So….today began with dense fog and smoke.
Then, around mid afternoon, as I ventured outside to do a quick water, I realized I couldn’t look at the sun (first time in a week). It was too bright. And not only that, the sun wasn’t red – it was yellow. YELLOW! And then I realized I could see clouds. REAL CLOUDS!! Seeing just those few clouds showing through the smoke-filled skies brought me to tears. I was totally overcome with gratitude in seeing those clouds.
Later in the day as I was making dinner, I noticed sunshine on the counter. Actual SUNLIGHT – shining through the window. I looked west and see this:
I gave a little squeal and cried some tears. At that moment I said “Source YOU know best how to clear the skies. So that is all I ask: please clear the skies! Thank you!”
Then after dinner, I ventured outside again and noticed the smell had changed. The smell of beautiful coastal salty air! This is what I saw:
!!!!!!!
Well, I began jumping up and down, crying, running around like a kid. My girl came outside and danced with me – running around the yard like she hasn’t been able to do in a week. I went inside, grabbed my mate’s hand and insisted he come outside.
We all did a happy dance.
In and out of the house we were until the sun had long past set – seeing first one star, then two and then three. I cry now as I type these words.
Let me tell you, I know I gripe about this realm and the matrix simulation, but never have I been so grateful to see not just clouds and the sun and blue sky, but the stars as well. “Real” or not – who cares. They’re still beautiful – especially now.
The fog has since returned bringing with it residual smoke still in the air and the air quality still isn’t healthy enough to keep the windows open – yet. But we’re getting there.
My heart still continues to hurt and mourn the loss of so many towns – actual towns. The loss of life. Seeing places from my childhood burn. The cause of many of these fires done with deliberate intent. The pure evil of this part of the war.
But interwoven into all of that, I see the amazing, enduring dedication of the men and women fighting the fires. Seeing people stand guard and on alert looking for and dealing with anyone attempting to loot/steal or light another fire. Seeing communities come together, including many people who lost everything put their own loss aside to help out others in need. Yeah – that is such a humbling example to me of the best of humanity.
This past week it has been the little things, for me, in which to find gratitude.
Seeing fire fighter’s begin to contain ravaging fires.
Seeing people begin to return to their homes.
Being able to put away bug-out bags.
The absolute relief in seeing those raging east winds come to a stop.
Seeing RAIN in the forecast!
Seeing evacuation orders be removed or reduced.
Talking with family knowing they are safe.
Seeing friends from childhood return to their homes after being evacuated.
Handing off bags of donations to the local farmers who are passing them along to evacuees.
And tonight, seeing stars in the sky and smelling fresh ocean air.
The Human Spirit – that is NEVER a match for evil in the end.
Love,
Victoria
