45 Comments
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Julia O’Malley's avatar

Thank you for writing. Have been thinking of you today and wondering what things looked like from where you are. Take good care.

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Stephanie Weaver's avatar

It is absolutely horrific. My friend lost her home on the first night and even though we are down in Oceanside I have still felt like it is happening to us. Take care.

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Eliza Anderson's avatar

I’m so sorry

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Donald's avatar

Nothing like living on the edge, not knowing from one minute to the next, what your next move will be. I'm glad you and your family are safe.

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Katie Bausler's avatar

Just breathe seems inappropriate in this moment. Deep breathing for you. Take care Susan.

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Marge Conner-Levin's avatar

My goodness I am so sorry. I hope you can rest today.

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Nancy Klopper's avatar

hoping you are safe susie, and that your beloved home is untouched. xx

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Susan Orlean's avatar

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Tina Redmond's avatar

I am so, so sorry that you have to go through this. Please take care and stay safe. You cannot be replaced.

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Linda C's avatar

I’m so glad to hear you are ok. Somehow, this time feels different. The scale is crazy. I wonder how this is going to change our state.

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Lynn Chen's avatar

Been thinking about you up there Susan. We are safe but still digesting this surreal reality. Last night as I packed my emergency bag for possible evacuation I was surprised how bad I was at something I’d thought I was prepared for. I’m glad you are okay and the dogs are too. Thai food helps.

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Susan Orlean's avatar

The Thai food was the answer!

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Kathie Moore's avatar

Thankful to learn you are safe. Hope it becomes permanent rather than temporary. I often play the game in my mind - what would I take if I had to leave in a hurry. Watching all of this horrendous disaster from afar has reminded me of my promise to myself to inventory my home for insurance purposes. I shall begin Monday.

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Jennifer Ward Dudley's avatar

Susan. I’m not sure I’ve read your substack posts. I’ll definitely do so in future . This will sound unusual. Your evacuation experience was charming. I lived above a garage on Kirkwood Dr Laurel Cyn @19. Left my parents BHills home to find my own way . Worked in rag biz down town. Last eve after countless hours of News , texts and calls from friends (a few have lost homes palisades) I was so gutted I needed distance. Yet guilty I was away and safe. Then a call a fire begun Hollywood blvd and canyons above . Sunken I thought what would I reach for . You’ve written the purest words for those who’ve never had to leave their nests. I’m sorry you and everyone in my former land of plenty are suffering . I can’t imagine.

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Jane Duval's avatar

Good to hear that you & yours are ok. So sorry about devastation caused to so many .

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Kate Bergam's avatar

Wow what an incredible recount of your experience evacuating. I can this also happening to myself. I’ve also played the mental game of what will I grab in the moments I have. This is an important exercise for all of us to do. What truly is irreplaceable? My daughter’s ceramic hand print from preschool and the baby books. Chargers for everything. I bought a crank radio/usb charger/flash light for the car. My 8 year old loves to play with it.

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Rhonda Talbot's avatar

So glad you're back home and safe. The mind indeed breaks. Along with the heat, at least for me. It's all too much. There are ppl I can't find. I'm still keeping you in my divine circle.xoxo

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Karen Scofield's avatar

I'm praying for the people, and the animals that are being effected by this Devastating Disaster 🙏 I hope the winds Stop and that Rain will come.Blessings for All

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