“I’m such a chameleon. I never get bored.” – Natalie Imbruglia
Travels With Maggie
Yosemite's Half Dome from Tioga Pass -- Photo by Pat Bean
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is really not half of anything. This 8,836 foot granite rock only gives that impression if you’re looking at it from Yosemite Valley. From Tioga Pass, it looks more like a giant ball-shaped boulder, and from Glacier Point, it appears as a narrow ridge.
Getting to view this Yosemite icon’s strikingly different faces this week wowed me.
It also got me thinking about my own face and the many different views it has.
I’ve always been sort of a chameleon, fitting in with whatever crowd or family member I’m with. And when you’re talking about my family members, we’re talking a wide spectrum of polarized opinions.
My chameleon nature has usually boded well for peaceful encounters – and I run from any that aren’t peaceful – but I’ve considered the trait detrimental to discovering my own voice.
Looking at Half Dome’s different faces this week, however, helped me realize that perhaps being a chameleon is not all that bad. Just as I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of the views Half Dome presented me, it helped me finally figure out that my voice has many chameleon-like traits..
Half Dome from Yosemite Valley -- Photo by Pat Bean
I both enjoy being with people and being by myself. I enjoy classical music, but country western tunes also give me joy. I support a woman’s right to abortion, but believe in the death penalty. I hug trees, but accept that people have to put food on their tables before worrying about the environment. I love birds but recognize that cats also have their place in the food chain. I vote for both Democratic and Republican candidates.
Well, you get the idea. Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens certainly did:
“We are chameleons, and our partialities and prejudices change place with an easy and blessed facility, and we are soon wonted to the change and happy in it.”
Great pictures, Pat! And yes, life is full of paradoxes, including us!
Wonderful photos, Pat. And a thought-provoking post to go with them. 🙂
I have only had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park once, for less than 24 hours. Half Dome was shrouded in fog and clouds and the occasional squall of snow. I never did get to see it. I hope to go back there someday.
I envy your trip to Yosemite. The PBS series on National Parks made me bump that park up on my must see list. And, I agree with Robin, very thought-provoking ideas … I think adaptability is important to living a happy life.
Yosemite is definitely on my list of places to go. We are back from our trip and I am catching up on my blog about it. It is still a surprise to me how many hotels don’t have internet access, frustrating for me as I live with it for contact with the outside world.
Jim
Fortunately I have an air card and can usually get internet anywhere I can get Verizon service, although sometimes it’s slow as an injured snail.
Keep writing … Pat Bean https://patbean.wordpress.com
I have enjoyed reading your posts this evening. Just what I needed: a witty story teller, great photographer, and an interesting and intelligent thought-provoker. Can’t wait to buy your book when you get it written!
The many faces we wear, I am fascinated when looking back at changing times in life, how we adapt who we are to do what we need to do. Yet hopefully we keep a semblance that is consistent, I wonder if mono-track people are less able to see more of an argument or issue seeing only one side. Thought provoking ideas Pat.
Jim
Thanks Jim. I know many people who can only see one side of an issue. It has both its positive and negative sides. But I could never be one of them.
Anyone who thinks for herself and likes Mark Twain is a friend of mine! 😉