I wanted to share a little something about my experience with the fires going on south of my home Carpinteria, Ca.

Los Angelas is an extension in a way to us, it is down the coast and most of us just pop up and down for visits. It is very different from where I live but, we all go up and down the coast for many reasons.

The town I live in is small and very community focused. We have gone through big fires and mud slides. We have seen evacuations around us and in our town.

One thing I have been moved by is those who come to stay who have been evacuated all seem to have one thing in common.. They are grateful for being safe. I noticed that Saturday our town was full of people and joy. This is a quiet time of year, so it was very noticeable, plus with fires it was a big contrast from the energy that had been pushing the days prior.

The joy and openness was a different essence. It had a softness a kindness. I shared with another local in a store, she shared how she had experienced the same. She works at a small grocery store in town. She talks to a lot of people. Again she shared the gratitude and kindness of those who were here. Even though they do not know what waits for them when they go back. Some already know they lost homes and still were in a place of gratitude in this moment for being with their loved ones and safe. They radiate this without words. sharing joyfully as the kids played on the sidewalks outside the restaurants. Being together completely, almost free of distraction. Really not on phones. Just present in the sweetness of being together. There is quietness to this.

My heart is expanded because of them. The beauty of the loving is just being present with what is. I see them pausing and smelling the roses, even in the midst of upheaval.

I hope this touches you in some way. There is always good present.

Sending Light to all who are in need. Light to the fires being brought quiet. Light to recovery and renewal.

In Loving

Christi