Having been earthquaked out of my cherished...

Having been earthquaked out of my cherished Santa Monica apartment, I find myself in a single room.

Without familiar possessions around me, I can still create my favorite, most soothing environment for being alone--but not lonely--as an escape from turmoil or fatigue: I semi-curl on the comfy studio bed, lost in a compelling story, munching comfort foods.

I’ve just finished “Clan of the Cave Bear,” accompanied by assorted cookies, real cheeses, nuts, chocolate and savory crackers, munched to the hum of a tiny space heater to take the chill off.

--BEVERLY CLOWER Santa Monica