That was, by far, the most simply beautiful description of where you've lived and live in California. So many have gushed about the beauty there, but none in simply unadorned prose that describes profound beauty. It felt raw without trying to be. I have family in LA still evacuated, and continue to pray for safety and courage in the days and weeks to come for them and you and all in harm's way.
Your writing transported me into your world—I felt your anxiety, hope, and sorrow. I’m so sorry for all you’re experiencing and witnessing. Keeping California (and you) in my prayers as this unfolds.
So wonderful to read such a fine writer; Wordy Bird pulls one right into that amazing State of Mind, that trek down the Pacific Coast Highway from the monarchs in Pacific Grove to La Jolla—it is as magical as a Gabriel García Márquez story. We all know something about the slurry of writers who have, like Ms. Orlean, been there, blown away by that stretch of less than 150 miles along the breathtaking PCH. And the grotesque bit players, so not writers, who—like Daniel Day Lewis' horrid "There Will Be Blood"—rabidly sucking Mother Earth for her fossil fuels; morbid witch hunters striving to clobber any person who'd so much as read Karl Marx; studio rapists taking advantage of pure and simple power and on and on and on for a spellbinding mix of life with episodes trying as we are now facing and as sweet and beautiful as the Rascals singing "Beautiful Morning." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqjlFGZxtE
That was, by far, the most simply beautiful description of where you've lived and live in California. So many have gushed about the beauty there, but none in simply unadorned prose that describes profound beauty. It felt raw without trying to be. I have family in LA still evacuated, and continue to pray for safety and courage in the days and weeks to come for them and you and all in harm's way.
Thank you so much, Mary.
You nailed LA. Not easy.
Fingers crossed that the winds die down and that the firefighters can gain some ground and that all Angelenos will be safe. What a nightmare.
Your writing, as always, hits the spot. Wishing you safety and peace of mind.
Thank you, Marisa!
Thank you for this article.
Such wonderful, visual writing.
I send you my prayers that you remain safe💞
Your writing transported me into your world—I felt your anxiety, hope, and sorrow. I’m so sorry for all you’re experiencing and witnessing. Keeping California (and you) in my prayers as this unfolds.
Stay out of harm’s way.
LA loves you back 💯
❤️
As always, your writing leaves me breathless
This means so much to me, Bren. Thank you.
❤️
I hope the winds die down and the firefighters can extinguish those fires. Stay safe and healthy.
In it with you, Susan, from here in the greater-Westwood metro area, where my gas mask arrives on Tuesday (if we're still allowed to have Tuesday).
Wishing you the best – selfishly, as I've enjoyed your writing for quite some time.
So wonderful to read such a fine writer; Wordy Bird pulls one right into that amazing State of Mind, that trek down the Pacific Coast Highway from the monarchs in Pacific Grove to La Jolla—it is as magical as a Gabriel García Márquez story. We all know something about the slurry of writers who have, like Ms. Orlean, been there, blown away by that stretch of less than 150 miles along the breathtaking PCH. And the grotesque bit players, so not writers, who—like Daniel Day Lewis' horrid "There Will Be Blood"—rabidly sucking Mother Earth for her fossil fuels; morbid witch hunters striving to clobber any person who'd so much as read Karl Marx; studio rapists taking advantage of pure and simple power and on and on and on for a spellbinding mix of life with episodes trying as we are now facing and as sweet and beautiful as the Rascals singing "Beautiful Morning." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqjlFGZxtE
Your last paragraph is haunting. Stay safe WB.
Just got one of those spammy comments. Reported it and blocked. Hope I blocked them and not your actual account. :-)