In loving Memory

This past Friday, one of my good friends passed away. Some of know her as Barbara, her real name. Other's might have read her blog and knew her as Heidi. Barbara was one of the most generous and kind individuals I have ever known. I never met her in person, but I don't think that mattered. I loved "talking" to her over emails and sharing book thoughts. As you have noticed I'm hosting the Cozy mystery challenge this year (and have for a couple of years). Guess who got me hooked on that genre? Yup, Barbara. She introduced me to so many authors and was so generous with books. We read a lot of the same series and it wasn't uncommon for her to email me and tell me not to buy the next book in whatever series because she was going to send it to me when she was finished. I always thanked her and would send her handmade cards and I know I sent her a gift card once. But even so, I don't know if she ever realized just how much I appreciated that. Books are my hobby, as they were hers. However as most of you know I enjoy collecting the books I read (and plan to read). My husband would rather save all that money than spend it on books. Barbara knew that and she was always willing to send me books she knew or thought I would enjoy. I truly appreciated this.

I wrote a long note in the sympathy card I'm sending her family. In it I touched on a conversation we had not too long ago. I knew her through a yahoo group we were both a part of. One day somebody (heck, it could have been me, I don't remember) mentioned using a kitchen aid mixer and how much they loved it. That's the brand I use and I do love it. I remember Barbara said she had one, but hated it. She had another brand she used instead. I remember either thinking or possibly writing "Barbara! How could you NOT love your kitchen aid mixer!!! They are wonderful!". Well, today I was baking a cake. I love to bake and when I'm sad, it helps cheer me up. So I've been sad about Barbara's passing and not being able to go to the funeral or meet the family to tell them just how much she was loved. Since it was Easter, I knew I had family I could pawn my cake off on. So I'm making my cake from scratch, using my kitchen aid mixer. I remembered how Barbara hated the kitchen aid mixer she had at one point. It made me smile, because here I am using my kitchen aid mixer to help Cheer me up about her passing, when she hated kitchen aid mixers. haha! I have a feeling I'll remember that often. I know, not the funniest thing, but to me it's a good memory and one I'll cherish.

So for those who are participating in my cozy mystery challenge, if you are of the praying type, please say a prayer for her family when you review one of the cozy mysteries. Barbara wasn't old, she was only 53, and this was sudden and unexpected. In fact, as I'm writing this, I believe the family still doesn't know exactly what caused her to be so sick. So please keep them in your thoughts, they just lost one hell of a wife/daughter/mother/grandmother.