Standing on top of the hill it is hard to imagine how much damage one hurricane can do. Two days before the sky had been blue with a few white clouds. Tourists relaxed on the beach and waded in the warm greenish blue waters. Sounds of waves crashed on the sand leaving offerings of shells and jellyfish. The dolphins entertained by jumping and swimming with all creatures that would join them.

The storm came ashore with tremendous fiery. The winds howled and there was loud thunder and bright lightening in the sky. The storm surge spared little and the waves took out buildings and all else that was in its path. I marveled at how small humans seemed compared to the fury of the storm.

Today the surviving trees are bent and there are a few capsized boats anchored between them. Debris decorates the beach from storm surge. There are a few treasure hunters looking for anything salvageable that may bring profit.

In town the water has subsided in my art studio leaving mold on the walls along with a few small marine animals not taken out to sea as the water receded. There was little warning of the massive hurricanes approach. What art work that was not washed out to sea now decorates the studio in pieces. My heart sinks at the total loss of my lively hood.

Standing on the damaged porch I remember the excitement of a new town and a place to make all my creative dreams come true. The new studio had an upper floor apartment that served as my new home. The beach and ocean provided multiple opportunities for inspiration and fun. Many days I would rise early to observe and paint the sunrise. Later I would take a dip in the ocean at sunset. Peace and contentment filled the days of my life. Now those days seems far removed from the new reality.

Days passed and then weeks as the community slowly began to clean up and rebuild. After much deliberation and prayer, I decided to begin the adventure again. Perhaps the devastation would lead to new opportunities and creativity.

Determined to overcome the loss of my home and move forward, I invested the majority of my savings to rebuild the studio. Residents of the community joined together to remember the community lost and to create something new and stronger. Artisans used the dead trees still standing to carve lasting images as a memorial to an era lost in a few short days.

I joined the artisans in creating a new vision for our community. We discussed bringing more artists into the community. There would be festivals, art exhibits, and classes offered to interested people. The air was fresh with anticipation and excitement. A new dream to move forward.

During the weeks of construction I lived in a shed converted into a living space. Although small it gave me a place to think and regroup. I experimented with new medium and found new passion in creating art out of the debris. It was gratifying to be able to tell a story out of each piece.

Moving day came and with the help of friends I relocated to my new studio. The atmosphere is fresh and comforting. I was able to salvage a few personal items from the old studio. Combining the past with the present has made the place feel like home.

One of my new passions is listening to the stories of the people who enter the studio. I set up a small coffee area for people to sit down and enjoy company. It has been successful and has given me new ideas for creativity.

It’s tourist season and the art gallery in the studio is doing well. I have been offering classes to anyone with an interest in beginning a new hobby. Working with other artists in the area there is now a market on the first Saturday of the month. The market features art of any medium for sale. The local musicians perform in a newly built gazebo. The restaurants in the community participate by offering special menus on these days.

In many ways the storm has made the community stronger that it was in the past. Chaos has turned into new birth for all of us. My journey has been enriched by working with people to rebuild this community. There is a wonderful spiritual essence that flows through my studio and art.

New beginnings are difficult and exciting. I still look at the skies with wonder at the beauty and the power in which it possesses. With that wonderment I look forward to all of the experiences of this abundant life which I have been granted.

copyright 2023 Debbie Pierce

2307 Creative Writing Monthly Challenge