The Day Our World in Butte County Changed. #CampFire2018
We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, with gray ashes falling into the pool, our world here in Butte County has been forever changed.
We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, gray ashes raining into the pool, our world here in Butte County has changed.
Scott and I stared in shock at that swiftly moving smoky cloud as we flipped on the news to find that the newly named Camp Fire, tearing through our neighboring Paradise, was moving at the speed of a football field every 3 seconds. With my cousins and many friends living in that area we were desperately concerned for their safety. My cousins (and pets) safely evacuated to our house leaving with the roar of fire in their ears. They brought a young friend who had escaped as her home burned, flames flanking the road as she drove down the mountain, with burning embers peppering her car.
The day was a blur as we provided blankets, water, toast & jam, soup, chocolate and a steady stream of news but there was truly nothing that could quell the anxiety and fear for the possibility of lost loved ones, pets and homes. Scott ventured out to the grocery store amidst road closures and insane traffic but made it back with pasta and pizza, comfort food, for dinner.
Though I started packing a few essentials earlier in the day, around 8:30 Thursday evening it all became real as we received our own mandatory evacation order at our home on the south edge of Canyon Oaks in Chico. We suddenly had lots helping hands but left in a flurry of packing, loading and warnings and wishes to neighbors.
This was the view out our window and up our street as we fled.
Scott, our elderly cat Jack, and I ended up at my step-daughter Briana’s home on the north end of town where she, Shawn and baby Charlie provided food, drinks and lots of TLC for the night.
We finally slept but I awoke in the darkness of early morning to check the firelines on my phone to see if our home was possibly still standing. Within an hour we felt pretty certain the fire had not progressed to our home.
We later learned just how close the Camp Fire came to our neighborhood. Our home is the black dot surrounded in blue.
It was sweet comfort to wake up to this little guy, grandson Charlie, and have the kindness of family that morning. By late morning we were incredibly relieved to get the notice that we were cleared to return home.
This was the surreal drive home across town at around 11:30am as I followed Scott in his SUV. I’ve never seen a daytime sky the color of charcoal with an orange glow. We also knew, with that dust and ash came a world of devastation, loss and heartbreak.
It’s been almost a week since our world changed:
My dear cousins lost everything except the few items they could pack into their cars. They are in shock but grateful to be safe and sound. We have numerous friends and colleagues who lost their homes in Paradise and everything but the clothes on their backs. We know some who have lost a family member in the fire.
The devastation in Paradise and surrounding areas is truly jawdropping as you have probably heard on the news. The loss of life is astounding as the stories continue to unfold of residents miraculously escaping with flames on all sides. There are still so many who are unaccounted for and tragic stories of those who were unable to escape the flames. It may be months before some of those remains are found and identified.
There are also heartwarming stories of bravery, generosity and great appreciation. The firefighters have been a godsend. Giving, sharing and volunteering helps to ease the anxiety and stress of the the moment. When an entire town is decimated, as Paradise has been, our neighboring city of Chico is welcoming the residents with shelter, food, clothing, fundraisers, work spaces, governing spaces, places to worship and eventually, places to attend school. The community support is overwhelming and a true bright spot with the grim headlines.
Unfortunately, our town of Chico, with a population of around 90,000 has a 1% vacancy rate. Nearly 7,600 homes have been destroyed in this fire. Homeless camps are growing all over town. It’s cold, rain is coming, the holidays are on the horizon. My husband is at a community meeting right now and just texted me that the Camp Fire has displaced 4 times the number of students as did the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa last year. It will be a long haul of rebuilding. Not just months but years.
I write this post today since I’ve heard from so many family and friends from around the world sending prayers and well wishes. They have watched the news coverage with horror and want to help. I know many of you reading this are wondering how you can help. Centers are overwhelmed with clothing and shoes right now but financial donations are desperately needed.
A few of my favorite local donation options:
Action News Now Camp Fire Fund 2018
North Valley Community Foundation - Butte County Schools Fire Relief Fund
If you prefer to donate directly please consider Mrs. Davis & the Fox Class on Go Fund me to support a teacher from Ponderosa Elementary who saved her students. Her classroom and home were both destroyed in the fire.
For now, life feels forever changed here in Butte County. We will support each other and we will rise again, hopefully coming out better, stronger and safer than before. We are #ButteStrong.
Thank you for your support and care for our world in Butte County. xx
Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire - FEMA
How It Feels: “When You Lose Everything in a Fire” - Kristen Moeller
A Walk in Bidwell Park with Uno Alla Volta
It's always a treat to discover a surprise package on the front step. I opened a box the other day that contained this beautiful pastel scarf from Uno Alla Volta. The ethereal leaf patterned Devore silk scarf was handpainted by Joyita. I styled it with my dusty pink faux-leather waterfall front jacket, Svelte leggings and Vince Camuto Booties.
Our walk in the park was a quick stop since we were on our way to an event in downtown Chico. The fall colors were irresistible and my scarf was perfectly in style at our favorite watering hole later that evening.
