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(Elissa Hadley, 1 April 1970-27 August 2006)
2:56pm, EDT
I couldn’t sleep last night. I read for a while, then ate some cracker sandwiches (Saltines plus strawberry jam plus cream cheese equals something worth getting out of bed for in the middle of the night, alright?), then a whole bowl of popcorn, then checked my email a couple dozen times and then around 3:30 in the morning, I got A Feeling.
"Elissa’s gone," I thought, and looked at the clock to make sure I remembered the time. Then I looked around the room, not really expecting to see anything, but feeling something. Something subtle, but something tangible.
"Elissa, are you here?" I said to the darkness, "I love you, honey."
The call woke me up this morning. She passed at 1:30am.
And now, like any good Southerner, I am rolling up my sleeves and getting to work. I will have the rest of my life to cry about this. Today, I need to figure out what I can do to help. I will probably be getting the ingredients for a chicken and broccoli casserole at the grocery store later, or baking a chocolate cake. In the meantime, though, I want to remember her to you.
Elissa was so much herself that everyone who met her instantly felt more comfortable in their own skin. She had a palpable force-field of charisma. She was adorable, delightful, hilarious. God made the sun just so he could kiss her face every day. And finally, God couldn’t stand for us to have her all to ourselves anymore, so he has lifted her up and hugged her to his breast, wrapped her in light and crowned her with stars. She will sing to me from heaven in every full moon’s luminosity, every fresh, sweet breath of freesia (her favorite flower), every soft morning fog, every midnight rumble of a cat’s velvet purr.
Here is her song, "Indiana" from the 1999 album "For Now".
Good night, my wee sleekit, my darling friend, my little e. The world will be a darker place without you. I only pray that someday we meet again…
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The world is too much with us…
and then one less.
Godspeed, you angel.
Condolences. Sorry TRex. God bless her and her family.
I’m so sorry, TRex.
I am so sorry, TRex.
Thought and prayers are with you brother.
Thanks, y’all.
Sigh.
Today has just been one of those days.
I’m sitting here wondering why I’m crying over the loss of someone I never met. But I did meet her, through your eloquent and heartfelt words on two occasions. You’re a good man and a good friend, TRex – my condolences.
op99 @ 7
You should listen to her song, op99. As a singer, espeically, I think you will appreciate the magnitude of the talent that the world has lost in losing Elissa.
Love and prayers for her and her family, and for you.
so sorry trex. Thanks for sharing her song, her voice is amazing.
I’m sorry, TRex. That’s very sad.
Hi, Trex
I’m sorry for your loss.
oh, TRex- you have my deepest sympathies at the loss of your friend… there are no words… but we love you, and we love who you love. I am so sorry.
A very beautiful voice. My prayers to those that knew her.
TRex- you are such a mensch. And such a find for us at FDL. Your range of commentary is truly amazing- laughter to tears to laughter to tears, and then back again. Thank you, TRex.
Thanks, VG. You’re one of the reasons this place is so great.
Thank you for sharing that fine, fine voice with us. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ah, TRex,deepest condolences for your loss…and much joy that you found a friend so treasured you would share her with us here ever so briefly.
And when you tire of the strawberry cracker sandwiches, get you some lemon curd and neufchatel on crackers. Sweet lemon meringue pie’s closest kin.
As we are here with you in your sorrow.
How sad TRex!
Thanks for bringing us her spirit and her voice, and allowing us to hold her in our hearts.
A truly beautiful voice. The Feeling – I’ve experienced it a few times, and it usually helps.
Stay strong
I’m sorry for your loss, TRex. She sounds like a wonderful woman.
Thanks be to God for the life of Elissa. Peace be with you, TRex.
TRex @ 8
I did TRex, extraordinary. Oh BTW, “as a singer,” I make cats yowl.
TRex @ 16
Trex, back atcha. I toil behind the scenes, but doing that, it such a pleasure to do that for you, because I never ever have to do much. You have a way of discussion that makes it so easy. xxoo
So sorry for your loss, TRex.
Elissa will be in very good company…..Lon, Dick, Bill, and so many others who went in that first wave of death from AIDS in the late ’80’s and early ’90’s.
I felt like I had lost a family. It sounds like she and my friends will have a grand time together. I suppose there is some reason for us to remain here….I wish I knew what it is.
So sorry for your loss.
Sorry TRex. There really is no good way to lose a friend. We are such fragile little beings, or, as my best friend says,we are a pathetic species. Our love for one another is all we really have to make life significant and not just a march through survival. Immortality is the love of those who knew us. Then they pass too, and we are all just stardust: million-year-old pollen. (Hi Joni.) What really pisses me off is when one of the young ones goes too soon.
Let’s make this thread into a list of angels, people we love who have gone on.
Here are my contributions:
J. Patrick Cosgrove
Edith Ray Alcorn
Elissa Hadley
Who are your angels?
