It is with great sadness that we have to tell you that Mum (Viv) died on the night of Tuesday 5 July.
This was her own epitaph written in May 2014 as it seems most appropriate to use her own words.
I will go down fighting
for that which I hold most dear:
for home and family and friends,
but when it’s time for me to go
I hope it’s without fear.
I want to lie in idleness
beneath my favourite tree.
Let my biodegradable body be compost,
ensure nature’s continuity
by adding to fertility:
enrich the soil with me.
She loved blogging and the community of everyone out there in the blogging world with whom she communicated on-line. This had kept her going over many years since she made her first steps into this environment on 23 April 2010. Thank you to everyone who has helped and encouraged her over these 6 years of blogging.
O my dearest Viv, just now, so very late
in things I’m already missing you sooo!!
You were like a mentor to me, off and on
I would learn new forms and how to improve.
Seems I must have graduated or moved
upwards as I’ve been gone from here so long.
I know your remaining things in the blogs
are in good hands with thy Daughter Tilly.
We’ve met on Tilly blog just a bit, here I am
known as Jim of Jim’s Little Photo and Poem Place.
Thank you for watching over her earthly things.
And for keep alive the loving reputation she had.
… Jim Hovendick
December 28, 2018
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I’m so sorry to hear that she passed. I had been conversing with her through comments for years, I was offline for a few months and I missed this post. I hope the family is healing now, though I’m sure the holidays are hard. She was a very sweet person.
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Thank you for your thoughts. We are slowly coming to terms with not having Mum around. It was hard last week on what whould have been her Birthday. Sally
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Rest in Peace, dear Viv, I wished to meet you before, but I am sure you are there watching, seeing us. Your poetry so beautiful, and you haven’t died. Once again, Viv’s family, my love and thoughts for you all. Love, nia
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I will miss Viv’s delightful poetry and online presence! May God comfort all of you/us as only He can.
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Sorry for the loss of your Mum. She had a gift for writing.
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God bless you, Viv. RIP. I love your epitaph but so sad to know that we’ll never be able to Wordle or six word with you. My condolences, Sally, and very best wishes to you and your family.
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I am so sorry for your loss. ❤
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To Viv’s family,
I wish you all the best of memories. I first met Viv on a writing site in 2010 – the site is no longer operating, but I was able to continue sharing with Viv for many years.
When I lost my father over 15 years ago I created a non-traditional booklet for bereavement. If you email me with an address I would love to send you a copy of it to share with your family.
Sincerely, Jules
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She was much loved by many. I trust it’s OK to feature her epitaph poem at Poets United this Friday. Thank you for posting it, and condolences to all her family.
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That would be lovely – thank you.
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Many thanks. Here is the link to the feature. I took the liberty of using her graduation photo too. http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/the-living-dead_15.html#comment-form
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I am so sorry. Words don’t say how much we mean xxx
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Dear Viv: I wake and find your caravan has gone. You have moved your shining tents elsewhere. Fortunate the place that welcomes you.
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I am so sorry for your loss. She will be sorely missed.
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So very sorry to hear this news. My condolences to all of you, Viv’s family.
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I always looked forward to reading her blog. Such a kind and generous spirit. I am so sorry for your loss. Viv will be sorely missed.
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https://colonialist.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/wordle-dedicated-to-viv/
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Peace and condolences…she’s missed already.
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Thank you Sally, for letting us know. I pray for you and your family’s comfort and peace. Our little blogging world will miss her and her words, photos, and needlework art.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Viv was a force to be reckoned with and one of the poets I’ve written online with the longest – close to six or seven years, I believe. I will miss her unflagging support and inspiration and, as at least one other person has mentioned, am glad that you’ve used the photo of her in her cap and gown. She was so proud of that moment – and rightly so. I know we were lucky to have her with us as long as we did, but it doesn’t lessen the sting of her death. My heart goes out to all of you.
