Reni

sooz had also suggested doing preemie hats in memory of Nat to donate......so, I am throwing that out there too

please post a photo when finished!!

my uncle, who has a habit of sending bigoted and ignorant emails (ya know, the ones that say stuff like, "we are being invaded by Mexicans!") sent me this same Obama email.....I kind of flew through this thread (so, I don't know if this was posted) but Graham found this link and I sent it back to my uncle.

In all my of thinking back today on my many conversations with Natalie, I thought a lot about our countless political discussions. She and I were kindred when it came to politics and social issues. I was thinking about how sad it makes me that she won't be here for the '08 election. We had both been eagerly anticipating the primary season and discussed it a lot. She loved Obama like I do. It makes me even more sad that she won't be here to see the end of the Bush presidency.

This Saturday, in honor and memory of Natalie, Robin (poppymom) and I are going to be driving to Ste. Genevieve, MO. We are going to the Mississippi River at dusk, and will hold a small memorial service for Natalie there. We are going to make sculptures to set free onto the river along with some flowers and maybe some floating candles. If anyone would like to send sculptures (or anything else you'd like floated off in the river, notes, etc) to be a part of our little memorial, PM Robin for her address. I had hoped to go down to the lake tonight with Rosie for a little impromptu memorial ser

that's a great idea Robin.

If anyone is near Portland:

from what I know of her recent health issues, I am guessing it was her heart......but I do not know. I will certainly pass on any info I receive. I got a quick message from one of her Portland friends who is going to email me more info. I am still waiting to hear back.

info I have:

I swiped this from sweet addy.....I always loved this picture.

she also loved Harry Potter fan fiction - as much as I teased her about it.

Natalie really loved the McCormick clan..... Maudie

awww the opossum and the cat.....I am sure some of her Portland friends are taking care of them.

I was just thinking we should post some pictures and share memories - but, I am not sure if I am ready for that myself.......I am loving seeing you guys' photos

Rosie and I are both pretty torn up - I may go see her this evening

yup....Ann Arbor - and a U of M grad.

I have contacted one of her friends in Portland and will let you guys know of any news. I am numb and in shock. What I do know is that there will be a memorial service in Portland and a funeral service in Michigan. I have asked for her parents address and will forward it on to anyone who would like to send their condolences to her family.

Oh my goodness - Jen just called me and told me about this. Holy shit. I just talked to Natalie a few days ago. We were in close contact through journal and AIM. We were going to write a book together. Oh my god. I know some people to contact, and will post any information I have. I am gutted. Shit.

Now, where's my invite to Cooperstown?

I just realized Tom and Brennan share a birthday with one of my favorite people.....my mom!! p.s...I love the half-birthday idea!!!

Happy Birthday Tom and Brennan! It is hard to believe you two are getting so old, while your mom and I manage to stay so young....how does that happen? Much love to Donna on the boys' birthday as well.......you have raised some fine young men!!

Christy - I would love to make a hat like that for Grace....and pay me? puh-lease! your money is no good here.

I hadn't thought of this in years.....youtube is awesome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0BPSOl3Gf0...feature=related

all done! I am making a bunch of these for my friends' kids for Valentine's Day.....though I am going to go down on the needle size a bit if I continue with sport or DK weight......sitches are just a wee bit too big for colorwork. It's VERY stretchy too - so smaller needles won't be an issue. Already got another on the needles, but ran out of red!! Oops!