Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Remembering a fellow boater, the OOTD New Years style...

My BFF's husband's father passed away on Christmas Eve...
a massive heart attack....
this event was so unexpected
as he was, by all appearances, a hale and hearty fellow.

We knew him well as we spent many happy summers cruising in our boats and we joined in on many family gatherings.
(we are "adopted family, non related hanger-on-ers" )

Despite their recent loss, our friends decided to host New Years Eve dinner at their home.
My BFF set a lovely table, and I realize now that I forgot to take a photo...
It also happens to be the eve of my BFF's husband's birthday so we rarely miss spending time with them and were grateful that they wanted to be with us.

There were 6 of us who came together to contribute food and bubbly and who sat down to feast on Caesar salad, fresh Dungeness crab and a delicious chocolate torte.
Our Vancouver friends John and Cheryl, who have just returned from Auvilar France joined in the fun.
Spending the evening with friends sharing an intimate meal felt perfect to me.


a little bit of sparkle 
sequin top
diamond studs
and faux CZ drops


leather shoes with a bow on the side...


black ponte knit pants

casual and comfy
in the standard black palette...


Thoughts of life and death
and family and friends are popping up today
as I go through the motions of domestic chores.

Rather than shrug them off I let them flow...

I am feeling emotional, rather close to tears
as I clean the fridge and check the best before dates on the condiments.
The washing machine is whirring loudly
the dryer hums...
I have run vinegar through the coffee maker
wiped the kitchen counters
and here I sit typing
listening to these familiar sounds as they echo through the bungalow walls

outside there is birdsong
the skies are grey
clouds reign 

I am still...
in quiet contemplation
pondering and
remembering a life
well lived...


Flowers...
pretty pure white blooms.


Words, however kind, 
can't mend your heartache: 
but those who care and 
share your loss wish you
comfort and peace of mind. 
May you find strength
in the love of family
and in the warm embrace
of friends.

in 
 Deepest Sympathy

I dedicate this post to my BFF and her family.

Hugs from the Hostess
XO

21 comments:

Adrienne Shubin said...

So sad. I am sorry about your BFF's loss and yours, too. I'm sure your friend appreciates the comfort of your company during this difficult time.
Hugs to you,
Adrienne

Cheryl said...

Your heartfelt post brought tears to my eyes. Your BFF and her family is so lucky to have such a dear friend.

JMW said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Hopefully, 2012 will bring happier times.

Anonymous said...

Moving post. Glad he was hale and hearty until the end though, a better way to go than a long, debilitating and lingering illness. I hope that thought can bring you all some comfort.

Lacey R said...

So sorry to hear about your friend's Dad - he's in a good place now.

Judith said...

Memories of old friend's do bring comfort,and we owe them that time.

Condolences to you and the family. Ida

materfamilias said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friends' loss -- and your own. And I'm glad that you were able to find comfort in each other's company. Take care.

Suburban Princess said...

My sympathies to you and your BFF. It seems that so many people passed away this holiday season.

Sydney Shop Girl said...

What a eloquent and thoughtful post, Hostess.

Take care

SSG xxx

Susan B said...

I'm so sorry for your friend's loss.

"A life well lived," isn't that the heart of it though? Savoring the moments, paying attention to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings. Basking in the love. Everything else is gravy.

Annie ~ Red Roses and Crystal said...

A beautiful heartfelt post Hostess. Life can and often does surprise us when we least expect it.
Wishing you well as you lovingly remember.
It's coming up to my fathers anniversary and I find polishing the furniture gives me great comfort...must sound very odd but it works for me.
xx

Lynne said...

Beautiful words, heartfelt, honest and real . . . warm embrace to you as you extend yourself in love, memory and friendship . . .

Ms Maple said...

Dearest Hostess,

I am so very sorry for your friends’ unexpected loss – as well as yours being ‘adopted family’.

You are a wonderful person who seems to wear her heart on her sleeve. Thank you for your candid and heart-felt posts.

I hope I am lucky enough to get to have a cup of coffee with you when I next get back “home”, which may not be for a while, but I will be sure to let you know.

Best wishes for 2012 and always!!! xxx

PS: On a lighter note, I am jealous – I love fresh Dungeness crab right out of BC waters!!!

LESLIE THOMPSON SCOTT said...

Thought provoking and touching
Thank you!
Be well

Mummaducka said...

Very sad to lose him at an already heightened emotional time as the holiday season is. Luckily you were around to help your friends in their grief and they in yours. Look after each other!

Pondside said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's loss - in fact the loss to all the extended family and 'adopted' family. I can't think of a better thing to to than to come together and celebrate a good life.

TIGARA said...

Thank-you so much dear friend.....your post.and beautiful words brought tears to my eyes......your BFF.

mette said...

Death always comes as a surprise, we are never prepared to face it.
You are an emotional person, able to show your emotions.
I consider that your strength. Even this moment will pass. And before long, you will be able to raise your head and smile once more.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Miss Maple- Oh please let me know when you are back in Beautiful BC.

Tigara- It was my honour to write this post. I was hoping that you'd read it.

Bonnie said...

I am so sorry for the loss. Death is never easy to deal with, whether it is expected or unexpected. It always sucks.

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Aspiring Domestic Goddess said...

I'm sorry for the loss. You sound like a great friend and I hope that your friend is moving through her grief with lots of loved ones around.