In Remembrance
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle morning rain.
And when you wake in the morning’s hush,
I am the sweet uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.
Anonymous
Trex … so sorry at the news, such a voice and clearly such a friend.
Hi all -
love and warm thoughts to you, TRex, and all her loved ones.
Let’s make this thread into a list of angels, people we love who have gone on.
This year –
Rita Schmidt, who mentored me at my job
Robin Bragge, a very talented educator and
musician
We are surrounded by a cloud of saints and angels.
I’m so sorry for your loss TRex. You know we’re all here for you. Let us know if there’s anything you need.
Best,
Matt
(An avian keen into the night for your friend).
My deepest condolences for losing a member of your family. Maybe not related by blood, but I know a family member when I read about one.
I’m very close to my Flock too. I know what it’s like to lose a member of your family. You have many shoulders here to cry on, but if only in symbolism, I offer my wing.
TRex, I’m sorry.
She was lucky to have a friend like you.
I don’t do angels, but in that spirit, in the way too young department, my nephew Michael Stromberg.
Condolences, of course, the good ones are always gone too soon.
Oh TRex- who are your angels? That is such a hard question, because I remember John Treherne, who no one here would have any reason to know about. But, he was in the Zoo department when I was in England. He always tried to find the best in everyone, and supported them whatever their choices might be, and tried to help them in realizing their choices. He had a blue wing chair in his office, and it was said that everyone in the department, female or male, had sat in that chair and talked to him about what was distressing them, and that everyone, male or female, had shed tears in that blue wing chair, at some time or another. I surely did.
So sad. I’m sorry for your loss.
my condolences, trex.
.
.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Her voice was beautiful. Thanks for sharing her song.
My heart goes out to you TRex.
May you meet again.
Trex, so sorry to read of your loss and Elissa’s passing -
my condolences to you and Elissa’s friends and family -
and my admiraton for your words – they brought me tears for someone I had never met – but now wish I had…
TRex – I am really, really, really sorry that you’ve lost your dear friend.
Maybe I will put up a few more mp3’s of hers over the next few days. I want her voice to be pouring out of speakers all over the world as her soul crosses over.
She was fantastic.
TRex @ 45
What a lovely idea, TRex. I hope you will.
I spoke with the producer on a bunch of her recordings today and there is a batch of songs that were never mixed down and released. He wants me to come in and help make them into an album and even sing on a couple of tracks. I think that is going to be difficult, but amazing. I hope it works out.
TRex – thank you for sharing her with us.
So sorry about your loss. I know how it is to have a loved one become a star dotting the darkness.
TRex- I hope that works out too. You have a great virtual voice, so you should be comforted that you will also have a great voice for this effort. Not all great singers (beloved singers) have great voices, but what they have is authenticity and the ability to engage emotion and feeling.
Trex – while so hard to do, I hope you sing on that album … what a lovely way to honor a friend.
TRex,
My deepest condolences.
Be strong my friend, but do let the tears come.
Take comfort in the good times remembered.
Friends can never be replaced but they can be remembered forever.
Thanks for sharing her with us. Her beautiful voice and the thought of losing such a friend brought tears to my eyes.
We are here for you.
No YouTube for me. Just the picture. Sigh. I guess I’ll check again tomorrow.
I am so sorry, TRex. If there’s a particular charity or foundation or something that Elissa would have wanted us to support, I hope you’ll let us know.
TRex, I hope you will forgive me for posting something OT, but it appears that the book thread is still ongoing, and worth a read for those interested. Sorry to be switching gears on you, but FDL discussions are always *vibrant*.
http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..ent-266112
Bob Altemeyer has just posted a long comment responding to some previous questions.
TRex, my thoughts are with you. May you and your dear friend be at peace.
TRex, Elissa, too, was lucky to have you as a friend.
It is so hard to lose those we love.
Please accept condolences, TRex, and pass along our sympathy to E’s family and friends.
So sorry, TRex. Those of us left alive also left w/the pain of being bereft, losing another light in our lives. Some special people really are pieces of the sun, aren’t they? Without them, the world is darker, colder. I guess it’s our job to pick up the slack, grateful that we knew such remarkable people and were the better for it.
Hugs to you from a sympathetic stranger (me).
SD
My deepest sympathy, TRex, on your loss. After listening to her amazing voice, I can understand why God would want her with him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
An eloquent remembrance, TRex. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
TRex, I am so sorry. I wish I had a pair of ruby red slippers that I could click and bring back those we miss so dayam much. Instead, all I can offer is my prayers and cyber hugs.
TRex, tonight the crickets are singing loudly here all else is still. The stars are all out in a blackened sky and even the wind seems to be holding its breath. Thank you for sharing this tiny piece of a friend who was a treasure, when I listened to her voice, the crickets outside paused, it was almost eerie. God Bless.
caldonia @ 22
Amen.
