As massive fires burned around us in all directions but west, all I could think about was rain. When will it come?
Between forays out into the smoky air to hose down the roof of our house in case stray embers blow in on the wind, we stayed inside with doors and windows shut tight, keeping an eye on the fire updates, evacuation bags packed.
Wildfires are part of a natural cycle, embedded in our way of life here in California. When I am saddened by the tragic loss of so many people's homes and livelihoods, I try to think about what comes after a fire: thousands of wildflowers pop up after the rain. The silver linings, or more like multicolored quilts of hope for good things to come.
Links to more California wildflowers:
