Wednesday 15 July 2015

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 319

If you're new to the WOYWW thing, please forgive us a little solemnity today, this post is for Eliza, who passed away last Wednesday, very suddenly.
In the prime of her life, working hard, living hard, loving hard and enjoying being herself, Eliza had spent the day with her very best friend and another of our WOYWW friends, DeDe. I'm sure therefore that she had a really happy day. 

 Eliza and I didn't meet. We were separated by 12000 miles. And joined by the internet, crafting, having a daughter and woman hood. I get the impression that she was fiercely independent and utterly able. She really enjoyed the posts I made about small achievements - her comments on these were encouraging and often genuinely funny. I could almost hear her laughing and saying 'good on ya'! She bragged with love and affection about her friendship with DeDe and with love and pride about Myrene...she even managed to get Myrene to agree to be in some desk pictures. And how could Myrene refuse when Yoda was so willing to pose!  Eliza's craft skills were out of my league - oh she had such a thing with colour! This is her latest ATC gift to me, for the WOYWW6 Anniversary - plucked form the pile still sitting on my desk, inspiring me at every shuffle. Gorgeous. Every detail speaks care for detail and the enjoyment of the craft.... you only have to page through her blog a little to discover how busy her life was and how much she enjoyed the down time of crafting. 

The message on Eliza's ATC isn't difficult is it. Tempus Fugit. Time Flies. And I'm perfectly sure that she meant it to be a life lesson for all of us...I can envision her 'seizing the day' every day; cramming it full of love and vitality. Bless you Eliza, my word how you will be missed and don't worry...we'll check in on Myrene and DeDe.
Link your desk here why don't you and if you knew Eliza, do share a memory...I know she'd love it.

53 comments:

Helen said...

I am shocked to the core to read this news.. Like you I didn't "know" Eliza but felt I did, due to the joy that WOYWW brings us. I am going to seize the day, see you later (sadly not literally just in case you think I'm jumping on a train!) xx

Robyn said...

Tempest fugit indeed. Call everyone you know and tell them you love them. I only knew her through WOYWW, and these are now some of my finest friends!
Eliza lives on in all of us, and in her art work shared and inspired!
robyn 7

Ohhh Snap said...

I also didn't know Eliza except through her blog and comments, and I especially loved reading about Yoda.

Her ATC is truly stunning.

Maria said...

So sad to hear of Eliza's passing, are we able to send a card or something to her family Julia?
It sounds like you had a lovely time away, how was the weather over there, did you get the heatwave?

Maria

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

I've only known Eliza thru WOYWW and loved reading the excitement she shared with us. Yoda !! My condolences to her family and friends, she will be missed. And Julia you did a great job relaying this to all of us. I love that ATC, such pretty colors and that clock...As young ones in elementary school we had a nun tell us "Your life is like an alarm clock, when it rings your time is up" "So be prepared"...Sometimes it comes sooner than you think.

Kyla said...

Woyww brought us together across many miles and the interweb made those miles seem like only a few streets away.

Sad news indeed and a timely reminder of a saying from Buddha "The trouble is you think you have time."

Kyla #9

VonnyK said...

Such sad news of Eliza's passing. You just never know what's around the corner. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Von #11

Bridget Larsen said...

I am still in shock over the passing of Eliza. Yoda will definitely miss her as we will. My blog post is dedicated to her today and I write more about her and the time I crafted with her. Definitely will miss her

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Beautifully said. Goodness but we'll miss her......
Hugs, LLJ 12 xxx

Di said...

A lovely tribute to a very special lady.

Hugs

Di xx

Nikki said...

Such a shame about Eliza she will be missed from blog land for sure and we will remember her dearly for all her lovely creations and posts that invited us into her and yoda world her atc says it all for sure hugs Nikki 4

peggy aplSEEDS said...

