We’re in yet another new phase of waiting right now: Waiting for winter in the north to finish releasing its grip on us. Waiting for these miraculous vaccines to become available to everyone. Waiting for hugs, road trips, dinner parties. We used to take these things for granted, and they’re so close to being part of life again.
I’m writing you at the one-year anniversary of the beginning of COVID lockdown in Pennsylvania, and in many other places. When I look back over that time, I am impressed and proud of all the things so many of us have done to stay safe, to adapt, and to keep ourselves going.
We talk so much about what hasn’t worked well during These Times. I don’t think we talk enough about what went right. That’s what led me to start Hope Notes in the first place. There is such goodness within us and among us. When times are tough, we must work even harder to see that goodness.
So today is a retro style Hope Notes edition. I also wanted to make sure you are aware of a Very Special Episode of Dadline, which is about this pandemic anniversary and much more.
This will be the end of the road for Hope Notes/Build Notes, at least for now. Thank you again for making some room for hope in your life this past year.
COVID Vaccine Update
As of Wednesday evening, over 310 million vaccine doses have been administered worldwide. Within the United States, 60 million people have received their first dose, and another 32 million people are now fully vaccinated. (You can get progress updates, and see country-specific data, at the COVID World Vaccination Tracker.)
It won’t be long before most of us are back in the hugging game. I suspect those first embraces when we see extended family and old friends are going to linger.
Very Good Doggos
Our pup at home, Osita, is feeling much better these days after some struggles this winter with arthritis and a bum knee. Here’s Osita chilling in our backyard:
I’m really not an animal person at all, but I will say that Osita is pretty much the sweetest, friendliest dog I’ve ever seen. She’s always a hit with the folks at the vet’s office.
In Osita’s honor, here are some of the very best puppers from Twitter these days, with a little emphasis on the working (at home) dogs:
Dadline: A Very Special Episode
J.C. and I recorded a special episode to commemorate the first anniversary of the pandemic. By tradition, the gift for a first anniversary is supposed to be something made of paper. What do you get the pandemic that’s already got it all? Join us and find out.
Song of the Week: Choose Your Own Adventure
It all depends on what you need.
If this anniversary finds you in a reflective mood, you might find this first option helpful. It’s “On The Nature of Daylight” by Max Richter. You might recognize it from the film Arrival. (What’s that, you say? You’ve never seen Arrival? Now you have your plans for the weekend, you lucky thing.)
Would you prefer to take that reflective mood with a few more words involved? Dar Williams has got you. Dar Williams has always got you.
“Ah, but it’s warm and sunny in the Northeast for the first time in forever,” you say. “I need a song to put a little spring in my step, for I have been cooped up in my house since many days.” Got it, got it.
Last option: Perhaps this moment finds you considering what song you want to sing first when you get back in the karaoke booth later this year. (A common concern, I know.) May I recommend “Levitating” by Dua Lipa? If nothing else, you need the term sugaboo in your life right now. Here’s a lyric video so you can practice:
“Levitating” was the subject of a Song Exploder episode, and you know how I feel about that sort of thing.
Hang in there, friends. Thanks again for putting up with me in your inbox.
- Michael