Being Superbowl week, Miami had been filled with hundreds of activities all around town, and I am ashamed to say I had not made it to a single one. However, the week was not yet over.
For those of us that don't necessarily enjoy standing among hundreds of half naked bodies at some free concert on South Beach, or attend a high fashion, all star-party for $1,000 a pop (not that I was invited), there were still some events in and around town that didn't revolve around the big game. One of those events was American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. My boyfriend and I had made a previous attempt to see it back in November when it first opened. We drove up to Fort Lauderdale, only to find out the museum was closed on Mondays. Although disappointed, we knew we'd have plenty of opportunities to come back. Not so.
It was 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, the last day of the exhibit, when we walked up to the museum only to find the line for tickets was almost around the block and with only 2 hours before the museum shut the doors. Having driven so far, we decided to give it a shot and wait to see if we'd have enough time to buy tickets, see the exhibit and drive back to Miami in time for Superbowl kick-off at 6:30 p.m. I am thrilled we tried!!
Before yesterday, I really didn't know much about Norman Rockwell. I had seen a few covers from The Saturday Evening Post which he became famous for and always found them charming. After yesterday's exhibit, however, I am now intrigued about his work and definitely intend to learn more about him. I found the exhibit to be just what the critics have written about him through the years, Norman Rockwell has a way of painting the reality of daily life in America in a somewhat idyllic way. His attention to the smallest detail; his unique way of telling a story and drawing the viewer into the picture and into the story are synonymous of his work. He represents American society in the 20th Century as "idyllic". Just a minute sampling of the hundreds of paintings I was fortunate enough to see.
The entire world knows the final score of the game. It was an unbelievable game. Both teams gave it their all and I really don't think anyone lost the game. The Saints wanted and needed it more. Of course it didn't hurt that they probably had almost the entire country pulling for them!!! Tomorrow should be an unforgettable homecoming and what a great kick-off to next week's Mardi Gras.
As if the day's events hadn't been exciting enough. After the game, my boyfriend began surfing the channels and came across the NASA channel. Don't ask me how, but one minute I was cleaning up our Superbowl snacks, and the next minute, 12:15 a.m. to be exact, I was packing up empanadas, my camera and my dog Cody. We had decided to drive up to the Kennedy Space Center to try and see the Shuttle Endeavor take off on its last nightime launch before the space shuttle program is cancelled. Lift off was at 4:14 a.m.
We arrived at the Kennedy Space Center at 3:40 a.m. As I write this, I still can't believe we actually did it. What's more, I can't believe that I was fortunate enough to see something so incredible in my lifetime. I really can't find the words to describe it. You read all about it, you see it on t.v. but nothing can prepare you for that moment - "we have lift off". The entire night sky lights up before your eyes as you watch a giant fire ball rise up into the sky above you and then disappears. It is something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. After seeing such an incredible sight, I'm sad to know that there are only 4 more shuttle missions left before the program is cancelled, and as of today, no other program to take it's place.
The launch itself took only a few minutes, but the memories will be engraved in my mind for the rest of my life.
In the last 24 hours I have experienced the best of America and what makes this country great - art, sports and space discovery!!! What a truly blessed day it was.
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