Prayers for the Pacific Palisades and Surrounding Areas of LA

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - PRAYERS FOR THE PACIFIC PALISADES AND SURROUNDING AREAS OF LA

It's been a long week. As I write this newsletter, today marks one week since the fires began in LA. The Pacific Palisades was hit particularly hard, as well as parts of the surrounding area including Malibu. What has happened to this beautiful landscape is unprecedented. It remains uncertain whether it can ever come back to the soulful place it was. Time will tell. Winding roads cascading down the mountains to the sea, this palatial community has been reduced to ash. It's just heartbreaking.

The Pacific Palisades was formally founded in 1921 by a Methodist organization, and in the years that followed became a refuge for Jewish artists and intellectuals fleeing the Holocaust. The Palisades would later be sought after by celebrities and other high-profile individuals seeking privacy. It is known for its seclusion, being a close-knit community with a small-town feel, Mediterranean climate, hilly typography, natural environment, abundance of parkland and hiking trails and a three-mile strip of beautiful coastline. It is also known for featuring several architecturally significant homes. Most of them are gone.

Nicknamed the Palisades and Pali by surfers and locals, the Palisades coast spans from after Sorrento Beach in Santa Monica to the south and ends at Sunset Point Beach and Malibu to the north. Beaches along the Pacific Palisades coast include Will Rogers State Beach, Sunset Point Beach, and one of the few unofficially gay beaches in Los Angeles, Ginger Rogers Beach. A large part of Malibu that sits west of Pali also burned down.

I had the good fortune of spending time in this area back in 2005 when I went to visit a dear friend of mine who was ill. I flew out to stay with him for a week. He was able to muster up enough energy to drive me around LA and show me some of his favorite spots. The Pacific Palisades and Malibu were on his list. I remember being in awe of the beauty of this place. You could tell this was well established in the California tradition of a laid-back lifestyle immersed in beauty and tranquility. We had lunch in Malibu. My friend passed away the following year. I will always have the memory of Pali and Malibu in my heart forever. 

There's a lot of speculation about how the fires started and got so out of hand. I won't even venture to ponder such a thing. It's irrelevant, though arson is being investigated. We all know about the Santa Ana winds and budget cuts that certainly had something to do with the quick spread of flames. But it's the devastating loss of lives and people's homes that captured their precious memories. It's the loss of a community that was well established and had a history of calm and peace. It's the loss of innocence of an area that brought so much comfort to so many who found solace as their homes overlooked the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye could see. There's nothing quite like this anywhere else in our country. This is a profound loss for the families that lived here. The aftermath will go on for years to come.

In the weeks and months ahead, rebuilding efforts will begin. Money is being raised, and there are many ways to give. I gave to the American Red Cross. I read today that looters were arrested for stealing. Some had drugs and guns on them. I can't imagine taking advantage of others misfortune. What a savage thing to do. I hope they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No one who has suffered such loss deserves to have vultures come in and take what's left. What a disgrace. 

I want to stay positive and send prayers to the people of this region. May you know strength and courage in the days ahead. We must carry on in spite of the horrors of life. Each day brings renewal. Home is where the heart is, and I pray that the hearts of everyone who was affected by these fires will find their way home again soon.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we know the power of prayer and of coming together with love and compassion for others in the worst of times.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick this week is The American Red Cross. You can donate at www.redcross.org. Any amount is sufficient. Together, we can help LA.

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton in Washington, D.C. The worldwide Red Cross movement began earlier in order to provide neutral aid to the victims of war. It continues today to save lives and help those in need. 

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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

My highlight of the week was finding out that my friends and family who live in LA are safe. I continue to pray for those who lost their homes and had to evacuate. And I pray for those who perished in this awful tragedy. 

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please guide the people of LA to be strong and resilient in this dark time. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How will you help the people of LA?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble at the bottom of this newsletter next to the Heart. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

LYRICS

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I'll dry them all
I'm on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on, silver girl, sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!