Firestorm abated/Political storm brewing

"May you live in interesting times." Chinese Proverb

Thank goodness the fires are contained and the recovery phase has begun. The destruction and scope are hard to comprehend. Almost one thousand homes gone, some houses burned within minutes, the fire was that intense. I can't help thinking "that could be our home", (gee, nothing like that pyschological mindgame, transference). Seeing folks lose all their worldly possessions including their pets (incredibly heartbreaking) certainly makes you realize how fragile attachments are to "stuff". Fall in Southern California is wonderful, the cooling of temperatures, changing of leaves, and wearing of sweaters. The skys are gloriously clear due to the powerful Santa Ana winds which move out the smog and clouds. These deadly winds fuel and spread the sparks. I am now beginning to associate my favorite season with flames and vigilance. I am hoping for rain which we desperately need and will help reduce fire risk. However, rain will also stimulate brush growth, providing more fuel for the next fire season. Doesn't Mother Nature have an ironic sense of humor??

As the fires subside, another storm is brewing, the political one pertaining to Proposition 8 in California restricting marriage to a man and woman. The election is over and the passage of Proposition 8 has created a huge cultural firestorm here. Even in my quiet little city, there have been large, vocal, and vehement protests on both sides of this issue. There are continued protests and boycotts and now, of course it is headed to the California Supreme Court. My neighbors who displayed political signs had their houses egged, toilet papered, and air let out of their car tires. (Vandalism is horrible especially when it comes to free speech.) Neither side is backing down and this issue will be slogged out on the streets and courtrooms for a really long time. I admire Spain and Canada for addressing same sex marriage in a much more civilized and unified manner. In spite of the passage of Proposition 8, it is amazing that 48% of voters voted Against it and that this dialogue has been started nationally.

Thank you so much for reading today, best to you and yours for calm weather and politics!