The roads are finally open again and my daughter, Isa and I took a drive through Montecito this afternoon. It was so much worse than I could have ever imagined. News stories on television don’t really show the full extent of the destruction.
Santa Barbara was hit hard at beginning of December when the Thomas Fire burned the mountains above Montecito. Then on January 9, we had a 200-year rain event where half an inch of rain came down in five minutes. This triggered a devastating mud flow. Twenty-three people were killed and many of the homes saved during the fire were damaged or destroyed by the mud flow.
While there have been numerous stories of tragedy and loss, I’ve also heard stories of the incredible generosity and kindness of people in our community. It’s inevitable that we initially focus on all the bad things that have occurred–we cry. We grieve. We get angry. Then we try to find the good.
I wasn’t personally affected the tragic events of the past two months, but lately I have felt so lost watching the suffering of others. After Isa and I returned home from our drive, I looked around my own neighborhood and felt so grateful. My home is safe and not full of mud. I suddenly felt the need to document the beauty around me.
For now, I’m one of the lucky ones. And I’m so thankful.
One of my favorite flowers: Stock. Such a lovely, spicy scent!
A caterpillar chomping on my milkweed plant.
First tulips of the season
Love this magenta!
The spring garden is planted!
Lake Los Carneros
Happy little pansies.
The color of Iceland poppies are so vibrant!
Isa and the dogs on a walk around the lake.
Allegro non tanto 