Friday, June 17, 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.

21 comments:

  1. I don't know why, today I found your blog..... maybe just to tell you.... Char is going to stay her with her posts and pics!!! Hugs, Flavia

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  2. Mary, I read Char occasionally and she was one of a kind authentic. I hadn't heard about her death and there's nothing on her blog. What happened?

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  3. Mary, I've just read Char's blog back to the start,and as the tears block my vision at times,I have never read more heartfelt words,I'm sad!..and having never known her,her family I feel a great loss, of such a talented lady,maybe her blog/journal will be an inspiration to many.
    My thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  4. Oh...I have not read Char's blog. What a sad time to lose such a special person. The line between our real worlds and Blogdom is one made of gossamer. Love to you...

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  5. Have not been there....and now my heart is heavy, too.

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  6. a beautiful tribute you have given to Char. I took a scroll through her blog, and she has left a lovely memory for those who knew her.

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  7. I was not familiar with her blog either, but no less saddened by the loss of someone who was so admired by her blog friends.
    If you are close enough with her family to be in contact perhaps you might suggest they have her blog printed out by one of the blog printers out there . Blog2Print is one.
    This would make a wonderful journal of her creativity and thoughts.

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  8. So sorry to hear your blog friend passed away. SO young and unexpected. I lost two dear friends last year - both in their 50's from heart attacks. Sending much sympathy to the family.

    Carolina Mts

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  9. I'm so sorry to hear this. I've not read Char's blog, but as Vee so eloquently expressed, the line between blogging and real life is so faint.

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  10. How sad! Her blog is lovely as she was herself. I had not heard of her passing. Your post is a lovely tribute.

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  11. I haven't read her blog, but what a beautiful tribute.

    sigh.....

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  12. I never visited her blog, but your heartfelt words are lovely.

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  13. Mary, what happened? Char's blog was bookmarked on my computer. She was such a lovely person. I'm so very, very sorry to hear this news.

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  14. I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Char but what you have written makes me sad that I never knew about her Blog.

    You know where she is, and that she is young, beautiful and healthy. And we all meet each other in heaven.

    Blessings.

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  15. How sad to hear this news about a fellow blogger! I have heard of two young people passing this week in tragic accidents and my heart is heavy with sadness for their families. Each day is a gift ..no matter who, no matter what age. {{( hugs}}}

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  16. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, Char. She will live on in your heart though because of all the memories you've shared!...:)JP

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  17. Mary, this is a beautiful tribute to Char. I'm sad for your loss. I did not know Char's blog. Thank you for sharing these lovely words. ~ Sarah

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  18. Mary, what on earth happened? I am in shock. I am sitting with two of her enlarged photos on either side of my couch, two of my most precious possessions. I can't believe it. Could you email me and tell me what happened?
    Brenda

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  19. I was shocked when I read of Char's death.I had no idea until I read this and also Brenda's post. I read her blog but knew her better from Flickr...her work was fun, ethereal, a joy. She was so supportive of my photos...I wish I had known her better but what I did know was a woman of warmth and a joy of life. May she rest now, at her Mother's side, in Heaven.

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