37 Comments
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Caroline's avatar

I’m not sure why the “yard” party piece made me cry so much - except it was such an exquisite description of those rare rare places that feel like home with non of the burdens, just pure joy. Thank you.

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Debra Fried's avatar

The thought of you crying over something I wrote just floors me. Thank you for saying so, and for expressing why so eloquently. x

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Teresa's avatar

What a great story, you say it so well and took me right into that meeting with you, I could hear your gorgeous words. It reminds me of my own “lifter-upper’ Noreen. God how I love that woman. It was a million years ago, a big meeting, I was standing in for Noreen at an important meeting with the president, rumored to use the F-bomb and call you out. Unlike you, Debra, presenting your gorgeous words and perfect tone, I was presenting numbers on a billion dollar excel spreadsheet, not my long suit. Prior to the meeting, I took Noreen through a rehearsal walk-through, nervous as a cat for the impending meeting. She took out a red felt-tipped pen and wrote across the top in big bold letters “You are my expert.” I still well up with tears whenever I think about or retell that story. She gave me such a rush of confidence, I walked into that meeting feeling prepared to meet the bear — who said “f*cling great.” Thank you for reminding me of how important it is to lift people up around us, to be generous and patient and kind. Luv ya! Luv Ruffle!

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Debra Fried's avatar

You’re MY expert too, Teresa! Always. I know exactly what you mean and why Noreen’s felt-tipped affirmation makes you well up to this day. Kindness and encouragement - the very things we all need no matter how secure we appear.

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Laura Tannenbaum's avatar

Congrats! Here's to your impeccable style and smarts.

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Debra Fried's avatar

Laura - thank you! I feel incredibly vulnerable sharing this kind of writing after having spent a lifetime writing the kind of stuff that doesn't reveal a thing about me. George has been an amazing friend and his generosity floors me. xx

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SAYURI DOI's avatar

So glad to be able to enjoy your writing Debra. It’s been so many years but reading your words snaps it all back. Writing from the heart. Thanks.

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank YOU, Si!! xx

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Patti McConnell's avatar

You are simply stunning. Equal parts talent and beauty.

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Debra Fried's avatar

I love you, Patti. Thank you. x

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Jacqueline Leak's avatar

I had a matching top and skirt my mom made for me in 6th grade. Prints. It was so uncool except to my teacher who asked me to stand up and show it off to the class. Oh god!!

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Rochelle Rice's avatar

Congratulations Pearl! Love, love, love your style! As one person already noted, “write on” my friend! So incredibly excited for you!😘

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Pearl. Love you. xx

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Brad M's avatar

I like this woman's POV. Mainly because I like this woman and also her unique writing style. Keep at it.

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Janine Gevas's avatar

I was right there with you. Not that industry. Not those people. Didn’t get the smile but wished for it. You connected with the hope for it. That’s the art of writing. Individual experiences that connect and reveal universal truths. Well done.

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Janine!

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Teresa's avatar

Couldn’t agree more!

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Dave M's avatar

With regard to your MOST-engaging writing style & views on life…I’ve been like a man after many days in the dessert. This new venture, is a cool pitcher of water! Write on!! ✌🏻🙏🏻

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Debra Fried's avatar

I. Love. You. Thank you, Dave. XOXOXO

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Bella Kennedy's avatar

I love this story!! Been in same position! It’s nice to have someone lift you up!! Keep going!! I appreciate this!

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Bella!!

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Leslie's avatar

Love.

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Leslie!

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Vivian Collazo's avatar

i was right there beside you. great job! as usual :) xoxo

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Debra Fried's avatar

And you were right there beside me literally too... for all of it. Love you, Viv.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Cool! I'm so glad to see you over here on Substack. Great start. Keep going. Hal

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thanks for your support, Hal!

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Hannah's avatar

I'm late to this but let me just say, I remember this moment w those chic women and you were always in their fashion camp in my eyes. I also remember the little black dress you wore for "Hello Tomorrow" with Reese and Patrick D shooting...you were always the most elegant and audacious. Both with your words and your style.

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Debra Fried's avatar

Hannah! You were there for all of it - both physically and emotionally - talk about support and love! XOXOXO

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Dima's avatar

Love this

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Dima!

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