It's been an exhausting week. Trump winning the presidential race seemed surprising to a lot of people. I can honestly say that I thought it was possible. I just didn't think that it would actually happen. Then again, I should have known better--I'm a statistician.
The exhaustion comes from witnessing, talking to, and consoling a lot of people that are essentially scared. Change is normally a disorienting thing by itself. Because of this election, people feel that a lot of things will change from both sides. Of course, we don't know that yet. We still have a couple of months left before reality sets in. All I know is that I'm not giving in to perceived future events--that takes too much energy to keep up.
In the meantime, I once again realized something about the Bay Area. This is a bubble. That was evident in my travels across the United States a couple of months ago. I was solidly in Trump country everywhere I went. Whereas, I'm pretty sure that most of the people here voted for Clinton--they expected that she would win. Why? Because they haven't stepped outside of this bubble known as the Bay Area where so many things are taken for granted. This is yet another situation that we assumed would go our way.
The Bay Area is now collectively shaking its head in disbelief. People have taken to the streets to protest. Whether we agree with them or not is not the point. The point is that they are expressing their dissent because they can. It is a time-honored tradition and is protected by the constitution of the United States (but, don't let get started about the history of the constitution and the intent behind it). People may get angry and think it is a waste of time. Too bad. It's THEIR time--not yours.
Peaceful demonstrations should always be respected--no matter what the subject matter.
In the meantime, there is art and music to soothe us, to inform us, and to delight us. Music, in particular, can take us elsewhere and bring a lot of pleasure and delight. Playing music with other people is a beautiful and magical thing. Listening to music being played can transport you and let you forget time and space. I experienced that with my husband this past week when we sang in a band that is solely composed of my co-workers. It's always a pleasure to perform with them. It's even better when we perform for our other co-workers and have them join us. Music is a universal language everyone can appreciate.
On the other hand, art can make you think and examine. One form of artwork that always fascinates me is metalwork. Some people place metalwork in the realm of craft. I think when craft is done well, it can cross into the realm of art. Certain pieces remind me of how resourceful people can be. It's even better when the art is made from recycled materials whether they be paper, cloth, dishes, and tools.
For the next couple of months, I think we should take some time to hear music, see art and/or create beauty from something. That's more satisfying than what any political candidate will do for us. Guaranteed.
Art from old tools and recycled metal--beauty from discarded materials.