Oh my, I was so shocked at your news, Julia, that I couldn't even write a comment right away. Everyone who has been WOYWWing for some time would know Eliza (and Yoda, of course). Her last WOYWW post was about her brother dying so it is such a sad time for her family. May God console them in their time of grief.
Lovely ATC you have as a remembrance, Julia.

voodoo vixen said...

I think it is the shock that she will not be there anymore... even though we had never met in real life... it shows just how close knit this little group of deskers is Julia... you created something awesome and unique...

Mrs.D said...

Oh, Eliza, what a loss she will be. She always visited my page and her comments were always encouraging and showed that she was genuinely interested in what I was doing. And Yoda, how are we going to survive without our weekly dose of that cat? But I am mindful that we are missing an Internet friend, Myrene, Dede and her Dad are grieving for the loss of a larger than life bubbly woman from their lives and my heart goes out to them.
Bless them all
Chris #15

Sue Jones said...

I had only visoited a few times as I am new but she seemed so lovely - Sending my love to her friends and family x

Annie said...

What a beautiful post about a very special lady. Thanks to you and your brilliant idea Julia we all felt we knew Eliza [and Yoda of course] and we are all sharing in the sadness of her loss. I'm sure that the love we will all be sending to her family and friends will be a comfort to them at this awful time. Lets hold her in our hearts and be thankful we knew her.
Hugs,
Annie x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Dear Julia ..
Well, courtesy of your kind hand in posting them, I too have one of those lovely atcs, by the hand of Eliza.. and yes..they are a true artist's work.. quite a treasure, now made even more poignant to handle.

Like all of us.. shocked and saddened is the foremost feeling.. as well as a deep sympathy for her darling family, especially her dad, Ray, who not long ago lost his son. Prayers for them and also Dede and all who knew her, for comfort at such a time as this.

Thanks Julia for your thoughtful caring post .. you are truly appreciated as are all the very dear folks a WOYWW

Shaz in Oz.x #19

{Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

Neesie said...

I am completely in shock hearing the sad news about Eliza.
When I was in Melbourne, she would often come visiting my desk and she was always so generous with kind comments and encouragement.
We would natter about life in Melbourne and I loved to hear and see her enthusiasm for crafting. It was always inspiring.
You've written a beautiful tribute to her Julia and what a lovely ATC to keep as a reminder.
I always try to seize the day... but today I'll be doing it thinking of Eliza. My condolences to her family.
Thank you for posting this... it couldn't have been easy.
Carpe diem my friends

Robyn Oliver said...

A beautiful post in memory of Eliza, thank you Julia - we're all in shock at the loss of our WOYWW friend, she and Yoda will be sadly missed but not forgotten. Her family and friends are in our thoughts and hearts as they try to continue with their lives. You've created a wonderful link across the world, thank you Hugs RobynO#25

Neet said...

I was not sure how to pitch todays post - thank you Julia for yours, it shows what a big impact Eliza had on our lives.
A memory? What to say, there are so many. As some of you know she was involved with Flat Susan so my memory has to come from a handwritten letter I got from her one time with one of her surprise posts. She wrote that "it was nice to have some company on the road whilst driving long distances and yes, I would talk to her like she was real and a true friend (yes I am mad)". I swear, she loved that little plastic doll that travelled from America to Australia and she did seven posts about her. She supported me so much in this venture and when things went a bit haywire recently she was the one I turned to just to talk it over, via the internet.
I never thought the internet could make me have such a special friend, one whom I would probably not meet (and now never will), like Eliza. She is truly one of the greats.
I will miss her so much, and I still find it hard to comprehend that she is not with us any more but is now one of those bright stars shining up there. God Bless Eliza, you have brought such happiness and now there are so many tears but those will cease in time and loving memories will take over.
Thank you Julia for bringing Eliza and Yoda and Myrene into our lives.
Neet xx 26

Sue said...

What a fab post about Eliza. I only learnt of Eliza's blog earlier this year, when I joined the deskers for the first time. She left lovely comments on my blog. Although like Julia I had not met her, us deskers have a kinship and my world be be a little worse off now she has gone. Sue

Lisca said...

