Wildfires & My Social Media
Docter's House of Books & Meanderings
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Happy Friday from Myrtle Beach, my Favorite VIP Readers!
National Earth Day was this week, April 22. It’s a day in support of protecting our environment. Growing up, I didn’t think too much about such things. Thankfully, as an adult I’ve become much more aware of the world around me. I learned to recycle and find more environmentally friendly options to a variety of living choices.
Can I do more personally? Probably. I’ll keep trying. Everything I do to keep something out of the landfill, air, or water system is a good thing, right?
You’re probably wondering why I’m talking about a national holiday that has already passed. New Jersey’s wildfire this week on the heels of our own Carolina Forest fire in March prompted me to think about what’s been happening across the country for some time. Wildfires. Tornadoes. Floods. These disastrous events seem to be everywhere. I’ve also been thinking of how I respond to these reports on a personal level.
Let me digress a moment. I’m happy to report that the weather has vastly improved here in South Carolina from last week’s cold. Yes, I was complaining about the cold in my last newsletter. Jeez. Was that only last week? Now, we need some serious rain to combat our drought conditions which are presenting a wildfire hazard. It’s feast or famine when it comes to the weather, isn’t it?
We definitely don’t need more fires threatening our residents or forests. It took a long time for them to get the Carolina Forest wildfire under 90% control (as of yesterday). Much of the lingering problems lie in the forest floor in the layers they can’t soak enough to put out. It continues to be monitored and addressed as needed. This morning, my husband woke to a heavy pall of smoke over the area, likely from the fire. Thankfully, by the time I got up, it had dissipated. I’m particularly sensitive, probably because I spent so many years on oxygen before leaving Colorado.
Will they ever get it under 100% control? Time will tell. Bless our firefighters and first responders for all of their valiant efforts to protect our citizens during and after these disasters. They are true heroes!
I thought I’d left behind the threat of wildfire, when we moved from Colorado to South Carolina. Now, I know better. It’s just a matter of having the right conditions, as recently evidenced this week with New Jersey’s wildfire.
I looked up some statistics for last year. “In 2024, a total of 64,897 wildland fires were reported in the United States, burning a total of 8,924,884 acres.” FMI: https://www.nifc.gov/sites/default/files/NICC/2-Predictive%20Services/Intelligence/Annual%20Reports/2024/annual_report_2024.pdf
These are scary statistics. Check out the article to read an overview of how the fires were started, how much land and property was burned, etc. I don’t want to get into a debate about nature vs. manmade fires, forestry practices, logging, or any other environmental hot button. (You’ll see why as you read further.) What I want to talk about here is my personal response to these events.
I tend to react when events like these are close to home. If it’s touching my life or those of my family or friends, it’s a whole different experience than if it’s taking place a thousand miles away. On any given day, there are so many reports of similar events, albeit fires, loss, economic hardship, etc., that I just can’t comment on everything. It doesn’t mean I don’t care. I do!
Sometimes, I wonder if people on my social media know this about me. I may not respond to something. It doesn’t mean I don’t care. It doesn’t mean I am unaware. I don’t allow politics, causes, or religious posts on my social media. I do have opinions and beliefs. I simply choose to keep those off my pages and encourage a place to linger over coffee or tea…or food. I do love food!
I like to believe that most people care about what’s happening to their fellow man, woman, and child. Their world. I know there are bad things and bad people out there, but I believe in the best of people. That may be a Pollyanna attitude, but I’m a positive person. I work really hard to keep that attitude front and center on my social media.
I have some followers who have told me they feel “safe” coming to my pages, especially my private chat group, Docter in the House, where they find uplifting stories, recipes, fun, positive posts. Yes, I’ll occasionally run a post on a wildfire or other major event, but generally I prefer to send a positive note of encouragement to whomever’s having a difficult time. I wish I had the time to do this for everything I see come across my screen…
But then, y’all won’t see another book from me. Ever. Not happening! Books are the air in my lungs!
I need balance in my working environment, too. So, for those of you who are having a difficult time right now, for whatever reason, know that I’m sending huge hugs your way. Take one and pass it on!
Happy Reading.
Karen
Some News Today…
I’m happy to report that the prequel to my Thorne’s Thorns series, Shadow Pursuit, is shaping up nicely. I know I’ve been saying that for a while. But word count is above 74k. This sequel is a lot bigger than a novella…or a breadbox. Hey! The book is done when the story is told. I don’t want to shortchange Ross and Evelyn or my readers. I do see the end of the tunnel on the horizon though. You’re going to love Ross and Evelyn’s story!
This Week’s Killer Book Bench & Killer Fixin’s Blogs
Monday: N/A
Wednesday: #Suspense #Thriller, THE MURDER SHOW, A Novel by Matt Goldman https://wp.me/p4pimt-9M9
Friday Fixin’s: #OldWest #History FOOL'S GOLD FOLLY, A Story of Irish Resilience, The Renegade Series by J.D.R. Hawkins. #Seafood #Pasta #Recipe CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA. https://wp.me/p4pimt-9Mm
More news!
As mentioned last week, I’ve been debating what to call my meanderings here at Substack. It no longer feels like a newsletter. I spent the week trying to find a fun title for my new weekly blog, diary, whatever this new place is for us to hang out. I finally decided on Docter’s House of Books & Meanderings, since I talk about my books and other authors and their books, too, as well as life observations, etc.
Thanks for your continued support. If you would like to ask a question about me or my writing, please feel free to email me at kldocter@yahoo.com. If you are curious about something, maybe the others here are, too. I want to talk about what interests you!
See you next Friday. Happy Reading!
Karen