I spent my youth plotting my escape from suburbia.

It was a good life in Connecticut.

Nevertheless, I could not wait to head out of state for college.

After several other cities and interesting career moves,  I joined forces with my husband, started a family and eventually ended up in Marin County. Despite our fabulous home and beautiful setting by the bay, it was suburban hell with the absolutely worst people.

My pre-fire life in Pacific Palisades was living by the beach in a small village. As long as I did not have to intermingle with the Birkin Richie Riches I was fine.

Still a devoted city dweller, I have recently added/ substituted suburbia for the country and I am all in.

Living in a tiny hamlet in the country poses an entirely different lifestyle.

Once you do not have to interact with parents of children under 18 all is good.

A person, namely me, whose life in the Big City involves seeing every new Broadway show, dining at new restaurants, walking miles daily and visiting the best museums in the world, I am shockingly satisfied to busy myself in our new home and indulging in extensive water exercise in the gleaming pool, eventually succumbing to horizontal water flotation devices for hours on end.

Cooking is now a joyful exercise and not an obligation.

I wander around the homestead admiring our creative handiwork.

Who knew life’s twist and turns would detour into unbridled happiness.

WTF…for the present, I am experiencing the best of both worlds, able to partially shut out the realities of a world on fire. One must attempt to find some level of peace and happiness during these sadly challenging and tumultuous times.