What a day.

The first Presidential candidate I voted was Al Gore. He had my heart and attention since I first watched him speak at the 1992 Democratic National Convention when I was twelve. When I was finally old enough to vote in the 2000 election, I was thrilled that my first vote would be for him.

That election broke my heart.

Four years ago was another punch in the gut.

I didn't believe the sun would rise the next day, but it did.

I don’t know what will happen tonight, (or whenever the election is decided), but I have faith in most of the citizens of our country to want to make it better for everyone, because when the whole is stronger, we all shine brighter.

I want to have my needs met, yes, but after that, I don’t need much more. As far as material things, I just want a fast bike, a few hair-ties, a full bag of raw almonds in my pantry, lightly worn in running shoes, enough extra cash in the bank to buy a few new pieces from Smashfest Queen every few months, and a computer and internet connection to share my thoughts and stories every week. Beyond that, it’s all veggie gravy.

Of course life is more complicated than that. Healthcare costs, car payments, mortgages, education, etc., there is a high tally for all of it, and it never seems to end. But I do believe true wealth is found within generosity, preventative health care, helping other people when they ask for it, (or even when they don’t), and always having an open mind and appetite to learn more about what I am interested in, what I am ignorant about, and what others want to share.

I hope all of you who are old enough to vote, did vote in this election. And I hope you vote in the next one, and the one after that, and the one after that. This year has suffocated us in countless ways we could not control, but finally it presented us with something we could.

Every vote counts.

Just ask Al Gore.

The song choice this week is a tune from Taylor Swift over the visuals of America.