NOTES FROM THE DOLLHOUSE - THE STORM

The temperature was extremely, disgustingly hot, with the heat index at 100 degrees.  New Brighton had transformed into hell's front porch. The sun was blindingly bright all day & within an instant the sky went dark.

I snapped a picture of my walkway and turned to walk upstairs, as huge raindrops began bouncing on the brick walkway. Every step I took, mother nature screamed like a banshee! She showed her power with such force that by the time I reached the grand window on the landing, the trees began exploding!

Lightning lit up the sky and thunder growled louder than the roar of the trains. I ran to one of the rooms but was blown back by the wind blasting through the windows. From the master bedroom, I saw the tops of several trees combust, launching limbs, branches and leaves into the street.

The dollhouse shook and rattled as limbs from the massive trees in the front of the house beat against the windows. Hail bounced off of the old slate roof sounding like rocks being thrown.

All along the side walk, the tops of the trees began to combust, engulfing the massive historic mansions on 3rd ave.

The dollhouse continued to stand strong as trees and debris continued to whip and beat her.

Her shutters ripped off and broke in half. The molding at the base of her pillars, at the front entrance blew off and exploded into the flower beds. The statue of Buddha was beheaded. Her planters swung like pendulums. The windows screamed.

The front door was open and sage leaves and rose petals were pulled from their hooks, filling the entry like beautiful confetti. The himalayan salt sprayed the entire entry. Mother nature had cleansed and blessed the dollhouse! The heavy front door did not want to close as the wind ripped through the entryway! I finally threw my weight against the door and was able to slam it shut. The foyer fell silent.

Breathe.

These few minutes feel like an eternity!

Breathe.

What was that?

Breathe.

Live wires and trees everywhere!

Just breathe. It is almost over.

The sun began to shine again. The sky turned back to blue and the birds erupted in song.

I could barely see the huge Victorian next door. Broken trees covered her, including her wishing well.

The community emerged from around the rubble. The townsmen worked together throughout the dark, hot night and well into the next few days.

I spent the next few days feeling numb.

Overwhelmed by what the storm has left behind.

The clean up continues. Limbs from our beautiful backyard tree currently lay across the fence. The gorgeous rose bush and botanical garden lining the back fence is under the angry grip of the large limb.

The dollhouse is a fortress. The beautiful historic mansions that line the streets all around her are fortresses! They were all designed that way by the town's ancestors.

Built with the intention to always

triumph over the storm!

The spirit and heart of all of them can be felt always, protecting this special town!