Julia Child and if you want to see it click on the link above.

There are so many other things we saw and a story of how I lost my grandchild that I am not allowed to tell.  However Gems you did good and you held onto her no matter what happened.

Bon Vision.

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