Thursday, August 2, 2012

Good night beloved friend

It breaks my heart to write that my best friend , Kary , went to heaven last Saturday evening.
This picture, taken on a trip we took to Maine, is so much like her. She avoided having her photo taken but somehow I got her to pose, and I love this. It was a very happy day there at a friend's house by the sea.



Kary loved all things to do with Autumn. This old hooked rug hangs in her living room. Her corn patch is already head high. She's planted corn and pumpkins in every garden she's had for 25 years.




Her best pal and constant companion, Teddy.




We liked to go to Diners, here we are at Dot's in Wilmington, Vermont. If you knew Kary, or read her blog, you knew she was an amazing cook. The best I've ever known. She collected cookbooks and used them, there's an entire wall at her house, all thumbed, and stained and used. Just the way they should be. She snapped a picture of me without me knowing as we walked up to the diner above. I sure am glad now.







We always stopped to feed and pet the donkeys. Animals loved Kary, especially horses would go right up to her. Carrot or no carrot!




One of her favorite places in the world. Mary's Pumpkin Patch on the Valley Drive near San Luis Obispo in California.


The best cook, the most hilarious story teller, a generous and constant friend. I can't stand it that she's gone. I'm sharing this because so many of you knew her through her blog,




She hadn't been able to write due to her illness, but loved all the friendships she'd made from you.
Take care and hold your friends close~


xxx


julie








juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com

102 comments:

Deb said...

Julie, I am so sorry to read this. I actually had visited Kary's blog many times. I remember seeing Whiskey Sour there and thinking she had the most beautiful face. There are few words to say but I can tell you this. I understand your loss. I lost my best friend almost 3 years ago and it was because of her that I started my blog. I felt I needed a distraction from the pain. I can tell you it will get better for you as far as the pain and the memories of your sweet friend will always, no matter what,bring a smile to your face. Take care and I'm sending you a hug. Deb

A bird in the hand said...

I am so very, very sorry.
Colette xo

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Dear Julie, I am heartbroken. When you told me on Sunday all I did was weep. Kary and I met through her blog 2 years ago - discussing pie crust!

We became fast blog friends and then we began chatting through email several times a day almost daily. We'd chat about so much, mostly Teddy & Duke, and what we were going to make for dinner.

She was so kind to me last Fall when my mom passed away, something I will always remember.

Hugs,
Mary & Dukeums

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Oh Julie, how heart broken you must be. Mary told me the other day and I have thought of nothing since hearing the sad news. Although I only knew Kary through her blog and emails I feel a sense of deep loss. Kary was always so friendly and kind in her comments and loved life so much. Her garden and her lovely country kitchen the pets and her husband her pizza and football treats she would make. I will keep you, John and Kary's beloved Teddy always in my prayers.I am so sorry for your loss. Susan

Rachel - Mozart's Girl said...

Oh Julie, Julie...this has so shocked & devastated me... I had an email from her not long ago and I thought she'd beaten the hideous disease. So grateful that I have kept her last sweet note to me...& that I wrote her a special card telling her how much she meant to me too. I had no idea. So sorry for your loss, sweetheart. She was a really special person for sure, with a huge & beautiful heart. Poor John. Just AWFUL. Thinking of you oxoxoxo

Simply Shelley said...

So very sorry for the loss of your dear friend...may you find comfort in your memories of her,and may God give you peace...blessings

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Julie, I'm so shocked and saddened.

Kary's blog gave so much pleasure - her generous personality shone through both writing and pictures. Will there ever be such mouthwatering posts ever again, I don't think so?

Deepest condolences to you. x

smartcat said...

Dear Julie....My deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend. It is aways hard to lose someone....even if the death is expected.
Take care and know you are in my heart.......*s*

jaz@octoberfarm said...

hi julie! i have not stopped crying yet! did you have any idea about the possibility of this happening? she never told me that there was anything but a good outcome. i am devastated. she and i spent all day every day emailing back and forth. she was my best friend and yet we never met. what a hole i now have in my life. the last email she send, she said she was going to the grocery an would write when she returned home. i am beyond sad.

holly aka golly said...

