all in this together

(The beauty of instant film on a sunny table at Oasis.)

With hurricane Sandy upon us here on the east coast,  Palm Springs suddenly seems so far away. I am sitting here in my 3rd story apartment typing quickly in hopes that our power stays on long enough for me to finish this post. I am even working a day in advance in case power goes out and we are without it it for who knows how long.  I filled the tub full of water in case we need it.  Lanterns and batteries at the ready. Trying to organize meals in my head, what we have, what we could cook on the grill if we do indeed lose power. Perspective switches rather quickly. Simple needs trump wants. My mind wanders to my family in Pennsylvania, my friends in New York and New Jersey, and of course my own little family here in Maine. The winds rattle our windows. Will the trees stay upright?  (please stay upright)  Just a few short days ago I was playing in the warm sun in California with many ladies from this very sisterhood who are now home with their families just as I am waiting this storm out. I look at this image and see the words captured on film. The same words that were written more than once at The Ace, "we are all in this together."  How very true those words are, made even more fitting when mother nature has her way. 

Our lenses tend to focus on the beauty around us, but after a day and storm like this, many will focus theirs on the aftermath.  Documenting their way toward hope, healing and rebuilding.  Strangers will come together to help.  People will rally and beauty will prevail, even in the midst of darkness. I know this to be true, I lived it one fateful day March, 1993 in Florida when I woke to find a wall of water outside my front door. I am forever grateful for the unique perspective that day gifted me. So tonight, I send out wishes of hope for all in harms way.  Gratitude for those who will help those in need. For we really are one.

Share an image of hope with us here today.  Give in any way you can; donate blood, food, water, shelter, smile at a stranger, hug someone you love, and remember we ARE all in this together.

Comments

[Valerie]

hoping everyone is safe and sound
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anydirectflight/8141607646/in/photostream

[Tracie West]

The devastation I have seen on the news makes me so sad but the hope and love in humans help make me happy. I love to see people come together in these rough times, that is the silver lining in some ways. Your words are perfect and my thoughts and prayers go out to your region.

[sarah]

send sunshine, smiles and rainbows...http://www.flickr.com/photos/22661510@N08/8141814119/in/photostream

[Dotti]

I've been thinking about all my family and friends on the East Coast ... as well as the difference between our weather last week in Palm Springs and what I have here in KY and more so what's happened on the coast. Stay safe; stay warm; be hopeful.

http://www.camperky.com/2012/10/wednesday-wisdom-1.html

[Susan]

I wrote a post today - "amidst the debris"
www.lichtyears.wordpress.com

sending wishes for a speedy recovery and restoration to all who were hit by the storm. Amazing how, while Mother Nature can be so beautiful, she reminds us that she is also a very powerful force.

[Carol Hart]

Very well written post. Sending virtual hugs & real prayers to everyone on the East Coast. May they be safe & sound. http://www.flickr.com/photos/briancarolhart/8142265816/

[Bethany]

This is the closest thing to hope I have, even though it doesn't have anything to do with the storm.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethanypetrik/8117070414/

[Darlene]

Love this post and the photos - Long Island is badly damaged - Long Beach is destroyed along with other coastal towns. Me, my honey and his mom are ok but living with a lot of displaced relatives and animals
Peace love photography