Election night after one of the most beautiful fall days in Santa Fe. The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. 2012. Only one week ago Superstorm Sandy pummels the east coast and today New York votes Obama. A million people still without power. Is this possible? The results are rolling in. From East to West. Florida and Ohio too close to call. People still standing in line as the count rolls across the Mississippi. NBC is calling Obama. NPR too soon to tell. The polls still open in Alaska though we all know where that will go. . .Texas, Wyoming, North & South Dakota. And how any woman can cast a vote for the Republican candidate is beyond me but still some do.
I am amazed at how close and opposing this country can be.
Do not insert here my opinion on how the 2nd time Bush was elected (excuse me as I clear my throat –I mean “stole” the election) . . . Too much too easy too little choice.
Take the money out of the campaign, Florida air Portal relates. Still, the process is processing. Hope is the new revival. The votes are being tallied. The good volunteers at election central earnest and friendly and helpful as they direct me to the 47 Precinct table where I give my name and it is found and I sign at the number indicated. The ballot is given with easy to understand instructions as I’m directed to the booth in the corner. No curtain. No TSA asking for my photo ID. I keep my shoes on. Bottle water is permitted. No x-ray when I pick up the pen and shade in the oval –all the ovals — regressing to kindergarten I try (really hard) to stay within the lines. No one rushes. No line out the door. Only a sunflower at the fence and a man handing me I voted sticker when I slide my ballot into the machine.
It is a lovely walk. Everything is yellow.
Brass like a trumpet blasting hopes up the scales and back. In tune. I buy a donut in celebration. Thrilled to walk home just around the block. I love my neighborhood. No interference. Sunshine and silence. Not even 8 am. A man walks his dog. Yesterday I had a redhead moment all juicy and bold but really I’m a blonde. Not the dumb kind. But the midwest good girl believe in the possible. I set aside my own cynicism and the visible violent bully militant mentality too prevalent in this America to ride a wave of hopefulness on this election day.
Brenda is a socialist at heart and an artist currently living at El Zaguan, the oldest artist colony on Canyon Road.
Today she cast her vote for Obama. This weekend her art was one of 32 works featured in the Juried Exhibit at Recycle Santa Fe where she met some very nice people and helped sell the #1 juried piece (very cool) to a very excited patron. It was all very sweet. The focus on reducing/reuse/recycle a lesson to carry inside and outside the home and studio.
