My heart is with the people in California. I see them rising from the literal ashes and coming back stronger than ever. I see us somehow overcoming as a larger group the larger climate realities leading to these situations. In thinking of it, I feel small and helpless, but I know together, humanity is not helpless. We will find a way.
In this photo, I’d recently moved in with my brother and his soon to be wife in the San Fernando Valley in the early ’90s. Having traveled from Colorado right out of college, I was in my in 20’s and both determined and naive. I realized I was taking a personal risk, but possessed complete confidence I would persevere.
In this photo I was typing cover letters to go with my resume looking for my first full-time job. I arrived with $500 to my name believing that was A LOT of money, a couple of suitcases, and determination to learn something in a new in an unfamiliar culture. I was very happy, excited, hopeful, optimistic, and slightly terrified but in a good way. To say this move put me out of my comfort zone is an understatement.
I must admit, the first two years in California were riddled with culture shock, home sickness and uncertainty. I remained in San Fernando valley about 10 months, and decided to move to the Bay Area where I remained for sixteen years.
Recently, I got another call from Los Angeles hours before learning of the Palisades and other fires burning there. I spoke to the caller briefly, and the call was regarding my book, but I was engaged in something at the time. Not knowing what part of L.A. she was calling from, I called back later and got a phone out of order signal. I did not try again. Clearly that connection wasn’t meant to happen at this time.
I thought of all the people there including others I know in that area, and send love to all. I hope you stay safe, and hope you recover from your situations smoothly, quickly and gracefully.
I’m feeling the vulnerability of our baby planet. I choose to keep my optimism. I don’t know how things will go, but I trust in all of us. We will persevere.