Ventura Strong

2017 was a different year for different people. It was meh for a good amount of folk. A disappointing year for hyped up products and events. As someone who's building my small area here on the web, it was up and down. Continued growth but also dealing with ad boycotts and the usual competition from everywhere else. But I have to say that the close of this year was indeed memorable. Because I witnessed and survived the greatest wildfire in California history...the Thomas Fire. 

I count myself as one of the lucky ones. Because after all is said and done (and the fire to date is STILL not fully contained), I still have what I have. Others aren't so lucky. Many lost their homes. A handful even their lives. 

I'm reminded by a line from Gandalf The Grey from one of my favorite film and book franchises, The Lord Of The Rings. Even though I didn't really wish to be a part of the greatest fire in this states history, 'so do all who live to see such times, but that's not for us to decide. What IS for us to decide is what to do with the time given to you.' 

I have come through this hopefully a better person with a better perspective on life. I always felt life itself is a gift but leaving my house on the first day of the fire, looking at my possessions and having to be at peace that this would probably be the last time I saw my house in one piece, I now look at what I have and realize how lucky I am. And it's important to not be so possessive of these physical things. They are things I can't take with me. What I can take with me is a life well lived. I strive to do better as a human being and the experience is something I will remember until the end. I wish you all a very productive and successful 2018.