Thursday, June 16, 2011

my heart is heavy



How can you miss someone you've never met? How can your heart break when you read of her death?

I'm not sure what led me to visit Char's blog for the first time on my birthday, two years ago, but I do know that it was like an unexpected gift to discover her beautiful images. She inspired me to learn how to add textures to a photo, and she was generous with words of encouragement at my first, horrible attempts.

Occasionally sharp, often introspective, always well-written, hers was an authentic voice chronicling a life that at times seemed very hard. But her posts were larded with humor as well, and leavened with the real joy she found in her friends and family.

If you read Char, you will know that she could make your mouth water with her Southern cooking. She could make your heart sing with joy at the sight of a sunset. She made this Yankee an unofficial daughter of the South on her drives down the back roads of Alabama, in search of something beautiful to photograph. But the images that I will always remember the best are of her windowsill -- a few simple flowers in one of her beloved antique glass bottles.

I will miss her ipod playlists, which often left a song stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Fortunately, it was usually a good song -- her taste in music was extensive and catholic. I will miss her often acerbic wit -- sometimes directed at the foibles of her fellow man, but just as often targeted at her own self-perceived shortcomings. I will miss her laughter. I will miss her honesty. I will miss her voice in my head -- a low, Southern drawl with a hint of steel behind it.

As several bloggers have noted, she is most assuredly now in heaven with her beloved mother. I extend to her family my deepest sympathies. She will be missed by so many.

19 comments:

A New England Life said...

What? What are you talking about Mary? What happened??? Oh my gosh I am in shock right now!

Chris Graham said...

Mary, I am so sorry I had not discovered Char's blog until I read your post. What a remarkable, lovely lady she most have been.

Gail said...

...and she lives on, in all those who knew her.

Pamela Gordon said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. I had never been to Char's blog before but for you it must be a shock to learn of her passing. Blessings to you. Hugs, Pamela

Shining Windows said...

what? i had no idea, please mail me and let me know what happened....

beth said...

we are all still in mourning and disbelief that this has happened.....it was her heart/infection/ER in case some of your readers haven't seen that someplace else yet.....

ELK said...

so true . each word . she was a very special part of my blog journey as well ..blessings mary~~

jo(e) said...

(o)

Reena said...

I was just beginning to get to know her ... and am saddened to have missed out on this beautiful soul ... beautiful words for her here today

Tiziana said...

the loss of a friend so special, to share the same passions and interests, leaving an unbridgeable gap.
But he will live forever in your memory, I am convinced that when you frame a flower or a corner of nature, you will think of him.

I found only today, through Jen, and I am happy to have found this treasure! Your images are pure poetry!
Hugs! ^_^

A Garden of Threads said...

Ohmygosh, I did not know. Thank you for the information. A beautiful tribute accompanied by a stunning picture.

Lisa said...

My Dear Friend.
My heart hurts for you today. I can read your pain and Im so very sorry.
I have been at this blogging for a long time and have has a few losses that were so very hard to carry .
God has a very special new angle by the sounds of this .
Wishing you Peace today and my prayers are with yours.
Much Love

Mandy_Fish said...

A lovely tribute. She was beloved by all who read and knew her.

GailO said...

Shortly after I started a blog I discovered Char's blog through yours...I don't remember how I stumbled across yours...Maybe Shutter sisters? Anyways I have considered both of you as mentors and inspiration since then.

You have so eloquently said what I feel too...I am so devastated....

I has dawned on me that I have no idea what she looked like...but I know she was beautiful...

Mary said...

Thank you so much, everyone. I hope that she is reading this right now, and realizes how much she was loved.
xoxo

Wendy said...

Even though I did not know her, she must have been a wonderful woman. So sad. I'm sorry.
I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Katy Noelle said...

When Elspeth Thompson passed away, last year, I was in shock. It almost feels like that can't happen, somehow; so, friend, I'm wishing you peace!

Mary, your photo is delicate and ethereal - lovingly posted!

Country Girl said...

Oh, Mary. Now I remember (thank you) that it was you who led me to her . . . so glad to have 'known' her.

Marcie said...

Such a beautiful tribute and memorial to Char. In some ways - it's nice to have her blog as some sort of legacy.