Such a lovely tribute to your dear friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss. xo

Jody Battaglia said...

My deepest sorrows for the hole that is in your heart. May her memories keep you warm forever more...Jody

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Julie.

Tracey Broome said...

Your friend will live through your beautiful words! My mom and I were talking about a new computer for her and she said she didn't care if it was a really good one because it only had to last a few more years. What a kick in the gut that was! We should all treasure the time we have with loved ones, who knows how long we will have them with us.
Big hugs,
Tb
Xo

Carol said...

dear Julie - I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. My heart breaks for you.

xox

Frances said...

Julie, let me send you sincere condolences on the loss of a lovely person, dear to you.

annamaria potamiti said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your very dear friend.
Annamariaxo

susan jenkins said...

So beautifully written Julie. Kary would love your sweet rememberance.

Love sister

sharon said...

Sending you healing thoughts Julie on the loss of your friend. So sorry.

Aprilgirl said...

What a beautiful tribute to your best friend. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss...life can be so cruel sometimes. Sending you hugs. Take care, Julie.

Val said...

I'm sorry, Julie. My best friend died years ago--I know how it hurts. Such a huge loss. You are both in my prayers tonight. ♥

PCovi said...

Sooo sorry Julie! How sad.
Sweet to have such a friend.

Hugs to you.

Maria said...

Dear Julie, I'm so sorry for the passing of your dear friend. She's being greeted at distant shores. Godspeed, Kary.
xo
Maria

susanc said...

I am so very sorry for your loss Julie. Your post was beautiful. Take care. xxx

Bonnie Crawford said...

Oh Julie, I am so sorry to hear of Kary's passing. I had just heard that she was ill, but I did not realize how serious it was. Your tribute to her was lovely and so captured her light--truly a special, unique person. I will never forget the special food you, Kary and Susie prepared for our open house at the store--such a wonderful gift! Hugs to you, Bonnie

lynne h said...

julie, i am sending you love. there are no words...

love,

me

polkadotpeticoat said...

I am so sorry Julie....

Librarian said...

So, so sorry to hear about Kary's death. Thank you very much for letting us know.
I was one of her regular blog readers, and when she stopped posting some time last year, I sent her a message, asking how she was and expressing my concern at not hearing from her anymore. She wrote back to me, explaining that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
Of course I was always hoping for her to recover, since there are many cancer patients today who survive, and I am very very sorry to know Kary wasn't one of them.
Losing close friends and family is terrible, I am sad for her nearest and dearest, including yourself.

Lori ann said...

oh my god, julie i had no idea. oh i am so so sorry. it was just one of those things, i kept meaning to write her and wondering how she was. i thought it was just a blogging break. oh dear lord. i'm sorry.

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

I'm so sorry Julie. I lost mine last month, and still catch myself up short when the reality of her absence hits me. Am grateful for all of my wonderful friends. They are precious to me.

Claire said...

Oh my Julie, what a shock to read your post.
I had visited Kary's blog a few times and it's obvious from all the comments that she was much loved and her friendship cherished by many.

So sorry for your loss Julie.....

Claire ♥

millefeuilles said...

Dear Julie,

I am so, so sorry to read about this wonderful lady, this beautiful friend passing away. The thing which strikes me the most here is how eloquently you have captured her true essence with a few lines and pictures. Kary's amazing personality springs off the page, Julie.

I'm off to have a few quiet moments to think about Kary, you, and all her loved ones.

Hugs to you,

Stephanie

hens teeth said...

Oh Julie, this cannot be.

Flutterby Patch said...

A blog post from the heart Julie. Dear friends always remain at our side even when they are just out of sight. Sweet memories. Eli x

Elderberry-Rob said...

What a wonderful friend, you have some beautiful memories. So sorry for your sadness. Betty

Gretel said...

