"Once upon a time . . . "
Good morning all,
28 years ago today. It was still dark outside. I had placed my alarm clock across the room so that there would be no way I could sleep through it. Stumbling out into the living room. Calling friends who I knew were also sitting blurry-eyed sipping coffee (actually, I think it was diet coke - I was only in high school.) Excited. Waiting. Watching. Giddy.
But, nothing could have prepared me for this. I still well-up with emotion whenever I see images of Diana stepping out of the covered carriage. And hearing the roar from the crowd . . . a roar that seemed the grow louder still as 'the dress' began to erupt onto the steps of St. Paul's. It was all so beautiful. The pageantry. The flowers. and oh my, the music. It all seemed so full of hope.
And it was the first time I heard the music of William Mathias - in an anthem written especially for the service -
Were you awake and watching? What are your memories?
like the corners of my mind,
tartanscot
Comments
I'm going to the office now.
I am RIGHT with you on that one!
you might like this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN8ODiAXY64
Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Now pass the tissues, please.
xo Isa
In person, the dress is wonderful.
I remember getting together with the neighbours here on the East Coast, and drinking champagne and eating English muffins and finger sandwiches. Someone even made a "wedding" cake... really a white cake with white icing.
Thanks for remembering,
Leslie
Your vivid memories are wonderful.
Enjoyed your personal report (the clock on the other side of the room) almost more than the dress and the dad and the prince and all the wedding hats. Thank you.
Fine your blog on my favorites list: www.thestylesaloniste.com
I think I might have been too young to realize how really amazing the day was . . . you never know about these things whilst they are going on . . .
(Remember a few years later, Sarah and Andrew? It was special, certainly, but just not the same. I loved the monogram sewn onto her train. Ah, pure bliss!)
Oh, Diana. I am the child of a Brit (my mother, who never became an American citizen), so of course we were up at the crack of dawn to watch the festivities. I was only 10, but the memories are still quite clear...in the days before VCRs and TiVos. Although, even if I had a TiVo, there was something magical and special about waking at the crack of dawn for the amazing day.
I will admit that the night Diana died, I woke up several times during the night crying my eyes out. What was it about her that touched so many people, that reached into so many hearts? I know it was a spinster who came up with the 'Queen of Hearts' phrase, but it was true.
Now I am feeling a bit melancholy, thinking about Diana and my mother who passed away 9 years ago. That's not a bad thing...
My first godchild now 20 (!!!) actually met her when she stayed on Marthas Vineyard (they go each summer) when he was a tot & to this day, all pierced & tattooed he still will tell anyone the highlight of his life was her chit chat at the genereal store & the little peck on the cheek he rec'd all for telling her in his squeaky 5 yr old voice she was the prettiest Princess!!! We lost a true lady...
I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was married the same year, still married but not to the same man! It was a wonderful occasion, I don't remember details, I just remember sitting and watching in a bit of a daze as my father had died that morning. We always said he wanted a birds-eye view :-)
Di
YONKS
x