Hi friends, I know I haven't posted much lately, but life's been weird, and just got weirder. Short version: Our house burned to the ground last night in the #RiverFire that swept through our area, and everything is gone.
We're safe, our pets are safe, we grabbed most of our family photos and sentimental belongings, but it's a shock.
I snapped this pic as we were evacuating yesterday. It's incredible how much can change in 18 hours.
Our neighbor snapped this pic this morning:
This was taken from about where the trailer is parked in the first photo. It's a total loss.
Here's a before and after of the front door:
How can you help?
People are asking, and we know we'll need help, but we're not sure exactly what yet. In the meantime, there are a few ways to donate to help us cover our immediate needs. As a reminder, my business was run out of our home, so that's gone too. Heading into Q4, when I make about 75% of my year's sales, this is going to be a huge hit for us long term.
Donate directly via Venmo (@lizz_porter; last 4 of the phone 9915) or Paypal.me/lizzporter.
There's a GoFundMe set up here.
We have a running Amazon wishlist here
Shop on Amazon through my affiliate link: Shop here
You can buy a Pew Pew Lasercraft Gift Card and hold onto it until we're up and running again.
If you have a laser, you can buy files from my shop, Pew Pew Supply. Pew Pew Lasercraft is closed until further notice.
Even just reading my posts here and sharing the content is a huge help. I make money through my ad revenue, so every set of eyeballs on my pages is a help.
How are we doing?
You know what? We're OK. We're together, we're overwhelmed already by the support and the messages. The worst is behind us. We won't spend the next day or two wondering, we already know what happened, so we can start the process of rebuilding, moving forward and healing. It could be worse.
I'll try to keep this post updated as I have information, and other ways to help our community at large. (As we understand it, of the 15 or so houses on our street, about half of them are gone.)
Thank you, we love you
News Coverage
I've been talking to reporters all day. I'll add links here as I find them.
True crime shout out in this SF Gate article.
A reporter, Melanie, came by with a camera crew and chatted with me and then went and shot some footage at the house. (As of this writing, we haven't been back yet) Find the video here
Oh Lizz, my heart breaks for you and your family 💔
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I’m glad to hear you were able to save a few things. I’m glad you all are safe and your community of bloggers is helping spread the word on how we can all help you! Thanks for your update and letting us know you are doing ok despite what has happened!
Lizz
I am just speechless to hear that you have lost your home. I know you had big plans for it and I hope that you guys are doing OK.
Liz, Jamie, and Max, please contact me so I can send a donation from my discretionary account at the church. I have some limited funds available, and would like to make them available to you.
Blessings,
Austin
We love you guys! Let us know what you need! Anything, anytime!
Oh Lizz,,
I’m so sorry but want to be a support if I can. I would like to send my donation to you directly, so please let me know where you are staying.
Prayers for all
I love the three of you so and I’m so glad you all are okay.
Lizz, I’m so sorry to hear this. If you have orders that I can help fulfill, let me know.
Our cousin, Roni, told us of your loss. We live in the Sonoma County area of fires yearly, such tragedy but resilience is powerful. Hopefully, you can temporarily relocate with family and start the rebuilding process. But especially keep your business going into the holiday shopping s. ason. As if the pandemic wasn’t enough. Prayers and hope
Lizz, I am so very grateful that you all are safe. Prayers as you process, begin to heal, and move through this devastating event in your lives. You all will come through ❤️
Lizz, I am SO very sorry to hear about the loss of your home. I will do what I can and your family is in my prayers.
Lizz & Jamie,
I was devastated [when Kristin & Ed] told us the bad news about losing your home. The devastation from CA fires is unbelievable. Some of my neighbor’s family members had to evacuate from Grizzly Flats for the fire that happened after the River Fire. At any rate I really want to help. Please email me the name [both or either of you] and a current address so I can mail a check to you.
Sincerely, Roy