This week has been tough. I love living in San Diego, but thanks to the fires raging through my area, the last few days have been a strange mix of elation (for being safe), frustration (at being unable to “fix” the problem) and sad (at viewing the loss). Fires, fear, smoke - you name it, we’ve experienced it. The area is a mess.

I was one of the lucky ones. Many people were not. As I watched the news - and that’s about all I did for the last five days - and read email loops, I witnessed account after account of people losing everything. So many folks had only minutes to pack and get out. It got me thinking: what would I take? My basic view is that things are replaceable. You get people and animals out…and run! But if I had a few minutes, what would I grab on the way out of the door in addition to live beings, food and water? Important papers, my wedding album, a few photos, my favorite lounging blanket and a book or two. The first is practical, the middle are sentimental and the last would be for comfort.

I’m not sure which books I’d take. Frankly, I probably would not have the time to go through them all. I’d grab and leave. But, if you had a few minutes, would you grab any books? If so, which ones and why?

I’ll pick a person at random from those commenting to win a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate. That way you can buy something you want…maybe an extra copy of a favorite book for your emergency kit :)

UPDATE: And the winner is…Michele L. Congrats!!!! Email me so I can get that gift certificate out to you.