never easy..

© Eni Turkeshi Photography

"It is easier to blame others than to look inward;
to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share."

obama's cairo speech 4 june 2009

everyday

John Updike was a writer of the everyday, of the everyday person in everyday situations. Though Obama has somewhat recently elevated his own 'everyday' status, and that of his family, I saw these photos of moments, snapshots that capture this everyday family in a most endearing, a most understated light.

annie leibovitz

"A leader is one who, out of madness or goodness, volunteers to take upon himself the woe of the people. There are few men so foolish, hence the erratic quality of leadership in the world."
j o h n u p d i k e





"Inspiration arrives as a packet of material to be delivered."j o h n u p d i k e






"Truth should not be forced; it should simply manifest itself, like a woman who has in her privacy reflected and coolly decided to bestow herself upon a certain man."j o h n u p d i k e








"Creativity is merely a plus name for regular activity. Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or better."j o h n u p d i k e







annie leibovitz

"You know how it is with fathers, you never escape the idea that maybe after all they're right."j o h n u p d i k e





"To be President of the United States, sir, is to act as advocate for a blind, venomous, and ungrateful client."j o h n u p d i k e


...and with the words of Updike intermingling in these photos of a family, bringing us all back down to earth, where images, inspirations, perseverance and dreams do, at times, walk amongst us, where the new arrive and the old find some well-deserved rest. everyday.

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address 20 January 2009
((photo via the big picture))

"...know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."









"...when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."









"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history..."


President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address 20 January 2009
((photos found here and here))