For many of us, this date will hit us hard, some will cry, some will silently remember whether they want to or not. None of us will forget where we were and what we were doing. Many, many people sent me photographs this day, some are posted on my first blog post here and then I did a second post when the evacuation of Palo Colorado was ordered that evening with even more photographs. It is here.
From that moment on, this fire took over our lives for months, and is still affecting us today, a year later. Take a moment in your day today to think about this land we love and what she has had to endure this last year and do a ceremony or ritual or simple prayer for her healing. She is in even more need now than she was then. Keep her in your thoughts today and every day. Don’t let her be overrun. NOTHING is more important than the land that brought us all here – locals and visitors alike.
That square spot is a house. Photo by Kodiak Greenwood, sent to me by Lisa Kleissner.
Unless there is another Mud Creek or Soberanes today, I am taking it off to be quiet and reflect and honor Big Sur.
Beautiful, Kate, thank you. My prayer today is for the continued healing of Big Sur and us who love her. I don’t think I have as yet truly recovered myself, it’s going to take a while longer. The land is restoring, and so will we.
Thinking about all the families that lost so much – so much… About the young man who lost his life trying to protect our community. Thinking about Delta 1 and Delta 3, and the fire crew from Central Valley – all related – who hand built the fire break that finally stopped the fire from progressing to our neighbor’s property. Remembering the confusion, the thick layer of fog that descended on us, the fire continuing its march down slope beyond our view. No aerial help. Our precious water line broken by well-meaning fire personnel. Fixed by fast thinking Blaze employees. Remembering the kindness of neighbors who showed up to help save Dani and Libby’s home. Feeling gratitude today for family, friends and community. But also feeling deep sorrow for the impact this has had on so many. One illegal camp fire resulting in so much devastation. Where ever they are, I hope they too are thinking about this day.
Blessings on the land and for all who have lost so much and who are still in (necessary) confusion about what comes next.
I remember when I forwarded you the “Gale warning” from NOAA, and thus began a great friendship and a wonderful source of information…
Since I learned so much… Thanks again for your efforts.
<3