(image courtesy of designersblock.uk)
The way I was first pulled into the blog world was through one single blog - my friend Erin Gates' beautiful design blog, Elements of Style. Through Erin, I found a couple of other exceptional design blogs (Simply Seleta and Urban Grace) which as it turns out were my gateway into the world of narrative 'life' blogs, 'mom' blogs, whatever you'd like to call this little circle we're all in. I have commented many times at these 3 design blogs and follow them regularly ... as we all know when you follow a blog, you get to know the community of regular readers through the comments we all share. Another person who was a regular at all 3 of these design blogs was Marija Stephens, who was herself a new designer, a beautiful young mother to two kids ages 9 and 4, an adoring wife, and an all around funny participant at these blogs. I've "known" Marija for about 6 months, commented alongside her as recently as last week, and been to her own blog, Holding Court, several times too.
I can't tell you how heartbroken I was to learn that Marija was killed in a car accident as she was returning home from an antiquing trip on Saturday (link to her blog if you'd like to read her husband's emotional post or any of the 500+ comments). So young, so much life still ahead of her, those beautiful children of hers, so much love in her beautiful home ... it's really too much to process that it was all shattered in an instant. She was someone just like all of us, it's a reminder of how random fate can be - this could have been any one of us. So today I spent extra time with my girls, took them out for a pizza dinner, played a board game with them, took time to really listen to what they were saying, ignored phone calls and emails, and just plain SLOWED DOWN. Tomorrow, my best best friend is coming up from North Carolina with her kids - they'll stay with us for the next 5 days. I think the timing couldn't be better - her visit will force me to slow down and relax and I'm certain that I will cherish our time together a little more, knowing how fragile the balance really is. Life is such a gift, isn't it?
7 comments:
Sloan, what a terrible story. My friend and her family were recently involved in what could have easily been a fatal car accident, yet they all came away relatively unscathed. Like you said, it is so much to process. God bless Marija's family.
Oh my goodness, that's horrible! My heart breaks for your friend and her family! It's sad that it's times like this that cause us to slow down isn't it? Thanks for the reminder and I too will take the time to just enjoy the little things. Have fun with your friend! :)
Sloan, What a terribly sad story. I'm so sorry to hear and will go check out Marija's blog as soon I send this off to you.
Wanted to say thank you so much for the link to my blog (Serial Swooper) from yours. I received a few hits from it today and wonder how you found me?
I look forward to reading yours as well.
Best wishes and, again, I'm so sorry for your sad loss.
Cindy S.
That is such a sad, sad ...story and the husband's post...heartbreaking.
I am so sorry that you lost a friend.
Yet another reminder that life really is short, no matter how you look at it. Enjoy every single minute of it, and that is what I plan on doing today.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Sloan, How right you are!!! I can not believe Marija is gone. It has been on my mind all week. It is perfect timing for you to hsave your best bestfriend come stay with yo for 5 days. What fun you will have and what memories you will make. Enjoy every minute!
Yes! I am very excited about the new house! We start tomorrow!
Enjoy your friend. Have a cup of coffee for me! ( :
Kristin
What a beautiful and fitting tribute to Marija. I was struck by how sudden and unexpected her death was, and I think appreciating what you have is one of the best ways to honor her life!
-Lisa
I agree it is very sad...what a beautiful tribute her husband wrote...and very true are your words as well. Life is a gift... and I do take so much for granted.
So glad you get to see your friend. And the day spent with your children playing together sounds wonderful!
Post a Comment