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As I know many other people who only ‘met’ her on blogs must be, I am devastated at the news. I missed this post, but suddenly realised that I hadn’t seen one of her inimitable comments on my own blog for a while, so I came searching.
Sincere condolences to family and friends who have suffered the loss of an exceptional lady.
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Sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all. A sad loss.
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Sad news. May you always remember her.
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She will be missed by many and that is the greatest epitaph of all. Condolences to her family.
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My deepest condolences to Viv’s family and friends who lost a shining light in their lives. I first became acquainted with Viv several years ago in the first group of poets I joined and most recently we shared together on dVerse Poet’s. She had a true poet’s heart and I enjoyed her honesty and encouraging words. I enjoyed looking at her photos of she and her husband’s works of art that she shared…also the photos of the countryside around her home.
Her last words were so touching, and so “Viv.” Rest in peace, Viv, I’m going to miss you.
Gayle Rose ~
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She was such a beautiful soul, her shiny words glittered with wit and humor…you will be missed Viv….RIP…
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I hadn’t been reading her blog for very long, but her wit and clarity were obvious in both her posts and her kind comments. Her simple wish suits her.
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Nous sommes si triste de savoir notre tendre amie partie à jamais. Nous gardons son sourire , sa grande culture et sa sagesse comme de véritables trésors de vie. Sincères condoléances à sa famille. Amitié éternelle à Jock. Agnès, Constance, Stephane
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I never had the long standing friendship like so many others here, but I did always enjoy her writing and her generous comments and thoughts, as we crossed writing spaces from time to time. Truly, a wonderful and remarkable woman, who affected and touched the lives of so many. May she be at peace. And sincere condolences to you and her family and friends. And even though it is a time of grieving, we should remember her joy, her wit and spark – and celebrate the wonder and beauty that is and will always be Viv.
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Your mum touched the lives of many in the blogging community. This poem is my small offering as a tribute to your mother. I have also linked it to Victoria C.Slotto’s blog where others may add tributes to Viv.
https://mishunderstood.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/for-viv/
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So sorry to hear of the passing of your mum. She was a wonderful poet, and a great encouragement to her on-line poetry writing friends. She will be missed.
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Very sad to hear …May she rest in eternal peace.
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My heart goes out to your family and all who knew her. I connected with Viv through dVerse. It did not take me long to realize how talented she was as a poet, but her character shone through in her poetry and in her generous and open comments. She will truly be missed in the blogging community. Sending my thoughts and prayers.
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So very sorry to hear tis sad news, and my deepest sympathy to her family, especially to Jock. She will be sadly missed by everyone who had any contact with her. Grateful to have crossed paths with her.
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End of an era indeed. Condolences.
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I am just heartbroken. What a delightful woman she was. A dear friend, a smart, capable, lovely presence in my life.
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I am sorry to learn this news. Viv was a gifted and special person. She inspired many. She will be missed!
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So very sorry to hear this sad news. Viv was such a lovely member of so many blogs. She will be missed.
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I am deeply saddened by the lose of such a vital, caring friend and your mother. I have only briefly known of her through the “Kitchen Garden” but she was so encouraging of my meager quilting skill. Each post she wrote taught me a new word and sent me flying to the dictionary. It was obvious from her blog how much she loved her family and her sweet Jock. It took me a day to absorb this and reply. She will be sorely missed by so many of us that she has touched in gentle ways even without meeting. You have my heartfelt condolences. Marlene
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So sorry to hear this. I loved corresponding with Viv via WordPress. I will miss her. My deepest sympathy to you all. – Jo
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My deepest condolences to Viv’s family.
So sad. Miss you, Viv.
