I’m sitting in front of a fire here in bitter cold Pittsburgh as I read of your Mother’s horrific experience with fire. And of the devastation of neighborhoods by the combination of wind and fire. This is the anniversary of my first visit to Pittsburgh 20 years ago , a time of extreme cold like this time. We stood in the lobby of our hotel huddled around a gas fireplace, and I said to myself then - if I move here I’m gonna be sure and get one of those fireplaces. Just looking at it warms me. And so it does!
Wow. Just wow. This story is so powerful. Thanks for sharing your truth, Cynthia. And for creating some perspective on fires throughout time. Fires can be good and bad. Cathartic and destructive. But there is always something born in their wake...
Such pain is unimaginable. And your connection to your brother is simply amazing. I have been through three house fires…one set by arson, and two electrical. The main damage was from smoke as the fires were caught relatively early by neighbors, but even that was life-changing. My heart goes out to your mother and to you! May your dance always heal the wounds. I know it does for me.
Wow, Emily. That's a lot of fire! My mom had a huge bout with mold as well, at a different time. Shelter. Sancturay. Restorative Space. Such a treasure. And not to be taken for granted. Im grateful to be in new cohousing in the Sacramento River. Still, the omens of fire are ever on the California Horizon. I read today that a big exodus is expected in California due to the lack of fire insurance and the high cost of living. Deep bows to you, and the soulful wisdom that carries us.
I remember our walk across the lava fields. So much fierce wild energy under our feet, as we followed the shamans on the path most visitors were not invited to travel. Ever opening fissures with molten lava running just under the soles of our shoes. “Don’t stop” they said, “just keep on moving!”
The next day your plantar fasciitis was so much better!
Fire is indeed powerful. I just read Salman Rushdie's wonderful book, VIctory City in which the protagonist watches her mother being killed in a fire and which then provides her with magical powers to build and guide the City for 200 years. The fire built a furnace of strength that she used with her grief.'
Omce again, grief is all around us.
Thank you for your usual beautiful and soulful sharing
I’m sitting in front of a fire here in bitter cold Pittsburgh as I read of your Mother’s horrific experience with fire. And of the devastation of neighborhoods by the combination of wind and fire. This is the anniversary of my first visit to Pittsburgh 20 years ago , a time of extreme cold like this time. We stood in the lobby of our hotel huddled around a gas fireplace, and I said to myself then - if I move here I’m gonna be sure and get one of those fireplaces. Just looking at it warms me. And so it does!
A balm to find comfort in warmth. Thanks for that reminder!
Wow. Just wow. This story is so powerful. Thanks for sharing your truth, Cynthia. And for creating some perspective on fires throughout time. Fires can be good and bad. Cathartic and destructive. But there is always something born in their wake...
xoxoxo Beautiful Beautiful.
Such pain is unimaginable. And your connection to your brother is simply amazing. I have been through three house fires…one set by arson, and two electrical. The main damage was from smoke as the fires were caught relatively early by neighbors, but even that was life-changing. My heart goes out to your mother and to you! May your dance always heal the wounds. I know it does for me.
Wow, Emily. That's a lot of fire! My mom had a huge bout with mold as well, at a different time. Shelter. Sancturay. Restorative Space. Such a treasure. And not to be taken for granted. Im grateful to be in new cohousing in the Sacramento River. Still, the omens of fire are ever on the California Horizon. I read today that a big exodus is expected in California due to the lack of fire insurance and the high cost of living. Deep bows to you, and the soulful wisdom that carries us.
Thank you for sharing this potent and powerful story!
I recently heard this fascinating and reflective interview on NPR about a book about a Fire...Pico Iyer is the author.
It is interesting how powerful and current this theme is..
Cynthia, thank you for sharing this powerful story.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.npr.org/2025/01/15/nx-s1-5259687/pico-iyer-aflame-silent-retreat&ved=2ahUKEwiu4s68oYCLAxWkMNAFHe8KLdsQFnoECCMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1asPPtc4273j262-7427Qd
Thank you Linda. Fire has us in her talons.
I remember our walk across the lava fields. So much fierce wild energy under our feet, as we followed the shamans on the path most visitors were not invited to travel. Ever opening fissures with molten lava running just under the soles of our shoes. “Don’t stop” they said, “just keep on moving!”
The next day your plantar fasciitis was so much better!
“We are the stars which sing
We sing with our light
We are the birds of fire
We fly over the sky
Our light is a voice
We make a road for the spirit to cross over”
from “Song of the Stars” by Dead Can Dance
Love you 💕🌟💃🏽🪶
Birds of Fire! Following shamans across roads that the volcano would later cover over. The song is the way, and ever-changing. Thank you CathyAnn.
Cynthia,
Fire is indeed powerful. I just read Salman Rushdie's wonderful book, VIctory City in which the protagonist watches her mother being killed in a fire and which then provides her with magical powers to build and guide the City for 200 years. The fire built a furnace of strength that she used with her grief.'
Omce again, grief is all around us.
Thank you for your usual beautiful and soulful sharing
Wow. Salmon Rushdie is amazing! Thank you Rich!
writing helps me metabolize the chaos and lean into the realness of life, body and soul❤️