What a terrible loss and what a lovely woman. Sending you my thoughts from over here. X

Lovejoy Bears said...

Dearest Julie,
My heart goes out to you.
I think that Wherever Kary is now she will be truly honoured and happy that you wrote this beautiful and loving post in her memory. The friendship and love between you sounds truly precious and I think it's wonderful that you managed to take that truly lovely photo of her in Maine.
hugs
vicky xxx

Susan Wells said...

What a beautiful portrait you have written of a dear friend. Since it takes being a friend to have one I know she adored you as well. Thanks for sharing the sweetness and love and reminding me to keep mine close.

Lisa Graham said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend Julie. She sounds like she was a beautiful human being. Wishing you great comfort during your time of grief. xoxo

Kat Langford said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find her loving presence in the morning light, the colors of the sky at night and in the little reminders that this world is a mystery we seek to understand. I send you my prayers and heartfelt condolences.

lilylovekin said...

Julie, my heart is so sad. Lorrie

A Mermaid's Tale said...

Yes we are truly blessed when we have good friends. My thoughts are with you Julie at this sad time, and my prayers are with her family. x

Kathryn Glover said...

Julie, I'm so sorry to read of your friend's passing. The world will miss her. KG

Dale Smith said...

I am so sorry that you have lost a beloved friend.

Anonymous said...

I was so sad to read this. I also used to read Kary's blog and missed her when she stopped writing. I didn't know why she stopped writing. I am so sorry for your loss of your dear friend Julie. Take care, Doris

GardenOfDaisies said...

Julie, I am so sorry that you lost your friend. Sending you a hug. I did pop in to read her blog from time to time, but had no idea that she was ill. Another reminder for me, to treat every day like it's special, and every person with kindness, because we just never know when time will be up.

Pixie said...

So sorry Julie to hear of the loss of clearly a very dear friend and companion,, my thoughts are with you, take care.
x x

sandra said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend. So many wonderful memories for you to hold on to and thank you for sharing what it means to treasure a best friend. My prayers are with you and her family and her Teddy too XO

sandra said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend. So many wonderful memories for you to hold on to and thank you for sharing what it means to treasure a best friend. My prayers are with you and her family and her Teddy too XO

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry to hear that you have lost your dear and beloved friend. Thinking of you.

Susan Jonsson said...

I am so sorry to hear about your beloved friend. What a blessing to have so many fond memories in your heart. May those give you comfort and eventually Peace.

Susan

Vicki Boster said...

Julie- my heart breaks for you. This is my biggest fear-- to lose a dear friend--- I don't know the right words to say to help you-- I'm terrified of the pain that I know you have in your heart. You have described her as a beautiful person both inside and out--- I will keep you in my prayers-
Xo
Vicki

Marie said...

Dear Julie,

I am so sorry to hear about your friend...
She sounds like the kind of person whom everyone adored. I did not know her, but I was saddened by the news of her passing.
There is one brighter star in heaven...
xo <3

gallerydarrow said...

I'm so sorry Julie, I met Kary though her blog, her dog Teddy, her love of cooking, her garden and those amazing Halloween decorations.

She will certainly be missed.

Sending love, Ro

Cathy Kiffney Studio said...

She sounds like she was a wonderful woman and a good friend, beautiful tribute you gave her. Sorry for your loss.

Helen Philipps said...

Dear Julie I am so sorry to hear of the sad loss of your dear friend Kary. Sending you my love and deepest sympathy.
Helen x

angela recada said...

I am so very sorry about the loss of your dear friend. She sounds like she was such a lovely person.
xoxoxo
Angela

Kathryn Glover said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

You people are so incredibly kind.
Thank you for your heartfelt comments.
xxxxxx

Colleen said...

so sorry to hear you lost your dear friend.

Colleen said...

so sorry to hear you lost your dear friend.

Elaine said...

