Silver linings 

Savoring simple daily pleasures

Our poor waterlogged land is bracing itself for another almighty deluge brought by high winds in the form of Cyclone Gabrielle.  

Under more usual circumstances, a cyclone of this magnitude would be frightening enough, but on the back of the huge storm damage suffered the country is on tenterhooks. 

I was shocked and saddened to witness the aftermath of panic buying today as I popped in to my local supermarket and green grocers and butchers to buy a few items we would need regardless of weather. Shelves completely empty and great gaps where product deemed essential would have been. 

Apart from one or two items- (any bread whatsoever!) I got what we needed and nothing extra. I had just passed a very pleasant couple of hours with a dear friend for a long over due chat and catchup. We sat in a cozy window seat watching the village buzzing past and the strong pre cyclone breeze providing some welcome cool. 

But what has been especially lovely these past days is everyone's sense of concern and care for their communities. Checking in, making sure friends and neighbors are ok, offering help, lending items, giving advice and support. Its heartwarming to see, in the face of such uncertainty - people really do care. They band together to shelter, provide and care. 

While schools await further instruction as to if they will open on Monday, students are somewhat comforted by the fact they are in this together. A sense of comradeship which helps to alleviate angst and worry to an extent. 

We feel we are waiting...not quite believing it will hit as hard as predicted but being ultra cautious with provisions, plans, preventative measures any way- just in case. 

And through all this the unthinkable catastrophe in Turkey and Syria unfolds. More than many of us can comprehend. And still....hope, fellowship. A woman pulled alive after over 100 hours buried in rubble, tiny babies- alive! Fighting to stay with us. The joy and relief on the rescuers faces match by the grief and terror on those waiting to find loved ones. 

Humanity is an amazing thing. In amongst the rubble, the bombs, the floods- people care. They are GOOD. They have hope and spirit. 

It makes me involuntarily take a literal and mental deep breath. To take stock. to be so grateful for what I have. Not least a safe healthy family and a roof over our heads. 

The unctuous smooth comfort of the pillowy pizza dough I made tonight for dinner, the beautiful belated birthday flowers from a friend and the warm gentle glow from a light yoga stretch before getting ready for bed. 

As I type the wind is strengthening outside my windows and my scented candle is flickering. 

I'm going to run a bath, pop my computer and phone on to charge, and take a few moments to connect with family overseas. To tell them they are in my thoughts and I love them. 

I'm going to slip in between my fresh sheets in my safe bed and drift off with a feeling of peace and wellbeing as I listen to the storm grow. 

Tomorrow is a brand new day