Jesusita Fire

While visiting loved ones in Southern California the Jesusita Fire began.
Last fall I was there and the Tea Fire began, I am not sure what to think of my timing!
Wild fires like these inspire fear and sadness -
as well as the coming together of a community to support one another.
Santa Barbara has had three huge wild fires within the period of one year!

From thirty miles away,
smoke like this tells of an immense fire!

Ten miles closer:

Sitting at my son's, we could see the fires roaring up the mountains, explosions igniting in blacks, greens and yellows. Homes threatened and burning:

Sun veiled in smoke:

Home again, today's temps around 50F and rain dances on my ponds.
The earth's cloak turns greener daily, such a difference from the southern land of California!

Pause

The world goes on
just fine
even if we pause
step out of the pace
of doing
linger
in the breath
that is inhaled
linger in
the space between
immerse oneself in the exhale
feel
the luscious life
in each and every cell
be intimate for a moment
with breathing
carry this presence into the world
~

I have stepped out of my Montana world into S. California for a visit.
The air is cool, the skies a gray veil with a ghost of blue peaking through, flowers abound, green hillsides slowly turn golden. Spring here heads towards it's end, as spring back home (Montana) just begins. Flying yesterday inspired being with my breath, it truly can be an intimate experience.