When I was growing up in Nevada City, we had a horrible fire that became known as the "49er fire" that ravaged huge chunks of the county, took countless homes, livestock, etc. At the time, we lived in the country and were one of the many homes threatened by the fire. I remember that time like it was yesterday. For weeks we lived in a state of limbo, teetering on what felt like the end of the world - anxiously watching the fire, watering our lawn and yard around the clock, hanging by the radio and spending the moments inbetween walking listlessly about the house, trying to find something - anything - to take our minds from events at hand.
When our road was evacuated, we went to the house of a friend, but the worry and not knowing brought us to a family agreement that we would return home and continue our vigil there even though - technically - we weren't supposed to be there. When I think back on it, I'm a little amazed we returned. I don't think we would have unless we felt safe in knowing we had an escape, should it be needed (I hope).
So, we stayed. I remember sitting on our lawn and seeing flames lick the landscape right across the field from our house. I have pictures and if I had a scanner, I would share but I don't. Seems like I should, huh? :)
Anyway, so here we are again - we're not in the path of the fire where we live, but I truly feel for all the people who are and this constant gray pall in the air has me reliving those days so many years ago - that state of limbo - of feeling like the world was about to end
Which brings me to my tomatoes and how amazing life is. I go out everyday to check my garden and half expect it to be gone - the plants wilted, the leaves falling. It seems impossible that anything could go on living and thriving in this air but there they are -beautiful, ripe tomatoes.
So, I know this - when this has passed and the smoke has cleared, California will thrive again. But it will take time and people helping. We just made our first donation to American Red Cross and hope you will too. You can help by donating here. And we will continue to help by donating 5% of every order from now through August to the American Red Cross.
*I believe, at last count, 100,000 residences had been lost and 239,000 acres.
3 comments:
I found your blog through Jasmine Star's and love your pictures! This post touched me as I live up in Grass Valley, have been choking on the smoke, just picked a bunch of tomatoes from the garden, and experienced that same gratefulness. It's amazing how something so small can cause you to be thankful for the simple things. I hope you get many many orders!
Hi Lydia! What a small, wonderful world! I was so thrilled to read your comment. The smoke has gotten a lot better here - I hope it does for you guys too. And yes, it is amazing - times like this really make you appreciate the simple things.
What an amazing story Laura... how wonderful that you are doing something to make a difference.
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