Fire Update – May 23, 2025
It’s been just over six weeks since the April 7th chimney fire at my home in Leyden, and I have to admit—it’s been a very difficult time. The outpouring of support from my family, friends, and Songline customers has been a bright spot in all of this, and I’m deeply grateful.
The first two weeks after the fire passed in a blur of chaos. While the fire itself was limited to the attic and second-floor ceiling, smoke and water damage extended throughout the entire house. At first glance, much of the first floor and basement appeared intact. But as the amazing team at Quality Restorations began pulling insulation and opening walls and floors to prevent mold, I slowly watched as more and more of the house was gutted. I truly didn’t realize the extent of the damage. In the end, all three floors were taken back to the studs.
From the outside, the house still looks fine. But the entire roof and trusses need to be removed and replaced, along with all doors and windows and inside as I said, it’s a different story.
We’ve temporarily relocated Songline’s operations to two separate locations, which looks to be our setup until the fall. Things are starting to settle, though progress has been slower than we’d like.
Dave, our cats Bailey and Xena, and I are now living in a 12 x 40-foot mobile unit parked on our side lawn. We’re trying to embrace it as a sort of extended summer “glamping” vacation. At least we still have access to the land and gardens, which brings some comfort.
With my son-in-law Benjamin Sylvia stepping in as General Contractor and the continued help of my daughter Meagan, we’re beginning to plan the rebuilding phase. For those who don’t know, I bought this land back in 1995, spent five years studying and clearing it, and then designed and built my home in 2001 to take full advantage of the sun and the views. There’s not much I’d change about the original design—but like any longtime homeowner, I do have a list of small things I’d do differently. So, I’m choosing to see this as an opportunity to polish things up.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support and encouragement. I’ll keep you posted here as we rebuild.
Chimney Fire Devastates Leyden Home and Songline Enterprises Office
In the early hours of Monday, April 7th, 2025, a chimney fire severely damaged my home in Leyden, MA—also the office of Songline Enterprises LLC. The fire spread from the chimney to the attic and second floor, causing extensive fire, smoke, and water damage.
Thanks to our fire alarms, my partner Dave Peters, our cats Xena and Baily, and I escaped safely. Fire crews from seven towns responded and extinguished the fire—but it tragically reignited 12 hours later, worsening the damage.
The roof is a total loss, the second floor must be gutted, and parts of the first floor and basement (my office) need full reconstruction. We are displaced and facing a long road ahead.
Insurance will help, but coordinating the rebuild is a huge task. Meanwhile, I’m working to keep my Emu Oil business running despite the disruption and potential income loss.
How You Can Help:
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Place an Order – your support is appreciated
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Refer Friends & Family – They get $5 off, and you earn 500 Wellness Rewards points. Instructions here.
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Email Instead of Calling – We may end up playing phone tag.
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Be Patient – Orders may be delayed by a day or two as we adjust our workflow.
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Your support, kindness, and encouragement mean everything. I’ll continue to post updates here.
“All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
Dee Dee Mares, The Emu Lady