Monday, August 29, 2011

After hurriquake


There wasn't a lot of damage as a result of Irene in my neighborhood. The sidewalks were scattered with twigs and leaves, a great thing after our dry summer. But one of my favorite trees lost a huge branch, see where it's separated from the trunk? I fear it's the end for this beautiful being.

It was quite a week last week for those of us who had close encounters not only with the earthquake but also with the hurricane. I've seen "hurriquake" a few times on Facebook. Indeed.

Several clients told me when the earthquake started, they thought we were being bombed. After 9/11, that story - that we're being attacked or about to be attacked - looms large in the psyches of the people who lived in the cities that were hit. I knew it was an earthquake because of all my years in San Francisco, hence the we're being bombed explanation never entered my mind. I am grateful for this.

There's a way in which the hurriquake revealed the deepest level of survival fears each of us individuals holds. It definitely revealed mine, though I experienced those fears prior to last week. These things are not always linear.

Needless to say, in the wake of these events, I have lots to think about. As the dust settles, I'll be taking in the energy and behavior of my fellow citizens of DC as all of us integrate what has gone down. I'll be watching myself, too, of course.

A big shake followed by a systemic flush? Well. Wow.

Mama Gaia I am in awe of you!

8 comments:

Washington Cube said...

I just now got my power back, two days later, and not once was PEPCO able to tell me anything, nor have a human being on the phone: just a generic "check back later" message.

This morning, Monday, on the news, a PEPCO representative said they "should have the assessed numbers of those without power by this afternoon" all the while boasting of the outside other state sources PEPCO brought in. Shaking head. Same ole, same ole. Now let me go clean up my yard and throw away the contents in my refrigerator.

Elizabeth said...

Well NY city pretty much OK
but the burbs really suffering with flooding and downed trees
what a disaster for all those without power!

Quite a week!

oxo

Reya Mellicker said...

Just one more reason not to live in the burbs.

Kerry said...

I am glad to have the luxury of not knowing how it feels to be bombed. When we were in Spain we were befriended by an Israeli family, and during one of our long talks they said that they lived every day of their lives under such a threat. When 9-11 occurred they found themselves grounded in Toronto, unsurprised by it and not terribly shocked.

This is hard for me to imagine.

steven said...

next up . . . dancing in the streets. steven

Cyndy said...

That's enough craziness for one week. Let's hope September is peaceful and relaxing, weather-wise and otherwise.

Anonymous said...

Just checking in to see how you and others in your part of the U.S. have been coping with all this. Glad things have calmed down somewhat. Would have been scarey and very unsettling to say the least.

Jo said...

I'm saddened to see the damaged tree in your neighborhood. I hope she can recover from the injury.

I think both events will serve to bring up lots of feelings and anxieties in the next few weeks.

I hope September brings cooler temps and the promise of a gentler autumn for everyone.