Tuesday, January 20, 2009

smiles of hope

Sophie and I are not political creatures. I cannot intelligently debate political ideas nor do I have a good understanding of current events, economics or the complexities of war. But I do consider myself an observer of human nature...a scholar of the human spirit. And something happened today that seemed to move the spirit of a nation. And I think that has to be a good thing.



I cannot tell you a single detail about Obama’s platform. I do not even reside in the United States. But his inauguration today sent out a wave of positive energy that washed not over a country, not over a continent…but over a world. And here’s the thing…I know the new President cannot turn the economy around on a dime or end the strife overseas with a quick phone call. But what he has done is bring hope to a world that has seen too much fear of late. It may be just a small seed of hope, but it’s planted all the same. And many people…people without jobs, without homes, with loved ones on a battlefield across an ocean…smiled today. Felt joy today. And in these times that’s something to grab onto. That’s something that can pull you through.



The media has been filled with news of tragedy, of fear, of disappointment. And we have faced some difficult times. But last week a plane crashed and no one died. And this week one man made history and the world celebrated. Maybe we have reached a turning point. Maybe we need to believe that we have reached a turning point. Jon Katz pointed out that both Lincoln and Churchill wrote it doesn’t matter what is literally happening, it matters what people believe is happening. And today, people believed something good was happening. One man may not be able to change a country, but he can inspire a nation…a nation that could change the world.



Today, Sophie and I felt hope. And we smiled.

16 comments:

Jan said...

I agree with you but too bad the stock market didn't go along with all the good feelings. Down another 300 some points!!!

uought2b.a.dog said...

Great writing! You have some awesome pictures...especially of Sophie.

Becky said...

The news said tonight the stock market never does well on ANY Inauguration Day. I felt relief today for our country. I believe a change is coming and for the good of everyone! Just love Sophie!!

Anonymous said...

What beautiful, hopeful thoughts Andrea. I love all your photos tonight also. The closeup of Sophie is amazing.

Kathy said...

Very well said Andrea. Again you have some beautiful pictures. Is the first one of fog over the river? It is awesome.

Libby's Library said...

Sophie's smile made my day!

ShanaM said...

Very well said!!!!!!

The Scribbler said...

thx for commenting on my blog - it gave me the opportunity to discover your's - a great blog honouring your dog! I love Border Collies - they are brilliant dogs. A neighbour of ours has one. She would always run in circles unsupervised on the front lawn but never, never leave the property - no matter who came by (including my own brute). I always thought she had some sort of invisible electronic fence around her but, after stopping by to talk to the owner one day, I found out that there was no invisible fence and she simply stays, even unattended, because she is so darn smart!

Sharon said...

Thank you for your beautiful words and beautiful photos. I can relate to you and I totally agree. Something special did happen today:)

Carolina said...

Thanks for leaving a comment. Good bunch of creatures they are! All very friendly and kind. I just wished my photos would be half as nice as yours!
The Obama-inauguration was something special indeed. He is very charismatic. Hope he is as sensible as he seems to be. Time will tell.

Hilary said...

Lovely, eloquent sentiment. It echos much of what is being felt but punctuated so beautifully with that doggie smile! :)

gtyyup said...

You put into words what I could not...that's exactly how I felt about yesterday...thank you~~

yolanda said...

thanks so much for this post andrea... it made me smile. i totally agree with you about what obama has already done. he has reawakened hope. the skeptics go on about he is only one man, but i think they are missing what obama actually stands for. he is about putting power back in the hands of the individual. he is not promising to protect or save anyone. he is saying - WE can do this TOGETHER. every person has to accept responsibility.

he has already united people across the continents in a way we previously only dreamed of. and, as an english journalist put it - he managed in 19 minutes to be more elequont than george bush was in 8 years! ;) yay obama!

sorry about the rant! thanks so much for following my blog.. im so touched that you enjoyed it. i love what youre doing here, and think the photos are awesome. looking forward to seeing more :)

peace and love,

yolanda

pam said...

I wondered if the enthusiasm and hope spread to other countries. That last picture of Sophie is my all time favorite.

Ed said...

I don't care about politics, but I doooo LOVE Doggy smiles!!! Great pic!

BCxFour said...

you wrote "And many people…people without jobs, without homes, with loved ones on a battlefield across an ocean…smiled today. Felt joy today. And in these times that’s something to grab onto."

I just wanted to say...AMEN! Thank you for so beautifully putting that into words.

I love your blog! Your writing is wonderful and the pictures stunning!