The Godzilla Stomp

So, I did have a Godzilla-free day. But, the earth felt a little of the Godzilla-two step not once, but twice, here in upstate New York. That's right, the earth shook...and then, later in the day, it shook again.

Yesterday morning, around 6:30, I was sitting right here when the house trembled. The computer screen swayed. The television remote sort of skittered across the desk.

My reaction?

Huh. Now, isn't that interesting?

That's right. There was an earthquake, measuring 2.2 to be exact, about 35 miles east of here. I felt it, but just carried on.

Unflappable, I guess. I'm sitting here shaking my head, almost embarrassed to admit I took it so in stride.

Later in the day I was outside picking apples. Yes, life here at Villa Leone is lively. So...picking apples. We planted a row of apple trees behind one of the barns. They're heavy with fruit, and the apples are oh-so sweet, so I spent a good part of yesterday making applesauce.

I was minding my own business, picking fruit from the first tree in the row, when the ground beneath my feet just sort of started to shudder. Really weird feeling. I realized the branches around me were swaying, and an apple dropped near my feet.

I looked down the row at the other trees. Branches? All swaying. Very freaky to watch.

My reaction?

Huh. So this is wild. I wonder how many more apples I can fit into this big bowl before I'll have to go inside and dump it into the sink?

Desensitized, much? Overload, anyone?

Godzilla stomping? You think?

Today? More applesauce. More canning tomatoes. More book writing. And, hopefully, no more ground shaking!

Wishing you a peaceful day!

Heartbreak

Before we met, my husband was a young GI who spent a very short amount of time in Japan. I mean, it was a real quick visit. However, my darling never needed more than a minute to bring happiness or make friends. Language barrier? No obstacle for the beautiful man's twinkling brown eyes!

Vito was in Japan long enough to snap a bunch of photos. Last night I sat with his brown leather photo album, looking at the images of my handsome husband surrounded by smiling Japanese citizens. An elderly man, standing beside the uniformed soldier, grinning, obviously tickled to be included in the photograph. One photo shows a woman, young and pretty, smiling from behind a delicate hand. Another, Vito with a group of children. His hand rests gently on one little boy's shoulder.

I've seen these pictures many times. I've always loved seeing this side of my husband, this peek into his life before me. I have never, ever felt anything but joy when I've perused this photo album.

That is, until now. Now I wonder what's happened to these smiling faces. I pray for the men, women and children captured by Vito's camera lens. I pray for them, and all the others whose lives have been shaken and turned upside down--literally--these past days.

I can't imagine what life in Japan must be like today. I am heartsick over the disaster, and wish I knew how to help the people who so warmly welcomed a stranger to their land.

Yes, I know my donation will go toward easing the pain wrought by the earthquake, but I'd like to do more. Much more. But what?