Sad news indeed. Thank you for the tribute. I've just read Dede's too.
How appropriate that ATC: Tempus fugit! Concluding we could also say: Carpe Diem....
Lisca#18

Evalila said...

So sad to hear about Eliza´s passing. She´ll surely be missed.
Evalila/#29

Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel said...

Hi Julia,
This has really been a week First Eliza and then another workmate of mine passed. I think she was younger than me and I thought healthy. Life is so precious and short. Hugz Peg R 33

AnyOldCraft said...

I am fairly new to the WOYWW snooping but I am very sorry to read about Elizas passing.
So sad when someone is taken so suddenly.
My thoughts are with you all and especially of her family.

Twiglet said...

A lovely tribute to one of our special group of crafters. Without WOYWW we would never have known this lovely lady. We will all hold memories of her and send our love and thoughts to her family and friends. x Jo

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

So sad to hear about Eliza and she was right time does fly and we should all seize the day while we have the chance.
My thoughts are with her family and of course Yoda who will miss her too.
Angela x 30

Tilly Tea Dance said...

That's sad news, but lovely that she had so many special friends on WOYWW x

Nannie4 said...

Very sad news indeed, and cause for reflection for sure. Your tribute is wonderful, Julia. I thank you too, for connecting so many of us around the world and allowing us to get to know each other. Seize the day for sure.....
Nann4

Liz said...

I'm a newbie here and have just read your touching tribute to Eliza. I'm sure she will be greatly missed by all her blogging friends, as well as those who knew her IRL. She was obviously a very special person who has left you all with lovely memories of her. xx

Glenda said...

I was not able to play along today but I'm so shocked to hear about one of us passing. I feel like we are a family and when we lose one it leaves a hole there!
Glenda

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Julia, what a lovely tribute to Eliza. She is so right, Time Flies indeed, and as many of us have found out, you have absolutely no idea what tomorrow may bring, so seizing the day is what we need to do. All the WOYWWers have formed such a special bond, thanks to your idea of a blog hop. Bet you never in a million years thought it would be this warm, loving close knit group 6 years on. Huge Hugs, Shaz xx

Elizabeth said...

A lovely tribute to a very special lady. Eliza and I found common ground in our love of cats, crafting and Flat Susan. She will be sorely missed. Hugs, Elizabeth x #44

RosA said...

Yes, I have to agree, Julia, you've written a lovely tribute to Eliza. Thank you for that. I will certainly miss her interesting posts and I always looked forward to seeing the latest Yoda pics. Her Woyww6 ATC also jumped out at me. My sincerest sympathy to her family and friends.
RosA # 43

Unknown said...

I was just shocked when I read your post as I prepared to link. My prayers to Eliza's family and friends. She will be missed. I did make it a point to visit her every week as she was so consistent on visiting me. You wrote a wonderful tribute and we all will miss her.
Carol N #46

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I'm always amazed at the power that writing and art can have in our lives. Although I didn't get to know Eliza as well as you, I do remember visiting her blog and her mine a couple of times. May the Lord receive her in His Kingdom with open arms, and may this image bring hope and peace to the hearts and minds of her loved ones.

Unknown said...

So glad you shared that gorgeous piece of art from Eliza. It's just that we feel like all the creative souls here are going to live forever, and we are not, at least not on this earth. I will miss Eliza's wit, wisdom, and beautiful creativity. She was too young to leave us, and so I know she is in a new, amazing place.

Carol Rigby said...

I am sorry to hear the sad news. From all the comments I have read I am sure she will be sadly missed by a lot of people. My condolences to her family and friends.

Kelly said...

I will miss Eliza and her inspiration. Poor Yoda must be lost. Blessings on her journey and may we all remember we must Seize the moment - not just the day. Creative Blessings! ~Kelly

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Can I borrow your word "Gobsmacked" for the day? That perfectly describes how I feel about the news about Eliza.