Trex,sorry to hear of this.
Some night we all oughta go out and get gutter crawling, snoot slinging, language losing drunk and just bawl our fuckin eyes out.
Thank you all. You are the best.
TRex @ 28
Kenneth Johnson
Frances Glionna
Brian Gordon.
I’m very sorry for your loss, T. Thanks for being with us.
Thank you for the song; what a beautiful voice.
mainsailset @ 63
That’s beautiful. Thank you for listening to her. She was blessed and we were blessed to hear her.
TRex, So very sorry. At least her battle with cancer is over. Clearly (imho) you were asked to sing and help out with her album for good reason.
My Uncle Richard, lost to cancer. Among other things he was a wonderful botanist. We spent many days from sun up til sundown wandering deep forrests and documenting rare plants and animals in his early days with the nature conservancy. I see him from time to time, in many forms.
here
http://www.anps.org/images/henbit.jpg
and here
http://www.anps.org/images/Dtchbrit.jpg
His work still helps protect endangered treasures.
My deepest sympathy. Lost one of my husband’s brothers and a favorite cousin, and several friends to AIDS. Hard to lose someone who has more to offer the world. Don’t know you or E, but life and death unites all people. We’ll keep you in our prayers and good thoughts.
JustWords, and family
Nice, TRex. Nicely said. Losing someone cruelly is a bitch, but it’s almost harder watching them suffer. The relief when that part is over is guilty, but real. No one wants anyone they love to suffer needlessly.
TRex,
Sister Kristin,
Lizzy (both in the same week!)
I am listening again to Elissa’s song. I hope this doesn’t come out sounding wrong, TRex, but I can tell it’s going to be one of my favorites. If you had introduced me to it under different circumstances, it still would have spoken to me.
Trex, my heart goes out to you in your pain and loss. I’ve never posted before but I’m going to pass on to you some advice that helped me through the death of a very dear friend. We say we’ll remember them forever but we won’t. We can’t, we wont live forever. What we can do is choose a trait that we admired in our loved one but we lack. In my case, kindness. I consciously try to be a kinder person in memory of my friend. For every act of kindness that I do, he lives on, making me a better person and my world a gentler place.
The Nefarious Leslie @ 74
No, I understand that. Hopefully, you will be hearing more of her music in the future. I especially love her voice on “Indiana”. It sounds like a candle glowing in a dark room. Something about it reminds me of hearing Roberta Flack when I was lying in bed at night way, way back when I was three or four and my mom would be up listening to records and singing. There aren’t many singers who can take me to that place in my heart.
TRex,
My sympathy. Her song is quite beautiful. “Like a silver string pulled from us all…..”
Ed*ard Teller @ 77
She was a gift from god to the world. We are so lucky to have recordings of her voice.
…that’s a lovely voice there, no telling where she could have gone…she has a wonderful friend in you to remember her…being remembered well is everything…
spiderpaws @ 79
There are thousands of people who will miss her. She touched an incredible number of people’s lives. I am just lucky to have known her.
I’m sorry that your friend has gone, but thank you for celebrating her with us. the song is beautiful.
“But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you
and loved the sorrows of your changing face;”
Elissa, pilgrim soul in a cloud of stars. The man who made that photo knows something of grace.
My Angels? My brother Paul at 46, my best friend Jim at 46, both without warning. I read the same text at their wakes; “a good man is a ripe old age”, (Proverbs) but the reading was different for each. Paul was creative, built buildings, built a profession. Jim took paraplegic men scuba diving, blind men skiing, showed up across country at my door on my lowest day.
May we all live up to our better angels.
Peace.
Walter
It sounds like a candle glowing in a dark room.
What a beautifully apt description. And I would not have thought of Roberta Flack, but now that you say that – yes. A different voice, but also a luminous one, and a special one to me.
The Nefarious Leslie @ 83
There was just something restful about Elissa’s voice. She always seemed to be singing from some oceanic resevoir of inner calm. I heard her sing so many times, but it was never enough. I used to beg her to just come over to my house and sing Tori Amos songs with me. But then she’d come over and we’d start talking away like two magpies on a wire and never turn on any music and them, poof! Six hours later, we’re still sitting there babbling away.
Listening to her song, I remembered John Donne who said, “Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.” We are diminished by the loss of Elissa Hadley. I’m sorry, T-Rex.
TRex @ 84
Yes. When I tried to write my initial response, I wanted to say that it was a song that would minister to me and soothe my soul, but I thought that sounded too corny. But I see you would have understood.
Ah, friends like that are so precious. I can picture the two of you sitting there, and it makes me smile.
Elissa, pilgrim soul in a cloud of stars. The man who made that photo knows something of grace.
We can thank darkblack for the stars and colors. He did a beautiful job with the photo I sent him.
