Not shaken, but stirred

Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I were hiking along the San Andreas Fault in the Coachella Valley Preserve. "Wouldn’t it be weird if the Big One hit, " I asked, "right this very minute?" 

We laughed together, as if dismissing an absurd thought. And tra la la, we continued on our trek.

On the way back to Orange County, we stopped an appliance store. Our clothes drier bit the dust last week, and we needed a replacement, stat.

A cluster of salesmen greeted us at the door. "Did you feel the earthquake?" one of them asked.
 
We stared. "Are you serious?" 

"Dead serious."  Arms waving wildly, they described the swaying lights, heaving floor, and toppled shelves.

We burst out laughing. Gallows humor, I guess.

The earthquake was on a different faultline, but close enough. In retrospect, I’m surprised we didn’t feel it. Whether it hit while we were hiking or while we were stuck in traffic, I don’t know. But it’s certainly a wake-up call!

I’d venture to say that most SoCal residents are complacent about earthquakes. It won’t happen today, we think, and not in our backyards. But Mother Nature operates on her own timetable, doesn’t she? We have to meet her on her terms. Yesterday’s episoe was a healthy reminder that we’re just guests–with day passes–on her beautiful but unpredictable playground.  

Earthquake news aside, Easter weekend was wonderful. I emerged from "my" oasis with a renewed sense of peace–and fresh energy with which to tackle my revisions.

Inside the Andreas Canyon oasis (Colorado Desert)

Joshua Tree National Park (Mojave Desert)

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  1. Glad you’re all right! That was a pretty big quake–luckily it didn’t seem to hit many populated areas.

    When I was in Chile we got a lot of earthquakes. Once I thought the family I lived with was playing a trick on me when they started talking about the 6.something the night before. But it turned out to be true. I’d just managed to sleep through it.

    I hope you don’t get to experience “the big one!”

    • Thanks, Rose. I’m guessing we experience a lot more earthquakes here than we realize (thank goodness). I’m seriously thinking about restocking my earthquake kit. We get so complacent, until…!

  2. we’re just guests–with day passes–on her beautiful but unpredictable playground.

    You have the loveliest way with words.

    I can’t wait for your book to be published. 🙂

    • Re: we’re just guests–with day passes–on her beautiful but unpredictable playground.

      Thank you so much, AM! That means more to me than I can say.

  3. Gorgeous pictures…makes me sad that I was a lazybutt when I lived in California, thus missing tons of awesome hiking opportunities. Glad you were okay…I’ve been hanging on my family and friends’ every word and had wondered how you fared!

    • Thanks for your concern…I’m glad your friends and loved ones are safe!

      I’m going to post more photos in a couple of days. The desert is really quite beautiful, if you’re willing to accept it on its own terms. If ever you make it back here…!

    • Thanks for your concern…I’m glad your friends and loved ones are safe!

      I’m going to post more photos in a couple of days. The desert is really quite beautiful, if you’re willing to accept it on its own terms. If ever you make it back here…!

  5. I have a special request.

    Please ask…

    “Wouldn’t it be weird if Tammi’s agent went totally crazy over her latest manuscript and zapped it to editors right away?”

    • HA HA HA HA HA!

      Thing is, I was hypothesizing about one fault line, and the earthquake happened elsewhere. So if I conjectured about your manuscript, it’s entirely possible that another of my LJ friends would reap a sale. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course. Just sayin’.

    • HA HA HA HA HA!

      Thing is, I was hypothesizing about one fault line, and the earthquake happened elsewhere. So if I conjectured about your manuscript, it’s entirely possible that another of my LJ friends would reap a sale. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course. Just sayin’.

  6. I have a special request.

    Please ask…

    “Wouldn’t it be weird if Tammi’s agent went totally crazy over her latest manuscript and zapped it to editors right away?”

    • Whew, me too! Or near the abyss. YIKES!

      It is beautiful, isn’t it? I always considered the desert a barren wasteland…until, that is, my husband taught me how to see it through a different lens.

    • Whew, me too! Or near the abyss. YIKES!

      It is beautiful, isn’t it? I always considered the desert a barren wasteland…until, that is, my husband taught me how to see it through a different lens.

    • Thank you. Ha, it makes for a good story, no?

      I’m going to post more pictures in a couple of days. The desert is particularly beautiful this time of year, and I love that you’re willing to come along on my adventures. 🙂

    • Thank you. Ha, it makes for a good story, no?

      I’m going to post more pictures in a couple of days. The desert is particularly beautiful this time of year, and I love that you’re willing to come along on my adventures. 🙂

  10. I love that you and your husband cracked up when you heard the news. That’s healthy, I think. Of course, the sales people probably thought you were a little nutty. 🙂

    Every time I see photos of your oasis I wish I could stroll there with you. Someday, I hope.

    • Laughter’s always good. Have to say, though, that my husband’s laugh track was a bit delayed. I could almost hear his brain whirring, could easily imagine him checking the data cells in his mental spreadsheet against the stories the salesmen related to us in the store. 🙂

      Hey, I used my husband’s SLR camera (digital) on this trip. What fun–and the photos are turning out much better. I have much to learn, but it’s so much fun.

      ALSO. We *will* stroll together through the oasis together. Of that, I am certain.

    • Laughter’s always good. Have to say, though, that my husband’s laugh track was a bit delayed. I could almost hear his brain whirring, could easily imagine him checking the data cells in his mental spreadsheet against the stories the salesmen related to us in the store. 🙂

      Hey, I used my husband’s SLR camera (digital) on this trip. What fun–and the photos are turning out much better. I have much to learn, but it’s so much fun.

      ALSO. We *will* stroll together through the oasis together. Of that, I am certain.

  11. Only a tough cookie like you could be immune to the earth quaking beneath her feet. Take it as a good omen that you walk on solid ground!

    • Wow, thank you! There’s nothing in the world more comforting than a tight squeeze from a special friend.

      (I consider your wonderful Phoebe project a giant hug, as well. Wondering…it’s set up for YA writers and readers, but am I still eligibile to join?)

  13. “we’re just guests–with day passes–on her beautiful but unpredictable playground.”

    That is beautiful, Melodye.I hope you don’t mind but I’m going to add it to my folder of nature quotes

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