Wonderful reflections and observations Erik. Fire is such a powerful and evocative creature. I am at once in love and at war with it. It can bring life and death. Comfort and pain.
During the years I served on submarines, fire was the enemy we most feared. We were all trained in advanced firefighting techniques. A fire on a submarine is almost certain death if not contained quickly.
Yet in returning home we would often gather round a bonfire in someone's yard and drink to the success of the mission. Here fire was the bond, the altar upon which we gave our thanks.
Transfixed to your writing as if hearing you tell this over a campfire.
Heart wrenching to read of this woman set on fire. Horrendous.
And the juxtaposed events of warming to the fire, protection by the fire that in the previous story brought utter destruction.
I remember last year, my thoughts were similar of water after Hurricane Helene dumped trillions of gallons of water and took away entire towns. She ravaged and left us with no running water. So much water in a short time and then none worthy of drinking. From that point we went into a drought which was great for those with roofs torn off and people displaced and living in tents.
My family relied on Dustin or heroic FEMA water tank driver for months. Water, precious water. I went to the tanker every couple days and it literally became the well in which townspeople checked on eachother and talked through the process of shock and grief.
Sorry, didn't mean to go off on this tangent. Your story of fire brought back my memory of water.
As always thank you for your contemplative writing.
Outstanding. Your beautiful reflection reminds me of why I enjoy the song “Let it Burn” by Shaboozey. (Bet you didn’t expect a Shaboozey reference in your comments!)
Wow. Loving this new (I think?) style you're playing with here...weaving memories and stories from both your work and hiking adventures + musings on Living. Keep it up..
Thank! Mostly I’m just opening up to more than just wilderness/nature content. But yes, that may bring in some work stuff from time to time. Glad to hear you like it!
It’s the juxtaposition of the truly terrible with the beautiful. Truly profound experiences. Thank you!
Wonderful reflections and observations Erik. Fire is such a powerful and evocative creature. I am at once in love and at war with it. It can bring life and death. Comfort and pain.
During the years I served on submarines, fire was the enemy we most feared. We were all trained in advanced firefighting techniques. A fire on a submarine is almost certain death if not contained quickly.
Yet in returning home we would often gather round a bonfire in someone's yard and drink to the success of the mission. Here fire was the bond, the altar upon which we gave our thanks.
That’s exactly it! How can this one thing simultaneously be both of those to us?! It’s really incomprehensible.
Transfixed to your writing as if hearing you tell this over a campfire.
Heart wrenching to read of this woman set on fire. Horrendous.
And the juxtaposed events of warming to the fire, protection by the fire that in the previous story brought utter destruction.
I remember last year, my thoughts were similar of water after Hurricane Helene dumped trillions of gallons of water and took away entire towns. She ravaged and left us with no running water. So much water in a short time and then none worthy of drinking. From that point we went into a drought which was great for those with roofs torn off and people displaced and living in tents.
My family relied on Dustin or heroic FEMA water tank driver for months. Water, precious water. I went to the tanker every couple days and it literally became the well in which townspeople checked on eachother and talked through the process of shock and grief.
Sorry, didn't mean to go off on this tangent. Your story of fire brought back my memory of water.
As always thank you for your contemplative writing.
No, don’t apologize! That’s a perfect and profound comparison! Thank you for sharing it.
Outstanding. Your beautiful reflection reminds me of why I enjoy the song “Let it Burn” by Shaboozey. (Bet you didn’t expect a Shaboozey reference in your comments!)
I don’t even know who Shaboozey is! 😂🤣 Gotta look that up now!
😂😂😂
Gorgeous writing and a really touching collection of memories. Thank you for the inspiring meditations!
I’m honored Brittany. Thank you very much!
Beautifully written Erik. Over 40 degrees and a blasting hot northerly; we just wait for the inevitable fires on days like these.
Stay safe brother! It’s mid winter here, but should get up into the 70’s (f) today. It’s getting hotter every year.
Wow. Loving this new (I think?) style you're playing with here...weaving memories and stories from both your work and hiking adventures + musings on Living. Keep it up..
Thank! Mostly I’m just opening up to more than just wilderness/nature content. But yes, that may bring in some work stuff from time to time. Glad to hear you like it!