Checking in

L.A. readers: how are you?

It felt wrong to post about anything but the fires today. This feels like a waking nightmare even from a safe distance; I can’t imagine what it feels like to actually be in it. My thoughts are with all of you in Los Angeles—I hope you and your loved ones are safe, and that your home is standing (I personally know of three people whose houses burned to the ground in the past 24 hours). Here are some ways you can help victims. Meanwhile, I’m in Houston to attend a memorial service for a close family friend, Marilyn (who I wrote about a while back). Between news of the destruction in a city I love, and finding myself in the hometown I feel ambivalent (at best) about, to say goodbye to somebody I cared a lot about, has put me in a somber mood this morning. How are you doing? Please do share.