The Day After

Nov 9

I made myself a little note. A reminder, if you will.

What happened last night is a disgrace, a shame, a wake-up call. It's a blow to the foundations of this country, to the dreams that have been sown on to the tapestry of this great nation, to the optimism that runs rampant among my generation, to the hope I had that we were just a tad better than what the underbelly blogs, message boards and comments were indicating.

I am aware that neither candidate was an ideal, that they were divisive and even questionable in their own ways, but if you truly, deeply believe that the better candidate won America's vote last night... if you think that a racist, bigoted, misogynistic, cocky, thoughtless, short-fused, politically inexperienced, entitled, irreverent character is a solid representation of this country...well, please just keep it to yourself.

We have a lot of work to do. In the days and months that follow, when the media circus dies down, I pray we'll find some purpose and determination to push forward, to have faith, to not falter in fighting and rebuilding and strengthening the America we believe in, the America we want.

Valeria L. Palmertree

A self-proclaimed dreamer, grammar geek and storyteller with a serious case of wanderlust, I can most often be found somewhere near the water. In addition to beach-combing, my interests include: writing, reading, cooking, dining, listening to live music and taking in the outdoors -- preferably at the same time and in the company of my husband and golden retriever (whom you're likely to meet on these pages along the way).

Originally from Buenos Aires and raised in Miami Beach, I'm fluent in Spanish, Malbecand fútbol. Between the hours of 9 and 5, I'm a communications consultant for travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Additionally, my gig as a freelance writer has given me the opportunity to meet some pretty awesome people along the way. Currently, I'm the copy editor (and a travel contributor) for Electrify magazine. Always the optimist, I believe that connecting with and learning from one another is the surest way to break down barriers and spread some joy. Consider this my virtual olive branch of sorts. <3 xo

http://www.thepalmtreetype.com

The Day After

Hallo, Deutschland

I Voted!