It's always a treat to discover a surprise package on the front step. I opened a box the other day that contained this beautiful pastel scarf from Uno Alla Volta. The ethereal leaf patterned Devore silk scarf was handpainted by Joyita. I styled it with my dusty pink faux-leather waterfall front jacket, Svelte leggings and Vince Camuto Booties.
Our walk in the park was a quick stop since we were on our way to an event in downtown Chico. The fall colors were irresistible and my scarf was perfectly in style at our favorite watering hole later that evening.
The watercolor silk scarf handpainted by Joyita.
"Joyita recalls the childhood joy of painting designs with rice flour and water on the floor of her home, guided by a grandmother who taught her to take notice of everything she saw. Today she takes additional inspiration from nature to create wearable works of art on 100 percent silk in her California studio. " Joyita
Uno Alla Volta from the hearts and hands of Artisans.
The silk scarf created by Joyita was a gift from Uno Alla Volta. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Sweet Bridal Brunch on the Canyon
Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn’s upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.
Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn's upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.
Every detail was planned to perfection by Jordyn's family and friends! From the splashes of color in the breezy centerpieces, to refreshing flavor options at the mimosa bar, to the delectable brunch dishes, the sparkles of the cupcake bar, and the rose embellished favors. Sparkles, gold dust and 'love' was in the air to celebrate the beautiful bride-to-be.
Side Note: This unique architectural home on the canyon is stunning. Rumors abound that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor rented it while he was filming, 'The Klansman', in nearby Oroville. If these walls could talk!
To Book your dream destination contact me:
Welcome to the Family, Baby Charlie!!
Welcome to the world Baby Charlie. Grandpa and Gigi are head over heels in love with you!
Ohhhhhh Baby!
Scott and I welcomed our first grandchild to the family on November 1st. He was anxious to get here and arrived a few days ahead of schedule. Mom, dad, and baby are doing great and we (and I'm speaking for our entire family) have never, ever been happier!
Welcome to the world, sweet Charlie Daniel Clark!
We are so ready for this next chapter of life and all the joy that you bring.
Baby Charlie Raspberries!
A Sweet Summer Bébé Shower for Briana (and Our First Grandbaby) xx, Gigi
It was a sweet summer bébé shower last month for my beautiful step-daughter, Briana. We are incredibly excited for Briana and Shawn with their little one on the way. Briana's mom, Shawn's mom and I co-hosted the shower for family and friends at her mom, Danielle's, house. For me, the preparation started with flowers at home. I used a mix of pastels since they have chosen to be surprised with the gender of the baby, due in early November. I created little nosegays for use in mason jars. I added ribbons with both pink and blue colors because the ribbons (with baby motif) were just so darn cute!
A Sweet Summer Bébé Shower
It was a sweet summer bébé shower last month for my beautiful step-daughter, Briana. We are incredibly excited for Briana and Shawn with their little one on the way. Briana's mom, Shawn's mom and I co-hosted the shower for family and friends at her mom, Danielle's, house. For me, the preparation started with flowers at home. I used a mix of pastels since they have chosen to be surprised with the gender of the baby, due in early November. I created little nosegays for use in mason jars. I added ribbons with both pink and blue colors because the ribbons (with baby motif) were just so darn cute!
Scott helped me deliver the rocking chair we had ordered from their registry. We were so pleased with this piece, comfortable and stylish, that they will enjoy for years (and hopefully more babies to come!). Though this shower was only for the ladies, the men went out to brunch while we were celebrating.
A sweet summer shower for a beautiful mom-to-be and we can hardly wait for the next chapter!
xx,
Gigi
Brunch Style: Living on the Fringe with Uno Alla Volta
I have a new appreciation for brunch dates of late. Scott and I headed to one of our favorite brunch spots in Chico last Sunday, Two Twenty Restaurant, at Hotel Diamond. We were crushing on the 1955 Bel Air wagon parked out front. Nothing like cruising to Sunday brunch in style!
On the Fringe with Uno All Volta
I have a new appreciation for brunch dates of late. Scott and I headed to one of our favorite brunch spots in Chico last Sunday, Two Twenty Restaurant, at Hotel Diamond. We were crushing on the 1955 Bel Air wagon parked out front. Nothing like cruising to Sunday brunch in style!
It was a warm day and a flouncy dress was the best choice to keep my cool. I grabbed my new suede Florentine Fringe Clutch to mix up the look with a 70's vibe. This clutch is handcrafted in Florence, Italy, by Elisabetta and Alessandra for Uno Alla Volta. I'm wearing my favorite grayc glass necklace, as usual!
Translated from Italian, "uno alla volta" means "one at a time". This brand creates unique, artisan collections from around the world and makes them available conveniently online. I'm a fan of their luxurious leather bags, Murano glass jewelry and home decor pieces. With our travel to Italy last summer deeply embedded in my memories, I always appreciate a touch of Italy here in California.
For more on Uno Alla Volta.
The Florentine Suede Fringe Clutch was gifted to me by Uno Alla Volta. All opinions expressed are my own.
