My precious home in Altadena was destroyed by wildfire on Jan. 8. Although I lost everything, I'm committed to re-creating the sacred space and sanctuary that my sons (Jeremy Elliott and Austin Elliott--bless them) and friends enjoyed. Joy, hospitality, laughter, music, dancing, fellowship, parties--that's what I was able to nurture. No matter the tempests, surprises, and setbacks throughout my life, I go forward, buoyantly. That's my nature.

I retired from adjunct teaching at USC last year. It's rather different to experience this devastation and figure out finances as senior.

The funds will help me restock personal supplies and household goods. Chiefly, clothing and shoes, personal care, meds, kitchenware and appliances, and pet supplies for darling Tessa.

This quote from the Buddhist sage Pema Chodron speaks to me:

"To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.

To live fully is to be always in no-man's-land, to experience each moment as completely new and fresh. To live is to be willing to die over and over again."