Darlings, it’s a new era. And while yesterday didn’t magically wave away all of our tensions and violence and strife, we had a remarkably “normal” day, considering the outgoing president did not participate (not going to lie, a four-year-old weight was lifted off my chest when he actually got on that darned plane) and festivities were scaled back due to the pandemic. But I think that was appropriate - yesterday wasn’t a time for glad-handing and chest thumping, it was a moment to pause and reflect, and then get to work (imho, of course).

Short one today, more thoughts tomorrow, but I hope you all took a chance to watch and listen, and hope.

TO THE INTERNET

• I like Alex Seitz-Wald’s take on yesterday’s events: All circumstance and less pomp, Biden inauguration strikes a somber tone. 

• Also love Zack Beauchamp’s piece: It’s okay to feel hope

• Normalcy is intoxicating, even over Zoom: President Biden Swore In Hundreds Of Appointees On A Zoom Call With A Big Warning (that warning? Treat others with respect, or you get the boot.)

• Reminder that elections matter: Biden Has Rescinded A Trump Order That Made Nearly Every Undocumented Immigrant A Priority For Arrest.

• Friend of the Missive (and favorite Texan) Laura D. and I went back and forth yesterday over how much we appreciated Garth Brooks singing Amazing Grace, from both our unity-loving AND mid-90s country fan perspectives. And it seems Kurt Bardella agrees: Op-Ed: Garth Brooks, bringing some unity through country music 

• And finally, Bernie Sanders And His Mittens Win The Inauguration Day Meme Game - NPR, don’t forget his curmudgeonness!

Y’all are lovely. See you tomorrow, and be kind to yourselves.
xoxo Amy