I am so sorry. I didn't know Kary, but from the things you have written it is obvious that she was a wonderful woman. Deepest condolences and a big hug.

leon 10 said...

so very sorry to hear about youre friend!
hope you have pretty and lovely sweet memorys of her and you and keep that with you in your mind its so much more worth then anything else in the world keep them save in a little draw with a little key you can open it wenever you like but never close it let it little bit open so you could feel the happy memorys greething take care leon10

Jo Oakley said...

Dear Julie, I found this post today and found it so very heartening it is so generous of you to share it as it is a beautiful and eloquent tribute. Life has so many lessons for us all....we have nothing really if we don't share our loves and our losses...thank you so much she was a real shining light in this sometime dark place. much love x

Patti Sweede said...

Julie-you do not know me but i follow your delightful blog. I looked today and i am so so so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you- and you are such a wonderful friend to post a beautiful memory for us to share. I hope to meet you someday-love you Julie-
Patti Sweede

Mary Stanley said...

Julie, So sorry to hear of your loss. Reading about Kary I felt like she was a kindred spirit! Seeing her hooked rug with the owl and squirrels I just know I would have loved her too. Sending my love and healing thoughts your way.
xo Mary

Eggs In My Pocket said...

So very sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you feel. My best friend passed away almost a year ago........I miss her still.

Michele R. Unger said...

My heart aches for you and Kary's family. You honored her so beautifully with your writings and your photos.

Unknown said...

Dear Julie

This is a beautifully written goodbye to your dear friend, I am so sorry, sending you hugs my lovely, from this little Isle over the oceans. Cherish those happy memories and hold on to them tight xx
love Sophie xx

for the love of a house said...

Julie, I am so very sorry to learn of Kary's passing. She was always so lovley and left the sweetest comments. I loved how much she adored sweet Teddy. My condolenses to you, and to her husband and family. Poor dear Teddy- I can't imagine how lost he is without her. Breaks my heart.
with sympathy,
joan

NanaNor's said...

Dear Julie, I just came from Mary's blog when I saw this. Like so many others I'm heartbroken. I had gotten to know Kary(and Teddy)through emails about getting a poodle. I felt such a close bond with her because I was from northern Ca. and she encouraged me to let her know next time I was back. I hadn't gotten any responses from her in the last five months and wondered if she was failing and pulling back. I'm thankful she is no longer in pain but heartbroken for her husband, family, beloved Teddy and of course the many friends she made her in blogland. I'm going to follow you because you remind me of her and I want to get to know you.
Hugs today.
Noreen

Sincerity said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.

Words really aren't enough in times like this but know that there are many people praying for you, Kary's family and friends.

Blessings and peace to you during this difficult time. May God turn your sorrow into joy and grant you future days of dreams fulfilled.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

So sorry to hear this sad news. I followed Kary's blog and wondered why she had stopped posting. She so grieved the loss of her Buddie, but joy returned with Teddie. She always left such kind words for others. Sending prayers your way!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I read about Kary's passing on Mary's blog....such sad news! My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I wondered why Kary had stopped blogging, but figured she had new interests. I only knew her through her sweet blog but I could tell she had a kind heart and that she loved New England so much, her beloved Teddy and baking. She will be dearly missed!

Dreaming Woods said...

dear dear Julie, i am so very sorry that you lost your dear friend. i wish i could give you a big hug. such a sad thing to read.

Dreaming Woods said...

dear dear Julie, i am so very sorry that you lost your dear friend. i wish i could give you a big hug. such a sad thing to read.

Lesley Todd said...

Julie, Just popped over to see how you are and I'm so so sorry to hear this sad news. Your words were so touching they have made me cry. What a wonderful friend she was and you were to her. xx

Maggie Ann said...

The friendship you had will live forever in your heart. Death cannot change that. May God help you through your grieving times and give you rest in him. I know he will. my sympathy....xo Maggie Ann

jen storer said...

Im so very sorry to read this dear Julie. what a terrible blow. I did not know of Kary's blog but somehow I feel that, here in the blogosphere, we share each others lives and by default each other's friends.
I shall hold you both close to my heart.
Jen xx

Heather said...

