40 Comments
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Lindsay Sword's avatar

Thank you so much for writing this. I am so sorry for everything you, your family, and your community are experiencing. Your work has brought so much joy and beauty to me and so many others over the years, and I am sending as much love and peace as possible.

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Lara Merkel Ross's avatar

It says so much about you that you chose to be silent at first. Someone just pointed out to me that the words 'silent' and 'listen' use the same letters. You've clearly taken in so much in your silence. I cant imagine watching the places & people I love in heartbreaking chaos. I greatly respect your perspective. Thank you for sharing such heartfelt thoughts. 🤍

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Marlien Rentmeester's avatar

Thank you, Lara. Keeping my kids' pain to myself...

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Lara Merkel Ross's avatar

We live in a world where people share EVERYTHING. Some who are displaced but have homes lament the clean up. Some who lost homes are heartbroken for neighbors, friends & animal visitors. The grace of you taking time is profound. You protect your children & allow yourself a beat as you take in so much sadness, loss & fear. I knew you have a remarkable village. Happy to send a meal, or better yet some knockout beauty magic your way. Stay safe 🤍🤍

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Phyllisa's avatar

We don’t know one another (I followed Le Catch for years) but I’ve been so worried you were hit in this catastrophe. I’m both heartbroken and relieved. Wishing you and yours a better tomorrow.

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Sonya Walger's avatar

I hear you, I feel you, I share in your pain. Our Big Rock house of twenty years is gone and the children’s childhood with it. Or so it feels. I am holding your hand so tight.

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Robin Thompson's avatar

I'm so very sorry for the profound loss you and your family are experiencing, Marlien. The loss and the grief incalculable. May there be kindness that surprises and sustains you. May you find a path forward with each next step. It's one step at a time, this journey of grieving and navigating the ashes. May there also be moments of beauty that nourish you, and light that feels like the tiniest bit of hope.

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Claire-Marie's avatar

Thank you for all of your beautiful and inspiring posts, bringing me a creative feast for the eyes everyday. Holding you and your family, and everyone affected by these devastating fires, close to my heart. May peace be with you.

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Kimberly Anton's avatar

Sending love and appreciation for the spark of joy you provide to my inbox each day. Wishing you and your family peace.

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Nicole Jellison's avatar

I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my house in a fire that swept through entire neighborhoods in 2017 and everything in your post resonates deeply. On the other side of this, I can assure you that a sense of normalcy and safety will eventually return but this interim period is undeniably painful and difficult. My thoughts are with you.

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Marlien Rentmeester's avatar

Thank you. So many decisions to make now. Blind faith!

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Sarah's avatar

💗

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LKF's avatar

As a long time reader of your blog, I wondered if your home had been in the fires’ path. I can’t pretend to imagine what you are going through but I hope you do keep moving forward and are able to sync up with a new rhythm that brings you some normalcy. Your fun blog is always a bright spot in my day (thank you) and I wish for healing and resilience for you and your family. You got this.

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Stephanie Douglass's avatar

Your bravery is pure inspiration… Thank you for sharing your overwhelming, mind bogglingly devastating experience. Step by step, day by day.. you’re surviving, journeying ahead and lifting up your family. There should be no guilt- this is your necessary path to RISE-UP! Your east coast framily is ready to help and wrapping arms around you!!❤️❤️

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Marlien Rentmeester's avatar

Thank you, Steph. Love you! x

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Karen's avatar

I am so sorry that this happened to you, your family and your community. May you all be blessed with the strength and courage to move forward., and the grace to accept that each day will be bring new challenges

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Marianne Downs's avatar

I have followed you for years, and I was worried about you and your family and all of your LA neighbors. Sending love and peace from Boston.

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Sarah Richey's avatar

I’ve followed your blog for years, always admiring your enviable lifestyle and wardrobe, and my heart sank when I saw your post on the 13th. Part of the joy of following certain influencers is being inspired by the beautiful lives they’ve curated, and your home has always been an inspiration for mine. It’s truly a loss for those of us who’ve loved catching glimpses of it over the years. I’m so sorry, and I hope you're able to create a new sanctuary that captures the same magic and memories before long.

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Kat Simonyi's avatar

I am so, so sorry. This is a tragedy all around. I have always loved and always will love reading what you put here and on LeCatch and appreciate you sharing so openly about what is a private and devastating event for you and your family. I hope y’all find a semi-permanent place to land, if you haven’t already.

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Sam's avatar

Sending love for you and your family. Thank you for sharing.

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