All over the world, unexpected weather can strike, leaving civilians to decide how to respond both physically and emotionally. In New England, each year brings a new brutally cold winter covering the area with snow. Tornadoes and droughts are unpredictable, yet very dangerous to the people in the Midwest. On the West Coast, especially in California, temperatures and humidity levels are high, resulting in annual brush fires that can can climb up the entire coast. In Linda Thomas’s essay “Brush Fire,” she describes the amazing sight that is involved with each new fire from her own perspective as a native of southern California. Another author who is from California, Joan Didion, writes an essay titled “The Santa Ana,” which is the nickname for the strong winds that cause brush fires in California. She describes each new Santa Ana as a damaging and dangerous moment. Although there are some similarities in content, Thomas and Didion write essays that have contrasting tones, leading to contrasting central ideas about the Santa Ana. The definition of beauty may vary, depending on the individual and their experiences. Thomas believes that the sight of each new brushfire is amazing and describes how the people make the sight an exciting event. As she sits watching a recent Santa Ana, she writes, “On this evening, my neighbors have arrived, too, their dogs and children in tow. Some have brought soft drinks. Most have cameras.” The town comes together to witness the natural beauty of