iphone capture, taken on the beach during fire evacuation, may 2009

flock ¹  (flk)

today, i am most grateful to be a part of a community that gathers, rallies and feeds both souls and bellies amidst evacuations, sleeplessness, and a wall of flames visible above our homes. 

i realize that this is something i have always wanted and have struggled to find my way with. struggled to relax into my place in the formation. but these past few days, i felt it. held real life moments that captured how we are all living, feeding and traveling together. how my family and i are a part of a flock. and it felt really good.

now that we are back in our home, i am reflecting on all of this. on how while we may take turns leading the formation, we can solidly rest in the truth that we are not alone. 

and, since it is mother's day,  i cannot go without saying that i am beyond grateful to be a mama to two beautiful, smart and strong children who, though now are 9 & 12, will always be my little monkey-fishes. and free to take refuge under my wings whenever they need to.

and i am grateful to my own mother,  who always did her best to make me feel safe. this i know for sure. 

broody and deep. born under water with his eyes wide open. knowing. 

self-aware, empathic and nine. 

changing.