Thanks so much for listening and for your kind words.

I work in the evacuation zone of the Woolsey fire in California. Many of my friends, colleagues, teachers, and loved ones live in the area. It was surreal to drive to work after the evacuation order was lifted. The burn scar was evident. It was still fragrant.

Immediately after the first rain, which came soon after the fire was completely extinguished, gren grass started appearing on the hills, softening them, inviting the deer to linger. At first, it grew in patches, like hair on a victim of disease or trauma. Now the hills are iridescent with green when I drive into work. It looks nice against the charred trunks of the trees that survived the fire.

I have many friends in Sonoma County who went through the same last year. It is remarkable how fast nature’s healing signs show. And we carry on :-)