In our world there are many types of wind, which come in many forms. There are global winds, such as the wind belts that exist between the atmospheric circulation cells. There are upper-level winds, such as the jet streams. There are synoptic-scale winds that result from pressure differences in surface air masses in the middle latitudes, and there are winds that come about because of geographic features such as the sea breeze.
There are the winds that blow out the old and sweep in the new. They come like a mesoscale - such as gust fronts. They are essentially unpredictable, like dust devils and microbursts. Suddenly, there are fewer leaves on the trees and our world begins to appear like fall.
Prevailing winds would have us believe that things will always remain the same. We take them for granted, and assume life will always be as it is. Then, circumstances shift and the winds change. Unexpectedly we turn to witness an old part of our life blowing gently away. Something we fear we will never overcome is ushered out in a puff. Like the fall trees, we are lighter and poised for a new spring.
This week our Indian summer brought the Santa Ana winds. The name is derived from Santana Winds, traced to Spanish California when the winds were called "Devil Winds" due to their heat. The winds become so warm; they set the dry California grasses ablaze, burning out the old thick underbrush.
Are the "Devil winds" my sign?
I awoke at 5 am to the sound of the Santa Ana winds roaring outside my bedroom window. I walk out my back gate, out to the lawn under the large redwood trees. They bend and bow to the winds - howling back in protest. I stand transfixed as thousands of leaves blow by me down the darkened street.
Fall is rushing in, pushing summer out. Change is in the air. I am feeling better - better than I have in years. There is something to this drug called Armour. My mind is clear. I feel myself coming back. The warm wind hits my face like tepid feathers, lifting my hair away from my shoulders. I smile, happy to greet the new day.
Dinner with my mother and Aunt further confirm the change. “Your eyes, Cath, its your eyes - the sparkle is back” notes my mother. My Aunt grins, “Yes, they look mischievous again. Now, no trouble in Fallon Nevada next year for your birthday!”
As it turns out, everyone had such fun in Olympia Washington July 4th 2005 (do you remember that hilarious vacation with my mom??) the family decided to have a reunion in Fallon, Nevada July 4th 2007. The last time I was in Fallon, my cousin Ron and I went out dancing until sunrise. We caught all kinds of hell for worrying the Aunts. The funny part is they went out in the middle of the night in their PJ’s to the police station to report us missing. My mother had her night cap on … OIY! The policeman was concerned until he got to our ages. One of the Aunts told him we were 39 and 38. The cop looked up, shook his head and said, “This is Nevada – no one sleeps here! THEY ARE GROWN UPS! Go back home and go to bed. I am sure they will surface in the morning.”
The humorous part is Ron and me both had our cell phones, and no one ever bothered to call. The story still makes us laugh. I have never danced so much in my life. Ron is a fabulous dancer – and a kick in the butt. I think his wife hates me ever since.
Friday, Stephanie comes by to go for lunch and a walk. She tilts her head to one side, “Something is different with you – what is it? Spill”. “I feel better”, I respond. “No kidding”, she grins. While walking I stop to chat with a couple of guys. She elbows me “Yeah – you are different. You actually notice there are other men left in this town”. “Yeah but they are probably gay”, I laugh back. We talk of taking a road trip to Los Gatos for the holidays. I haven’t thought of my favorite town in ages. Suddenly I miss my dream city. Suddenly I want to go out dancing. There is a new wind.
I am once again chatting with an old friend online. He reminds me I am not far off from where I was - before everything happened and my life turned on its ear. New friends suddenly appear in size 14 shoes. The newly moved recur they may be gone, but are not to be forgotten.
Today, KB comes over the hill for a trip to the park. It is good to see her. She comments, “Your eyes are clear – I see you have more energy.” Hell yeah ... I even played with her precious 3 year old.
It is said the turbulence following the passage of the Santa Ana winds produces convective events such as grass fires and an occasional earthquake.
The turbulence following the passage of my old life could produce convective events such as small area earthquakes and broken bed frames…
Ya think?
Until next time-
C