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Viv will be sorely missed. It was fun to visit her blog and chat with her in comments on each others work
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Viv was really quite extraordinary. I was saddened to hear the news and my thoughts are with you
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Thank you, Family of Viv, for sharing this last post. Met Viv online through poetry exchanges. From Ontario Canada, I enjoyed reading her poems and appreciated her responses to mine from time to time. Au devoir, Vivienne! ❤
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Oops for the typo — Au revoir, Vivienne! 🙂
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My best wishes of comfort and peace to your family. And to Viv: may she enjoy idle bliss under her favorite tree. ❤
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I too found out about ViV’s crossing the river from Celi’s post . . . cannot imagine that beautiful interesting lady no longer with us. May I extend to all the family my deepest condolences . . . . we shall truly miss her . . .
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I’m so sorry for your loss, I will miss Viv so much. She was thoughtful and kind and seemed to always say the right thing. Much Love to your family in this difficult time.
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I wish you comfort in your time of sadness.
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OH! I am so sorry for your loss- I loved your Mother’s blog- she was a total dear! You must have so many lovely memories- my sympathies to everyone in the family.
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I am so sorry for your loss, the loss of a parent is always difficult, I am also sorry for Jock. I found Viv through my travels on WordPress and I was enchanted with her humor and her wonderful poetry, I have been a fan of hers for at least five years and it was a lovely journey. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rest well Viv.
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So sad to say Goodbye Viv. Rest in peace now, condolences to Jock and family.Laura
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It is such a big loss, the heaven must be full of happiness welcoming Viv, a person who could share love and faith throug her poems and all the work she did, her lovely quilts and garden!
Surely she’s resting in peace as she’s the meaning of it!
Someone who could show love to so many even though she’s never met in person!
She was so special!
Glad I had s chance to virtually know her and always kept in touch throug her blog, tks to her son who connect us!
You’ll always be remembered as a strong happy women with the best smile!
Connie ❤️💙💛
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Thank you for letting us know. I enjoyed Viv’s poems, company in the Farmy Fellowship and commentary on several blogs. She will be remembered well and greatly missed.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for letting us know. She was such a wonderful person. I always loved reading her poems and her comments on other blogs.
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My sincere condolences to her family. I only know Viv through her comments on Celi’s Kitchen Gardens blog where Viv would regularly comment. It was very sad to read this today. She will be missed.
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Thank you so much for sharing this sad news. I came to know about it at the Farmy’s. I loved ViV and her comments very very much. – And I know I will miss them…
She went… Home. Indeed. Literally.
All my sympathy to you, to your family and especially to Jock. May her love last forever.
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So sorry to hear of your sad loss. I heard the news from Celi, but “knew” Viv from another blog which I follow, although have never met her in person. She will be sadly missed in this world of virtual reality for her wonderful poetry and her sharp wit.
My condolences to all her family and friends everywhere. RIP Viv.
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As with many writing here today I knew Viv only through her comments on Cecelia Gunther’s blog The Kitchen’s Garden. Viv would always leave a word or two, and also share about her own life and goings on. Her picture was so familiar in the comments section, yet I was never honored to meet her in person. My condolences to your family. I will miss her words.
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Thank you so much for all your kind words. It is a comfort to know how much she was admired. Sally
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What a wonderful world we live in that the community of love and support spans the globe at such a time as this. We poets/bloggers who have loved and followed (and been followed by) ViV for these many years will now learn to go on without her ever-present words of encouragement. But what better poets/bloggers we have become because of them.
Thank you to ViV’s family for sharing her with us, in cyberspace, these past six years. May you find comfort in your fond memories of ViV. And may our words–though they fall short (even if writers, we may be!)–help you know that you’re not alone in the grieving process.
much love,
Paula Wanken (San Antonio, TX)
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My heart has been so heavy the last couple of days. It amazes me to think how close you can become to someone you’ve never met. I offer my condolences to all her family and prayers for you and Viv. I wrote a poetic tribute to her on my blog here:
https://liv2write2day.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/adieu-chere-amie-poetic-bloomings-day-6/
I’ve no doubt there will be many more out there.
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VIV IN FRANCE
I learned today I lost a friend, one I’d never personally met: Viv in France. For some unknown reason, she liked my poetry blog. That part was mutual, I liked hers.
