As a farewell to backpedaling Mercury, whose retrograde ends this Saturday, thereby closing reopened chapters and resolving unfinished business, awkward pauses and anxious backward glances, I offer this parting remembrance of last year’s fire:
We evacuated the house yesterday, probably the last people to be evacuated, because as soon as we drove away the mountain cooled to a wispy simmer and they started letting folks return. We had already loaded up a week’s worth of clothes, assorted papers, dusty photo albums and baby videos, the dog and the dog crate, with the potholders, yes those very potholders, at the bottom of the suitcase. That talisman alone probably turned history on its heels.
And for the record, as Georgia swept through her room choosing those few things she would rescue, she donned her pink Disneyland cap and her Girl Scout vest. She strode out bedecked with badges and pins, under a pair of mouse ears. That precious glimpse of who she is, who she is right now, was proof enough that there’s no need – ever – to look back.
***
My 400th post. Proof enough of the wonders ahead.
Originally published on April 29, 2008 as my 200th post.
My daughters have those very same ears atop the fireplace mantle in their bedroom. Pink ears. Just like Georgia’s. That little gal is your lucky charm. And I am so glad you are safe.
Comment by Kristin H. — April 29, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Kristin, your comments are always so kind and welcomed. Thank you.
Comment by Karen — April 29, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
So glad you’re safe now. Try not to spark anymore flames, OK?
Comment by Shawn — April 29, 2008 @ 6:26 pm
An evacuation is no excuse to look less than your best!
Glad you all are safe.
Comment by Mama Zen — April 29, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
We’ll be visiting friends in Califorinia this summer (the place we were from) and will be making the trek to Disneyland. I suspect we’ll end up paying an arm and a leg for a set of those ears ourselves.
I am very glad to here your evacuation was short and sweet. Be safe.
Comment by Shalet — April 29, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
I am glad that you were able to return even before you’d gotten very far away. What a perspective challenge it is to have to choose what you will rescue as you leave your home… perhaps for the final time. Thanks for the example of how to do it at peace and surrounded by the people (and doggie) that matter most. Enjoy Georgia and her delightful stories and activities. Peace to you and those you love.
Comment by GailNHB — April 30, 2008 @ 1:20 am
so glad you are back home already. Love hearing what Georgia grabbed.
Happy 200th post! The world is enriched by every one of them.
Comment by nyjlm — April 30, 2008 @ 3:05 am
May your corner of the world stay cool and safe. Well, may every corner be as safe as yours.
Comment by marta — April 30, 2008 @ 5:24 am
I have something for you!
Comment by Mama Zen — April 30, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Whew!
Comment by Chris Austin-Lane — April 30, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
Karen – I love that Georgia. And you, so glad you are home. Congrats on your 200th post. Many more to come, I hope.
Comment by Jena Strong — April 30, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Happy 200th post, and also on raising a daughter with her priorities straight! 🙂 What a cutie.
I guess you could just think of this evacuation as practice! Glad everyone is safe.
Comment by Shannon — April 30, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Relieved you are all safe!
i just adore your little mouse-scout!
Comment by Wendy — April 30, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
So glad to hear that your family is safe. I have always said that if I ever have to leave my home during an emergency evacuation, the one material thing I would try to grab would be my photo albums.
Congratualtions on 200 posts! I for one am looking forward to 200 more!
Blessings,
tammy
Comment by tammy — April 30, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
Congratulations on 200! I’m glad you’re all safe.
Comment by Mary Ann — May 1, 2008 @ 3:19 am
glad you’re safe and sound. i think we all have our priorities, right…sounds like Georgia has hers just right:-)
Comment by Phyllis Sommer — May 1, 2008 @ 3:20 am
we lost our house in a fire a few years back. we were out of town and out of harms way and it’s funny, until today i don’t actually ever remember wondering what i might have saved if i’d had the chance. i just remember thinking i wanted it ALL back.
i love how your girl was decisive and her choices made me smile.
so glad you and yours are safe, karen.xo
Comment by Kirsten Michelle — May 1, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
oh, and much congratulations on this 200th post!!!
i know my life is all the richer for having read them.ox
Comment by Kirsten Michelle — May 1, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
I love her.
I love you both.
She, in her beauty and wisdom and heart, it makes my heart ache.
Glad to hear you are safe.
I’ve been thinking of you.
Comment by bella — May 2, 2008 @ 12:59 am
Glad to hear that you were spared from the flames. And thank you for 200 delicious posts that go so well with milk.
Comment by Leah — May 2, 2008 @ 4:05 am
i hope that all is well. and i know, that no matter what, it is.
happy 200th post.
i have enjoyed my share immensely!
Comment by jessamyn — May 3, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Ah you are so right – no looking back!
Comment by Cat — May 29, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
georgia is brilliant.
Comment by curious girl (lisa) — May 31, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
For you it may be fires – for me it is lost keys. I started dating my hubby in grad school in 1994 because of lost keys. Last week, they were gone again … only to be found Saturday afternoon. See ya later, Mercury!
Comment by RocketMom Cheryl — June 3, 2009 @ 4:22 am