Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.
I was on my bi-weekly grocery run this morning and listened to NPR (as I usually do in the car) and heard “President Biden” a few times in the conversations. I cannot explain how much it startled and at the same time relieved me to hear his name and realize all over that, yes, we have a good, decent man in the White House again. Phew! It’s also nice to hear that he’s getting right to work. Want to take any bets on how many golfing days he’ll take? (Ha!)
* * *
This has been a great and also exhausting week. I was so on edge because of the Inauguration on Wednesday, but then everything just turned out beautifully: no more riots, a moving swearing-in of the new president, and his madam vice president, and an amazing “Celebrating America” show. Whoever put that together did a fantastic job.
Part of me felt sad for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for not having a huge crowd welcoming them in Washington, but I realized this virtual celebration felt so much more inclusive for everyone around the country than watching a broadcast of the typical Inauguration Day Ball. The flags on the National Mall were beautiful. The fireworks were spectacular, and the 400 Covid-19 Memorial Lights around the Reflecting Pool set the right backdrop for (some of) the absolutely stunning musical performances.
* * *
If you didn’t watch the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday (why the hell not???), you also missed out on the beautiful poem by Amanda Gorman and you need to remedy that. You need to see this. (Oh, and the Bernie Sanders memes, of course, while you’re at it.)
* * *
I also started listening to the daily (!) press briefings again yesterday and I didn’t expect it to be so freakin’ refreshing to see someone up at the podium who is willing to communicate with the public (and the media) without spewing lies, untruths, and calling everyone names. Who knew!
* * *
While, no, not everything is miraculously better today than it was a few days ago, I do feel like we can all breathe a little lighter and that we can start moving things in the right direction again. It’s up to all of us to continue to work for progress and make a difference.
Tell me, how did you experience the last few days? And also, have a great weekend!
Stefanie
January 22, 2021 at 7:52 pmIt’s so refreshing to have a new President and Vice President who take this job seriously and love the American people!
San
January 24, 2021 at 4:36 pmIt really is!
Lisa of Lisa’s Yarns
January 23, 2021 at 5:47 amI also watched the inauguration and loved it!! It was a breath of fresh air and so nice to be able to listen to our president without cringing or feeling embarrassed. Amanda Gorman was amazing!! And the Bernie Memes have been so fun!! We have a lot of work to do but I know this administration can make some positive changes!!
San
January 24, 2021 at 4:36 pmI think so, too! I feel like we’re moving in the right direction again!
Charlo
January 23, 2021 at 8:41 amI felt that way too, a bit sad that they aren’t getting the typical welcome of a new president. At the same time, to see two people lead our country who have taken this virus seriously it’s refreshing and I don’t think they’d want it any other way. I also think that to know so many people are at home and needed to see that. That must have meant the world to them ❤️
Of course there’s still much work ahead of us. But it does start to feel like we can breathe a bit easier and good god, we have seriously needed that! Also Amanda!! I need to listen again and again,
San
January 24, 2021 at 4:37 pmIt can only go up from here! :)
Stephany
January 26, 2021 at 4:48 amEvery time I see the words “President Biden,” I get a little spring in my step! While I think we’re all going to need some time to collectively heal from the trauma of the past four years, I am just so hopeful and excited for what is to come with this new administration.
San
January 26, 2021 at 3:55 pmRight? I definitely feel hopeful.
anne
January 29, 2021 at 11:07 amI couldn’t figure out precisely why Amanda Gorman’s poem affected me so powerfully… and then I read this story in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/gorman-performance-vital-poetry/2021/01/22/010c35dc-5c2e-11eb-8bcf-3877871c819d_story.html
If you can’t get to the link, the idea / reason is that her actual performance of the poem – her cadence, her hand gestures, her obvious joy – was spoken word poetry. And that was one of the reasons so many were so moved by it. I love the words, too, but thinking of how she read it is what brings me the most joy. I know we will be okay if we have leaders like her in the future.
And yes, so much hope. So much joy.
San
January 29, 2021 at 11:45 amOh, that is so interesting (and makes so much sense!) Thanks for sharing this, Anne.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
January 30, 2021 at 12:38 amJust reading along one can feel your lifted weight and the happiness. So good. And it is a relief even for us overseas to not have a weird comment, a trolling face or some ridiculous quote shoved in my face when opening the news app.
San
January 31, 2021 at 3:02 pmI think the whole world is breathing a sigh of relief! ;)