The first message I ever received from Viv came in the form of an apology. She had read one of my poems and found a misspelled word (not an unusual occurrence). She apologized for her arrogance in pointing out the misspelling, but felt it spoiled an otherwise good poem.
From that humble correspondence, we became poetry friends. She became my unofficial mentor and proof-reader. Rhyme, half-rhyme, meter, punctuation (or purposeful lack thereof), all the way through a myriad of poetry forms, she was there with me. There is no way for me to express how much I learned from her, how much she influenced my writing, or how much I’m going to miss reading the beauty and wisdom that dripped daily from her pen.
Several years ago, I went back to the beginning of her blog and read everything she ever posted. Early on, I signed up to receive everything new she posted on her blog. Checking her blog daily was like my morning coffee: always delightful, whether a poem, information on a new quilting project, or a full-blown rant.
When changes in my life took away my blogging time, I continued receiving occasional emails from her; just checking on me and encouraging me write more poetry when I found some time.
Today, I clicked onto the latest posting of her blog, only to find out it was from her family, notifying her readers that our precious friend had passed away.
Not sure how I’m going to handle that yet, but I know that Viv is okay. She’s at peace painlessly walking new paths and examining new species of flowers. It’s to her family and her many friends I address my prayers. Would that we could all have a life as joyous and meaningful as hers. Not only was she blessed, she blessed everyone with whom she came in contact.
Mike Patrick
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Blessed are we who read Viv’s prose
Grieved are those who miss her smile
Sorrowful am I that we never met.
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I will miss Viv so much. I found her through Cecilia at the kitchens garden and have loved her wit and her heart.
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I met and knew Viv through Celi’s Kitchens Garden fellowship. She will be missed. She was a cornerstone of our conversations. My heart goes out to you.
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I am so sorry to hear this and my thoughts are with you all. Rest well, Viv.
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Incredibly sorry to hear that – she was such a lovely, warm, generous person. A person to share ideas and poems with. She will be very much missed – and especially by you, her family. My thoughts are with you at this time and thank you for letting us, all her virtual friends, know.
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My sympathies to Jock and your family. The loss of a “mom” is like no other. I knew Viv only from Celi’s blog and some visits here. May she rest in peace.
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Viv, you will be so missed. Thank you, for your friendship and your one of a kind way…you’ve brought me and so many others so much joy and encouragement. ♥ Rest well my friend.♥
Thank you, for sharing your mother’s words – they’re so beautiful. My heart goes out to you and your family.
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I am so dreadfully sorry to hear this news. May your light continue to shine in the next place, Viv.
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I can only say with the others that I am so sorry to read of Viv’s passing on to her next world today in Celi’s blog & here. I send my sympathy to her Jock & family. I have very much enjoyed Viv’s poems & thinking of her there in our beloved France. I will miss her charming presence in this blog world which has become so meaningful. Adieu & Bon Voyage, Viv.
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Your family is in my thoughts and prayers….you will be missed by many!
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Really sad news today. My condolences to Jock, her family and all of her blogging friends on the loss of a much loved and talented lady. RIP Viv.
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Dear family & friends of ViV, I send you my heartfelt regards and wishes for peace and comfort. I never even knew or visited this her blog before, yet I am among the army of admirers she acquired through her effervescent, wise, and warm presence as a commenter and community member at another blogging compatriot’s home base. She will be missed by all of us, nonetheless. Every exchange of her thoughtful and passionate commentary, always given with forthrightness and good humor, added depth and delight to the day. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us.
Kathryn
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I’m sorry for your loss. I enjoyed her presence in this writing space Her spirit lives on in her written words. I hope they sustain happy memories.
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Big hugs to all the family. Vic will be greatly missed.
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oh I am so sad to hear this news. My thoughts are with Jock and all the family. She was a multi-talented lady and I will miss seeing her quilting and reading her poems. God bless you all.