Oh my goodnesss. I am deeply saddened by this news. I got to know Kary through the blog world and adored her blog and her love of cooking, autumn and her love of new england....
I always told her I admired her and her life in California...she just was such a happy positive voice in the blog world...
She always made the sweetest comments....and she will be greatly missed.
May she stay in yours and our hearts forever.
Heather
Rose Hill Designs

jerilanders said...

I am sorry for this loss. I did not know of Kary or her blog, but it is apparent that she was well-loved. I hope you will find peace in the memories of the times you shared with your best friend.

Lisa Graham said...

Julie, just stopping by to say I thought of you this morning. I hope you are doing okay.

Paulina said...

Julie, just wanted to tell you that I'm so sorry. take care.

Dog Trot Farm said...

Julie, please accept my sincere condolence in regards to the loss of your dear friend Kary. I too was a blogging friend of Kary's and as such we e-mailed back and forth having much in common. She Buddy and Teddy and I Winslow Homer, she Dande and Whiskey Sour and I Sweet Emma Lou and also our love of New England, I live in Maine. Kary also enjoyed hearing stories of my 16 chickens. I will never forget Kary, she is missed. Blessings to you, sincerely Julie of Dog Trot Farm.

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka said...

Dear Julie, I'm so so sorry for the loss.
A big hug from me, Becky

Nan said...

I am so very sorry.

Erin said...

I am so sorry for the loss, Julie. I am very sad to read such wonderful person and a wonderful friend of yours is gone. Hugs, Erin

Ruthie Miller said...

Sending my deepest sympathy. So very sad. You were a good friend and will draw on happy memories always.
Sending gentle hugs, Ruthie from Lady B's Time for Tea

ShannonAnn said...

Julie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you my hugs and prayers.
Xo's

Madelief said...

Dear Julie,

Such a beautiful tribute to your friend. So sorry to hear about our loss. I know how it feels losing a good friend five years ago. I still miss her.

Take care.

Love, Madelief x

Unknown said...

Julie, I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved friend...

Unknown said...

Julie, I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved friend...

connie said...

julie, so so sorry to hear of your dear friends passing...
how blessed you were to have her in your life and her memories in your heart forever...
xo
connie

The 4 Bushel Farmgal said...

Hello Julie,

Only today I stumbled on the terrible news of Kary's passing. I miss her love of the holidays, and had often wondered what could have interrupted her blogging.

My condolences to you and to all her family and friends. Please take comfort in knowing how many people she made smile.

brenda said...

so sorry....

brenda said...

so sorry...

Beverly@Beverly's Back Porch said...

What a lovely post to Kary. She would have loved it, or not. haha She will certainly be missed by all. Take care and keep your wonderful memories with you always.

Holly said...

Julie, Forgive me for asking, but I think about this every time I read your blog. Do you have a sister named Robin? When I was a girl, my best friend was a girl named Robin Whitmore, and she had a sister named Julie. If so, please pass her my email! I do love your work, and will be shopping when you get it up! Thanks

Marylinn Kelly said...

Such a warm and loving tribute to a friend whom you saw so clearly. I am sorry for your loss. I know I would have enjoyed her blog, too.

My Grama's Soul said...

Oh Julie.....this post made me so very sad....i wish I had KNOWN this wonderful woman.

xo

Jo

farmlady said...

Losing friends is such a final thing, isn't it? It's like they are on a long trip and we didn't go with them. The separation is final and sad.
I'm sorry that your friend had to leave. Cherish all the wonderful memories and know that she is done with sickness, pain and suffering. She is fine. Missing her is all right and she probably knows how hard it is for you. Talk to her in your dreams and take care of yourself.

Julie said...

I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

Holly Abston said...

Hi Julie, I've only recently discovered your beautiful work. I've been scrolling through your lovely blog this morning while drinking my coffee. I felt compelled to say how sorry I am for the loss of your dear friend.

Animals who garden

Animals who garden
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