by Margie Senechal
I wish I could capture what our skies look like today, but my phone camera simply doesn't do the eerie justice. There's a layer of smokey clouds hovering over everything. Whatever sun rays manage to filter through cast a weird golden hue. The scent of an old campfire lingers in the air along with ash particles.
We in the Willamette Valley have the worst air in the world right now. Not nation, not North America, but the entire world. We are at the hazard level of air quality. I've closed all my windows and am hunkered down inside my house. I even bought groceries yesterday so I didn't have to go out.
I was supposed to be heading to the Southern Oregon Coast today to cap off my staycation with a long weekend in Coos Bay. But, we are surrounded by forest fires and the situation is precarious to even attempt to make an unnecessary trip--even if I'd been looking forward to it for months and months.
Until we were surrounded by wildfires,I had planned to share my realization about my writing. Last Friday was my short story deadline and I'm happy to tell you that I actually got it in on that Monday. And that my editor thought it was "gorgeous" and I just had a few nitpicks to fix in the editing process. I learned that my story will be the day one story in the advent box. Kind of cool.
I spent one week immersed in my story. I wrote, I thought, I focused on nothing but that story. It had been a long time since I'd been that immersed in a story. I'd forgotten how good it was for my psyche--especially in these times we find ourselves in.
Now, I'm going to close out with another good thing. My friend, Geri, posted this on FB and it's at house downtown in Vancouver. As soon as the rain comes and clears away our skies (Monday or Tuesday, we're told), I plan to visit this site.
So proud of you making #1spot in the advent box. Wonderful. I feel your pain about not getting to make your trip. Next week was supposed to be Liz and my trip to Maine. We’re both heartbroken about not being able to go. Stay safe. 💕
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nan! And Maine? I’d be heartbroken too. That sounds amazing!
DeleteStay safe, Margie. Like Nan, I'm so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm going a little stir-crazy, but I'm staying safe in my shuddered up house.
Deletethat is so exciting, Margie!
ReplyDeleteBe safe - we are praying for the whole PNW right now.
Thanks, Kristi. It's been a bit crazy.
DeleteToday the skies are grey in Manitoba and I heard on the news that it's because of smoke in the upper atmosphere caused by the fires on the west coast. We've got to be at least two or three thousand kilometers from where you are. I can't imagine how bad it is for you, not to mention how scary for everyone. My daughter's best friend lives in the San Jose area of California and she said she and her three little kids can no longer go outside. This after months of only being able to go out into their yard. She has asthma so it's especially worrying.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your short story's success! It's so wonderful that you found your groove again with your writing!
We've never really experienced fires to this extent before. A couple of years ago there was a fire in the gorge and we got residual smoke from that, but nothing like this. And it just hangs over us like a smokey blanket. And to know the places that are being evacuated and in danger. It's scary.
DeleteAnd thanks for the congrats :)
The rains finally came and cleared up our skies. Even the people who complain about the rain were looking forward to this season's first rain. Our air has gone from hazard, including worst in the year, to good. And man, does it feel good. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for the Pacific NW.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Margie! That's so great about your story. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers about those fires.
ReplyDelete