And frankly I think you have too much desk on your desk today.
Judy #51

Christine said...

Thank you Julia. A beautiful tribute which I am sure her family and friends will appreciate.
I wish that I could reach out and hug her father at this extremely sad time for him as it is for everyone who knew her. Words are not my forte but prayers are so I will pray ...............


Christine
Bishopsmate #50

Shoshi said...

I am devastated to read this news, Julia. If there is a way of contacting her family for us, I am sure you will pass on all these wonderful tributes from those of us who so loved her input into our lives through WOYWW, I felt a special bond with her through Yoda and we used to share kitty news. I agree with Shaz that time does indeed fly and none of us knows what's around the corner - I certainly did not expect what is happening in my own life this year. Sometimes it takes a wake up call like this to make us appreciate what we have, and to try to make the most of every moment, and to make a difference through our lives.

Shoshi

sandysewin said...

You are so right, Julia, Eliza's comments were always uplifting, and, of course, we will all miss updates on Yoda. He must be so sad, missing his dear mummy. :(

Blessed Woyww,

Sandy #17

pearshapedcrafting said...

A lovely tribute to Eliza - we will all miss her and her down to earth comments! I know she was a lovely lady even though we never met! Our sadness can never match that of her family and bestie DeDe and our hearts go out to them!! Hugs, Chrisx 53

misteejay said...

What fabulous tributes about a lady that everyone had grown to love. You have a beautiful keepsake of her Julia - such a lovely piece of creative art.
My thoughts are with all her friends & family at this sad time.
Toni xx

Anne said...

Oh my. I didn't have time to participate this week but popped in to see how everyone is. Such a shock. Eliza often took time to leave me a comment. Lovely lovely tributes. Condolences to family and friends. So sad. X

Whimcees said...

Hello,

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My prayers are with all of you who were her friends and with her family during this difficult time.

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

sandra de said...

So sad to hear about Eliza. She will be missed by all of us and what a treasure to have a piece of her beautiful art.
sandra de @55

Stacy Sheldon said...

yep, shocked and surprised and a little teary. its amazing to me how much some of you have come to mean to me on this weekly trip around the world. and yes, Eliza's comments on my blog were looked forward to by me. I have not gotten my photos to upload yet. ( computer is trying ) ~Stacy

Create With Joy said...

Since I am late to post this week - but early to check in to see what was happening - I was just stunned to read about Eliza last night. The suddenness of her departure brought me right back to my Mom's death and my heart has been heavy all day.

Yet - like my mother - Eliza was blessed with friends and family who loved her and she lived a vibrant life doing what she loved until the very end.

Today's post and card is dedicated to her. At times like this, it is good to be part of this wonderful fellowship of friends.

Ramona #56

okienurse said...

It was really sad to hear of Eliza's passing and like you I had never met her but she was a friend. I always enjoyed reading about Yoda and all the fun crafty stuff she and Dede were involved in. I decided that it might be Thursday and all but I was going to get involved with WOYWW again this week. I really enjoy this group of ladies!! Vickie #60

Lizzie said...

Very sad news about Eliza. Thinking of her family and friends. She was a fun and lovely member of the group. I know she'll be missed by many people. You have a little memento from her, something to give you a happy memory. I'm sure many will have happy memories of Eliza!

Anonymous said...

Oh am am so late coming to read this news of Eliza. Your tribute to her hit just the right note - so hard to do, but it made me both sad at the news of her passing yet joyful at having "known" her as the special person she was. Her comments on my blog were always encouraging, humorous and clearly heartfelt. She will be missed by us all.

I've not taken part in WOYWW this week, I just couldn't bear to let people down when I knew I would be too busy to even return visits. I saw this today in a rare quiet moment and I had to make time to comment. Woyww will go on, of course, but it just won't be the same without Eliza and Yoda here, every week.

Mary Anne