In the photo above, which is in the public domain, are six First Ladies of the United States at the same table. From left to right, they are Nancy Reagan, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, and Barbara Bush. The photo was taken on May 11, 1994, at an event called the National Garden Gala, A Tribute to America’s First Ladies.
What I would like you to do is contribute what you think different ones of them might be thinking or saying based on their positions, posture, and facial expressions.
For example, Nancy Reagan might be thinking, “I could use a Margarita,” Rosalynn Carter might be thinking, “What a hideous blouse,” and Lady Bird Johnson might be thinking, “Hasn't she ever heard of mouthwash?”
Remember that this is a G-rated blog.
This should be good!
I love to observe body lauguage. Here is my dissection of the photo: Nancy Reagan hates being there,(unless she was the sole center of attention) and is bored and facing away from the others and doesn't care if everyone knows she hates being there.Hillary has cornered Lady Bird who wishes she was elsewhere but is too much of a lady to be rude. The way her head is facing,Lady Bird is appealing to Barbara Bush to rescue but Barbara is enjoying Lady Birds predicament. Rosalyn Carter probably wishes she could fade into the wallpaper definitely off by herself, trying to make eye contact with Barbara Bush. Mrs. Bush appears to be in the power position, her hand on the table and seated very comfortably, she looks the most at ease.She is tolerating Betty Fords conversation. Of course this could be a load of rubbish but fun, ain't it !
ReplyDeleteNancy: 'What am I doing here?'
ReplyDeleteLady Bird: 'What is she doing here?'
Hillary: "Did you know about Bill and his love of cigars?"
Rosalynn: 'Oh I hope Betty won't tell Babs I stayed at the clinic.'
Betty: "Did you know Rosalynn stayed at the clinic?"
Barbara: 'I always suspected something. She looks far to happy to be sober.'
I think Nedine nailed it! Nancy Reagen looks haughtily bored; Lady Bird looks uncomfortable, Hilary appears to be gossiping; Rosalyn Carter looks like a fish out of water; Mrs. Ford looks eager to be included; Mrs. Bush looks at ease and amused. What a wonderful photo!
ReplyDeleteFascinating photo. I feel a bit sorry for Rosalyn. Looks like she's being ignored. Interesting that the group is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.
ReplyDeleteAs my last contribution was censored by the thought police, let's try this...
ReplyDeleteHILLARY CLINTON I know ladies, let's all sing a song.
BARBARA BUSH What do you recommend honey?
ROSALYNN CARTER How about "The Star Spangled Banner"?
BETTY FORD Yes. Let's all rise and sing it out loud and clear!
FIRST LADIES IN UNISON
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
(THERE! Surely that will get past the censors!)
Well done, everyone! Even YP.
ReplyDelete