In the presence of awesomeness

A while ago my neighbor asked me to accompany her to a gala awards dinner to honor a handful of African-Americans that have made a difference in the lives of the many African immigrants that reside in our city and ultimately, everyone who's lives they touch. In the group were two Kenyan women who have both lived and studied here for twenty years and will now return to their home countries to tackle the challenges that face African women living in Africa. It is a bit overwhelming to me to think what that statement means in terms of reality, but to them, with their extraordinary courage, it's just the next, and right thing to do.

Being the textile junkie that I am, my eyes could scarcely take in all the opulent, 2000 thread count, high gloss, embroidered cotton in the ballroom. If you are a watcher of TV, specifically the shows 'Lost' and 'Heroes' the keynote speaker-gentleman second from the left in the main photo-would be no stranger to you. My picture with him didn't turn out because my neighbor was too shaky with excitement while taking it.

After the splendid meal and awards ceremony, we all danced. And danced. And danced.