My Daughter, Vanessa, is a Queen among women.  She has graciously waited for her King and in love and understanding entered into a life together with Steve.....

Here is just a glimpse of the festivities........

The Ceremony is set!

Svaha!  Blessings offered to the Bride & Groom  - tossing Barley & Rice into the Ceremonial Fire

Bride's Maid's Bouquet

Down the Aisle!

Romancing the Centerpiece

Jay in his Marigold Turban

Me, Playing Moribiaso - A Rhythm of Gratitude

My Beautiful Daughters

 

*To see more pictures, go to  the photographer's blog @ www.shewanders.com & click on "Read More" under Vanessa & Steve's picture!

Yesterday was definitely a day to remember! We ventured up to the property on Mt. Palomar that we lovingly have named "Pacha Mama's Grove" (Pacha Mama is the Earth Goddess / Mother Nature of the Incas) to find so much fire damage from the recent fires. I was absolutely amazed to see our bright yellow banner that we got as a preliminary sign for guests until the "real" signage was done waving boldly amongst the embers & ash! The ash looked like snow - there was so much of it! As I drove onto the property to find all of our structures INCLUDING OUR SWEAT LODGE in tact, I was overwhelmed with gratitude! We are most definitely protected and the fire spirits just danced around clearing pathways and trails, wiping out the poison oak(yeah!) and just basically "rinsing" the area. There were a lot of trees still smoldering so we broke out the hoses & shovels to douse as many "hot spots" as possible. As we prepared to come down the hill after dinner we noticed SO many embers resting in the brush. They had a sense of peace about them though, so we left, trusting that all was well. No new fires have cropped up & the guys are back up there with chainsaws this morning clearing more of the trails from the fallen trees. I am so looking forward to our next sweat lodge, as I am certain that it will be magnificent & profound! I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to experience this relationship with these friends & this property & look forward to the expansion of our hopes & dreams. In Service & In Love Padma

 

I couln't believe this sign was still in place!  The entire gate beneath it was totally burnt!  Mmmmm...what's that message?!?!?!  :)

Our wonderfully sacred sweat lodge!  All of the blankets simply dropped to the base of the lodge - none of them blew away!  ONE landed in the fire pit in the center!  The little "spots" of color are the rose petals I brought up to "kiss" the land with

The hill just inside the gate, completely covered in white ash!

My daughter got married on Sunday - My friend who happened to be the caterer, had to leave early because her home in the Jamul (south) was being threatened, another guest also had to leave as well - her home is in the Escondido area (north).
Steve & Vanessa's (bride & groom) home is in one of the mandatory evacuation areas - we were able to get their vehicles, computers, photos & important papers - we encouraged them to go on to Italy & try to just trust that all will be fine.
As of now their home has not been effected.
The winds are the biggest threatening factor - we are having gusts in some areas up to 30-35 miles per hour. They can carry the embers quickly to great distances - big problem!
We are being told that we ALL should be prepared to clear out primarily because of the unpredictability of the winds.
The winds have calmed down in some areas & has given the fire crews the opportunity to gather themselves a little.
Our retreat center on Mount Palomar, so far is safe as well.
My area is not being threatened - we are all safe.

Now that we have daylight, the fire crews are able to evaluate the specific areas where the most attention is needed. We have so many fires going on all around the county that its overwhelming.
So, if you'd like, hold us in the light & send some energy to cool & sooth the forces involved.
Our prayers & gratitude go out to all of the firefighters, police & rescue crews. They are exhausted & they just keep going. Bless their hearts!

There are a lot of videos out there - I don't have anything different as of now.

If my situation changes I will try to post an update.

Thank you.
Padma