Go To Sleep by gardenfolk

Go To Sleep

When nothing
goes right,
go to sleep.
...Anonymous

Sweet Katniss. She was out like a light in a deep sleep. I didn't want to wake up either and hoped I’d just had a bad dream.

I checked my phone and my sister in law had left me a message, "News this morning says Pacific Palisades has been essentially wiped off the map. So sorry, this is so sad."

She was correct. As the day went on, I learned of more devastation. Will Rogers Park had burned and his historic home and the beautiful white barn where I kept my horse was gone.

I would walk to Palisades Village from my house...the library, grocery store, movie theater, bank, deli, dance studio, garden shop, various businesses and the homes surrounding the village have been reduced to rubble.

My elementary school and high school burned. The beautiful building called The Business Block commissioned in 1924, where my mom worked, was ravaged by fire. Historic Villa de Leon 1927 burned down.

I do not know about my childhood home yet but I sat and cried all day while watching the unimaginable news. It felt apocalyptic. I am heartbroken.

The Pacific Palisades fire grew to 16,000 acres, burned more than 1,000 structures so far and there is 0% containment. The fire has been spreading towards Santa Monica and Malibu. This is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles County history. My town is gone.

The Pasadena fire (Eaton fire) has been brutal as well.

A fourth fire has broken out in the Hollywood Hills, near the infamous Hollywood sign.

Katniss has the right idea...wake me when it's over.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1346

https://www.thewrap.com/pacific-palisades-fires-damage-photos/

https://www.nbcnews.com/video/grounds-of-historic-villa-de-leon-caught-in-blaze-amid-palisades-fire-228800581755

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_de_Leon

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/eames-house-getty-villa-and-more-which-buildings-have-been-impacted-by-palisades-fires

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14263715/All-thats-left-Pacific-Palisades-wildfire-ruins-california.html

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/california-wildfire-100-year-old-starbucks-building-becomes-unrecognizable-video/articleshow/117079369.cms

So heartbreaking reading your narrative! I have been watching the horrifying scenes on the news - just so scary for all those living there. Big hug - stay safe!
January 9th, 2025  
Shocking level of devastation, I am so sorry this touches you in such a personal way.
January 9th, 2025  
I love the picture but most of all I'm so sorry for what's happening to you.
My first trip to the USA was in California. I was 14 years old, travelling alone to stay in a family in the North of the state but we landed in LA. It was the early morning. The view of the city from the plane with its streets still lighted and the beautiful orange sunrise is still one of my fav memories called "wow! that's stunning" even 54 years after.
January 9th, 2025  
Sweet Katniss! If only you could sleep these horrific developments away. Beyond imagination, even as pictures of the destruction are available for the world to see... Wishing you God's matchless shalom (peace in the midst of chaos) to embrace you as your mind and heart try to absorb this ongoing news!
January 9th, 2025  
Wonderful
January 9th, 2025  
Katniss is a beautiful feline
January 9th, 2025  
I'm watching the news as I;'m writing this and it's heartbreaking.
January 9th, 2025  
A beautiful capture of Katniss. Such a heartbreaking situation for so many occupants, unbelievable devastation.
January 9th, 2025  
Good grief - I can't find the words to express my sorrow at the heartache being experienced by so many.
January 9th, 2025  
A lovely Katniss capture. Such a heartbreaking situation. It’s been all over our news programmes.
January 9th, 2025  
So sweet :)
January 9th, 2025  
A day of mourning for Jimmy Carter gathers in the Los Angeles area too.
January 9th, 2025  
So sweet
January 9th, 2025  
There are no words to make things better, Cathee! This is horrible beyond belief! Heartbreakingly tragic in so many ways! The loss, the devastation is unimaginable! The trauma is so hard to absorb! I hope you can find a little comfort with Katniss and your family and friends! Huge hug!!!
January 10th, 2025  
If this is the best response we all will be well rested soon.
January 10th, 2025  
Sweet.
January 10th, 2025  
You’ve been in my thoughts a lot. I’m sending you energy to get through this…
January 10th, 2025  
😢 It is so horrible as we all watch feeling helpless. I'm so sorry for you, CC.
January 10th, 2025  
Such a tragedy. I hope Katniss will provide some comfort.
January 11th, 2025  
Aw, sweet capture of Katniss. So horrible what's happened in CA, heartbreaking
January 11th, 2025  
Sweet Katniss. If only it was just a bad dream.
January 11th, 2025  
@pamknowler @casablanca @parisouailleurs @bjywamer @joansmor @darchibald @susiemc @carolmw @robz @carole_sandford @gilbertwood @tunia @elisasaeter @365projectorgheatherb @randystreat @seattlite @beverley365 @corinnec @swchappell @kchuk

Thank you all for your support and understanding. I not only mourn for myself but for those all affected by the fire this horrible week. The unimaginable has happened. Pacific Palisades began in 1922 and burned to the ground 2025.
January 17th, 2025  
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