Sunday, August 19, 2007

our tribute


We have decorated the fireplace in the living room with mom's Frida art collection- several pieces she made, several that I've made for her in the last several years, and several she's got from other artists. Since I took this photo, my 6yo niece has made several drawings and left them on the foot of the fireplace. I will take the art sent for her that we receive and add it to the fireplace. I am also printing out the notes posted here on blogger and setting them there so all who come can read about how many people were touched by her.


We plan to have our celebration next Saturday, the 25th. It was the day her art group was to have its monthly meeting. They always met at her house.


I will post another picture of our fireplace shrine to mom next week.

Melanie

16 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:43 PM

    Like so many others I was shocked and saddened to hear about Vicki. I felt like I knew her even though it was only thru online contacts.
    She was so giving and helpful. I already miss her. Please take care of yourself, Melanie.

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  2. I am so saddened by your mother's passing. She was a wonderful sweet soul that I enjoyed getting to know through the years. I was planning to come to CA and meet her in person next year. She and I often exchanged art, goodies and she freely gave me advice, encouragement and a true sense that I really could do anything I put my mind to, she was living proof of it. She was such an inspiration to me. I wrote a post on my blog about her http://groovyholly.blogspot.com/2007/08/such-sad-news.html
    I am off to make a piece of artwork for you to place at the fireplace in her memory. I have been passing the word to my art groups as well. My heart goes out to your family.

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  3. Dear Melanie & Family,
    I met Vickie via the Internet through the "Holy Moly Mackeroly" Yahoo Group. From there I joined a few of her personal Yahoo Groups, I want to say that all of my dealings with her via email "pleasant, easy going" & "very kind".
    One of her latest swaps involved "Frida Chunky" book swap...I am honored to have been able to join & participate (some how I managed to partake in this wonderful event)...upon receiving my book I took my time browsing through it & felt very moved & touched by the experience in holding this artwork in my hands.
    Vickie took time, care & energy to put a "fabulous book" together, I am forever greatful that I shared this experience with her & all the other ladies who participated in this incredible work of art.
    Jody from TorC, NM....thank you dear Vickie for being in my life, please family celebrate all the great energy that this lovely lady shared with everyone.

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  4. Vicki was my "Zine" friend, always encouraging and would always say Hi! when I logged onto IM. I admired this wonderful artist, she is a strong being, artistic and a bright light to many of us her friends. I will keep you in my heart, and think of you trading stories and having tea with Frida, flowers brightly dancing upon the wind, while the parrots and small monkeys clamour for attention around your table full of paints and colorful beads. Melanie, to you and your family know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  5. Anonymous9:23 PM

    Melanie I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person and she always was ready to help and give advice. I bought many of her stamps and I am in your Juxtaposed group. You both have added so much to the art world. Vicki will be missed.

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  6. I sent a postcard from Italy, where I live. If you read 'Stef' like signature, yes I'm. Hugs fro you, your family and our angel Vickie, Stef

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  7. Melanie,

    Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. Anyone who loses their mother has a sadness no one can know unless they have experienced it. But to have the kind of mom you did, must make it much much harder. I know you will miss her terribly, as so many others will.

    I wanted to tell you that your mother was a very special person in my life. She bought one of my collages about Frida, and I was so honored that she wanted it.

    I can't find the words to say to you about what a huge void there will be in my life without Vickie.

    I know that void is felt by hundreds of artists, and yet it's still not as big as the void you must feel.

    God bless you and your family,

    Zura Ledbetter

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  8. Vicki touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of artists who never had the privilege of meeting her. I am one of those folks, and I will miss her. She was encouraging, helpful, supportive, and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and all of her friends. nancy

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  9. Anonymous12:45 PM

    We are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Your Mother touched me and my family in so many ways- thank you for sharing her with everyone.

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  10. Anonymous5:55 PM

    Vickie was truly one of the most generous, kind, creative people I've ever known. I first met her when she took some of my classes through Artella, and for the past several years I have enjoyed and been inspired by every email I ever exchanged with her. She was active in several Artella groups, usually the first person to post an encouraging note when someone needed it. I know that hundreds of people will be missing her greatly.

    Melanie, in this difficult time, I hope that you and your family can receive a small bit of comfort from knowing how loved your mother was. She affected so many people, and if you can just imagine that all of those people are wrapping their arms around you right now with huge affection and support...well, then you can get a sense of how special she was to so many of us.

    Blessings and love to you, on behalf of everyone at Artella.

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  11. This is what I posted on HMM & wanted you all to see:
    "Hi all,
    For a long time, when I tried to figure out who was who on HMM, I'd save everyone's emails in individual files. I have email from Vickie to the group from 8/05 until I decided to keep them all in one file this year. Clear back in 1/06, she was writing about finally getting a diagnosis after so long with no one believing her. Starting her blog....encouraging everyone else...breaking her coil binder from so much use...the cafepress shop...workshops...trying not to overcommit...portrait stamps...reactions to bad medicines, yet cheering us all on...Gloria's stamps...chronic illness advice...communes, sprouts & homemade bread...working from home...preferring silence to music on websites...all of the little emails in life! But the one thing that came thru' the most in all the emails was her enthusiasm & how many times she congratulated & commiserated with each of us. She took time for us as individuals. I'd like to personally let her family know that she REALLY will be missed by so many people. Thank you, Vickie! You have blessed our lives.
    With aloha, Vickie!
    CC"

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  12. Anonymous6:50 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing a picture of Vickie's shrine. It's beautiful!! I will have something in the mail to you before the weekend.

    Sending you and the family big hugs

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  13. So So sorry for your family.

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  14. i never knew your mother. but i am moved and would like to send some art as a small, small tribute to her.
    may i?

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  15. I am so sory to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing the shrine with us. It is a wonderful piece and the drawing of Vickie and Frida is darling. Best wishes,Viki

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  16. Dear Melanie and family
    You to are showing the spirit that Vickie display so warmly and creatively to the many cyber friends so inspired. Your family ...all have these special qualities and I'm sure Vicki is so very proud of you all. You are doing an amazing job keeping all the cyber family imformed and supported in your time of sadness. Is it a time you need to look after yourself. Thank you so much for including us. Vickie's inspiration will be everlasting and treasured by all.
    Pam

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