Stepping Away On Election Day

November 2024

" I realized how much I was being affected about the outcome of the elections."

The video HERE 

On the day of the elections, I took off to Yosemite National Park to avoid the results and general commentary drama. I knew that the next few days would be a tangle of emotions, as if our bet in a horse race would change the outcome of our lives. I realized how much I cared about the results, but the reality is—was, has always been—that results are out of our control. 

I voted for the values I hold, donated to the campaigns with the intent that they would spread the word to undecided people, and discussed what I think with friends and family.  I did what I could. 

Why, then, would I feel so troubled if my choice didn't win? Why was I full of anxiety? Why was I taking it so seriously? Taking a step away helped me put things in perspective.

I care about women's reproductive rights; I care about protecting the environment, and I care that every kind of human being should feel safe and have their basic needs met.

I look at my circumstances—where I live, what my city is like, the state and the country where I live: a place filled with opportunities for most people, a haven of safety for many. I see the diversity of people—very different from me, with entirely different opinions—and yet I feel safe. 

Indeed, there is no reason for me to fret. I was happy to have some distance and take advantage of nature.

It was refreshing that the Wawona Hotel where I stayed had no TV in the lobby. Instead, there was a fireplace always lit and the fantastic piano player, Tom Bopp, in the lounge, telling stories and singing songs for an attentive crowd who every so often sang along whether the All-American Songbook, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, the Gershwin brothers or good ol' campfire songs. He played some Latin classics, and I sang with him Frenesí, Bésame Mucho, Solamente Una Vez and others.

In the morning, I would read until the sun had warmed the meadows right outside my window, and I went for long walks. I hopped from dome to dome—Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Glacier Point—and visited the Giant Guardians—The Wawona Tunnel Tree, The Telescope Tree, The Galen Clark Tree—an upper grove of sequoias in the Mariposa Grove. I was practically alone once I passed Grizzly Tree since few wanted to keep climbing.

On the last day, I came down into the valley to watch the beautiful sights and photograph Half Dome for the nth time from yet another perspective. I ended up at the Awahnee and sat in the majestic lobby, enjoying the art and basketry, a piece of Stollen, and a warm fire for a bit before I headed home.  

Three things make me feel most fortunate: having Yosemite practically as my backyard, being able to step away from the mad current when I desired it, and actually doing it!