My Dear Silly, Caring Dears,
How are you? Please be be safe and able to smile.
I'm fine, as are my loved ones in L.A. They're inhaling toxic air, of course. Some areas in which I used to work or play, and scores of homes, were completely charred. Lives lost. It's beyond imaginable. Right? I don't think I'll begin to absorb the devastation until I'm next in Los Angeles.
What can we do but hunker down, appreciate our blessings, offer assistance when we're ready and able, share love and healing vibes? Afterall, the only thing we can count on is the present moment.
That said, I'd written Now in 2012 for my first book, Just the Right Time. A dear friend, Dee Dee Vest, had long ago asked for some of my poetry to perhaps turn into song. As a surprise that brought me to tears, she sang this* publicly on the very same day that I'd learned about the Bidwell Mansion Fire. Thus, my words revisited me in magical form, when I sorely needed the message.
*Sorry if you can't view this because you're not on Facebook. I wish I knew how to share it a different way. (Ugh, I dislike supporting Z-berg's empire.)
The very lovely, talented, and kind Robin Mead provided her stunning artwork for that book. Here's Now.
How lovely that one of your poems has been turned into a song! Plus had art made for it! That's the inspirational nature of art -- one thing leads to another.
ReplyDeleteThe news footage of Los Angeles is heartbreaking. Tonight's coverage told how many people no longer have fire insurance coverage to mitigate their losses. Just dreadful.
Thanks so much, Debra SWS.
DeleteCorrect. Insurance companies are just all-out-criminal. It adds trauma to trauma.
I'll try the link again later. "This page isn't available right now
ReplyDeleteThis may be because of a technical error that we're working to get fixed."
Frustrating. I wish I was better at technology. It's the only way I could figure out to save and share. Thanks, Mike.
DeleteBe well and safe.
Your story is just beautiful. What you put out comes back, and even to yourself apparently! Your own words gave you comfort. I have no words for the fires. I thought 2025 would start out better, with exception to the great turd getting ready to ascend the white house.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I had hopes, naturally, but when I got a creepy man story (not worth telling) and a flat-tire within the first few minutes of the year, I thought this wouldn't go so well.
DeleteIt's all too much.
Thanks for your kindness. Love ya, MM.
Not on Facebook unfortunately, but that was wonderful she sang your poem. The fires are beyond terrible.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alex. Indeed. LA. My heart weeps.
DeleteCongratulations on your song. The news from LA is terrifying.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeff.
DeleteIt's an absolute nightmare.
Sorry, the page isn't available right now. I bet it was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShe has such a beautiful voice and gave it a wonderful melody. Thanks, Diane.
DeleteI'm glad you are ok and all you know. I hear of so many stars and, they can rebuild but I think of all the art that has been lost. I heard Mel Gibson had rare books, from the 1600s, that are gone plus art work. I also hope animals are being saved. I love that you're poem is being used I a song.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Birgit. Yes. All the art and artifacts and photographs...so much that's irreplaceable.
DeleteI've seen some hopeful stories about animal rescues and organizations working around the clock to protect and care for them.
Hugs.
I recently read a couple of headlines. One reported that the climate has now passed the 1.5 degree threshold and the other concerned the fires in Los Angeles. Yet still politicians refuse to accept the connection. We are in for a dreadful four years - and maybe more.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy-horrid. Mother Nature won't stand for being treated badly. Also, though, winds at speeds up to 100 mph! Who could've ever predicted that. Plus, arson is suspected in one or perhaps many of the instances. Yeah, it can only get worse with an orange felon who doesn't believe in climate change at the helm.
DeleteI left Facebook so I can't access the song, but your poem is lovely with the artwork. The fires in LA are frightening and shocking. I hope they can be brought to an end soon. donold's stupid comments don't help anything.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thank you, my friend. I know. And nothing the orange mofo says or does is helpful. Argh. We'll have to hold on and stay connected and keep on the best we can.
DeleteLove you.
My son is breathing the toxic air, but is safe from the fires. He says it pays to be poor and live next to LAX. But it is bad. So many people (most of whom aren't rich) are losing everything. So very sad.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad your son is okay. I grew up by LAX, in Westchester. Is that where he's living? We must talk.
DeleteLove you.
So tragic what's happened there. And still not over. Just horrible. And very scary. Big news around the world.
ReplyDeleteDid see the poem being sung on Facebook. That was lovely. Nice for you and your work.
Thank you, friend. Too much, too much...Hugs.
DeleteIt's heartbreaking to hear about the devastation in L.A., but it's heartwarming to know you're finding ways to stay strong and share love in such trying times. I love this poem. My thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThe poem/ song is lovely. "Love lifts more than sorrow's toll" - perfect line for these times. It's going to take a lot of time to heal the wounds of fire. Beyond fathom. Take care and hope your friends/family in L.A. area stay safe.
ReplyDelete