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My first feeling about Viv yet remains – appreciation. There are people you meet, who it doesn’t matter so much what they do, but simply, that they are doing it. They grace us with their manner of being who they are. Thank you Viv and goodnight.
And thank you to the Hutt Family for letting us know.
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Isn’t if strange how this world of virtual reality affects us? I’ve never met nor spoken with ViV, and yet enjoyed her blog and her visits to the Farmy. Here I sit in Illinois with a sad heart and silent tears for her family and her beloved Jock. My condolences to you all. x
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I’m very sorry for your loss – I often read Viv’s comments on other blogs.
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So sorry to hear the news. We will all miss her in our interweb community.
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I only recently followed Viv. She had a sly wit, and always a kind, encouraging word. My deepest sympathy for her friends, followers, and especially, her family.
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My condolences to the family.
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So sad. I came across Viv on several blogs, and then came and read her words here. I love the stories of her childhood. Her epitaph is beautiful. Bless Viv and you – all her family – I hope lots of love, peace, and strength when you need it.
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So very sorry to hear this. Heartfelt condolences.
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Thank you for letting us know and condolences to the family.
I have known her for about 5 years now and its been a pleasure to read to her work and her wonderful and encouraging comments. RIP Viv!!!
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Sad news. Condolences on your loss.
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So sad, your mum will be missed in the blogging world. A very clever lady.
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I am only one amid a multitude that is devastated at this sad, sad news. All of our sympathy is with you.
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I’m so sad..what a lady. She always had something positive to say when she read my blog. I’m sorry for what you must be going through. I hope her writings help give you comfort. Thank you so much for doing this and letting us know. I hope her blog will stay up for now because I am relatively new and still have much to read here.
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Very sorry to hear your news, and appreciate your let ting us know….
RIP, Viv
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So sorry to hear your news. I’m a recent follower of Viv, and enjoyed every word I have read. RIP Viv
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Oh, I’m going to miss her so much… I treasured our regular Skype conversations, her irreverent sense of humour, her generous encouragement and commenting and the valuable contribution she has made to the charity quilt I’m working on. With permission, I’d like to dedicate it to her, and offer it in her name. I hope her final UK trip was in the nature of a ‘lap of honour’ and that she died peacefully and without pain. I’m so grateful you took the time to let her blogging friends know; I had begun to wonder at her unusual silence. Miss you already, Viv. xxxx
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I think it is a lovely idea that you wish to dedicate the charity quilt to Mum. Thank you. Sally
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She has been a constant source of encouragement and enthusiasm for the project, and there will be six of her own blocks in the piece; it seems fitting. May I have the year of her birth to mark on the label?
By the way, the heron embroidery Jock completed recently, and which Viv sent me as a gift, arrived this morning. Normally, I would have let her know it had arrive safely…
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Mum was born in December 1937. I will tell Jock that you have his heron. Sally
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Thank you. I’ll send you a photo of the finished quilt if you’ll let me have the email address? It’s going to Ovarian Cancer Australia for a fundraising auction. Viv’s cousin Robin Murphy has also contributed to it so the quilt is quite a family affair.
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I’m so sorry.
I’m glad you used the photograph of her graduation – I know she has said what a wonderful time of her life that was and how proud it made her.
I’m not a great poetry reader normally but I loved to read Viv’s poems and follow her crafting projects. She will be missed by friends both in ‘real life’ and online but most of all I wish you, her family, lots of courage in the days to come and I’m sure you will all have many wonderful memories of her.
Finally, I hope she got her wish and died without fear.
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oh 😦 hugs to you and the rest of the family. She was a wonderful blogger and her epitaph is lovely. Thinking of you all, and thank you so much for letting us all know.
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Viv, you have been an integral part of so many blogging communities I have been in, I felt that I knew you despite the age difference, it feels surreal that your last comment on my blog was done as late as June 29… You will be greatly missed by everyone who use the internet to what’s it meant for, connecting and sharing love words.
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She is my forever-friend, and yet we never met.
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