Here’s how I know she’s around. The original photo I was going to use was not my favorite that I have ever seen of her, but it was the best quality image that I was able to find.
But then when I tried to upload it to WordPress, it wouldn’t go through. I tried FIVE TIMES and each time, it would start to load, but then the ‘load image’ field would just go blank.
I picked this photo, sent it to darkblack and got it back and it loaded right in. First try.
But I knew what was happening. She hated that first photo, so she was telling me, “No, Rex, don’t use that one.”
The fifth time I tried, I said to the air, “Go ahead, Elissa. I dare you to block it one more time.”
Blocked.
I could just hear her. “I said not that one. Pick another one. I’m not going to tell you again.”
Oh, Aries girl. She still has an opinion, even from the other side. I love her. I will miss her for the rest of my life, even though I know she’s with me. I just want to cover her perfect peaches and cream cheeks with kisses and smell her beautiful red hair in the sunlight and hear her giggle like a little kid.
You guys, she was just the BEST fucking person ever. I don’t know what I’m going to do.
Deep and sincere, from me to you, TRex. Mourn well, and when you’re struggling to find something you can hang on to on the path to acceptance, I’ve always found the Buddhist story of the mustard seed helpful.
–
One day, a woman approached The Buddha, begging that he do something to restore her dead child to her. The Buddha listened patiently to her plea and saw how great was her despair. He said to her, “Mother, if you bring me just one mustard seed from any household in which no person has died, then I shall revive your child.”
The woman was greatly encouraged by the Teacher’s words. She traveled from door to door throughout her own village, but could not find even a single residence in which no one had died. She went out of town, wandering to this hamlet and that in search of the tiny seed that the Buddha had requested. Each household answered her: “Alas the living are few, but the dead are many.” Days later, muddy and footsore, she returned.
She was ushered into the Teacher’s presence worn out, but not discouraged. “Master, try as I might, I could not locate the token you requested as an offering. But I have come to understand that death visits every household and eventually, every single one of us.”
–
And a koan:
Where does a cloud come from? Where does it go?
Where was it before it appeared?
Where do people go when they die? Where do they come from when they’re born?
Who are you?
–
Departed clouds
Darren. Cecil. Don. Lara.
Fading cloud
Pat. Wishing you peaceful calm journey, my much-loved amazing aunt, who brought such joy to all of us.
TRex @ 47
I once recorded vocals for a friend that had passed………….listening to his breath in the playback was difficult………..take your time. Although,listening to the track months later was worth the pain of recording the Vox.
My condolences, TRex. What an amazing eulogy.
Trex, sending light and love to you and Elissa.
Also remembering Danny Lowe, who was much too young when he became my angel.
Good night, Sweet TRex… a little hug to you…
OldCoastie @ 92
And a big thunder-lizard hug back to you, OC!
TRex @ 28
My son, William Robert Shin Ichi – died at the age of 3 months from SIDS. He will play with her and show her around TRex. He’s a good boy.
‘Night, all. Hugs to you, TRex.
victoria2dc @ 95
I am so sorry, Victoria. They will be waiting for us when it’s our turn.
Good night, everybody.
I will check back in tomorrow morning.
What a beautiful voice… so sad that my first time hearing it happens to be under such sad circumstances…
Dream with Angels, Elissa…
BTW, my dear friend Wes Wehmiller was a helluva bass player… perhaps she and he will hook up and play…
Oh. Sadness. Grief.
My thoughts are with you, TRex.
….
That’s an extraordinary song and a gorgeous voice. It’s probably not much consolation, but the soul behind that voice in going to echo in this world for a long time. Musicians give us so much to remember.
I came to this thread after following an arc of sad music, starting with a Sarah McLachlan link on Atrios’ site, passing through some Joni Mitchell and Julie Miller. And here I am, and “Indiana” is a perfect endpoint to that arc.
Now I’m all teary-eyed, and I think this would be a good time to contemplate some of the angels in my past…starting with my stepgrandmother, who did so much, for so many years, to weave a net to hold our scattered family together.
(Helen, you should hear this woman sing.)
TRex,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I haven’t listened to the mp3 yet, but I wanted to post this (hopefully) before you signed off for the night.
My angel is Brad, my closest friend from college, who died so very young. It was twenty years this spring, and there is still a hole in my heart. We used to sit up all night singing together too (we didn’t have to talk – we were inseparable, so the dialogue occurred earlier) He made me more comfortable in my own skin as you so aptly put it. I had never felt more loved, accepted and valued, and we constantly learned from each other.
I also hear his commentary in my head at times, so I had to smile at your post #88. There’s a film called “Truly, Madly, Deeply” which uses that as a plot device, and reminds me so much of our relationship (not to mention that he actually looked a lot like a young Alan Rickman). Whenever I watch it I get that strange combination of warm remembrance and heartrending loss. Over time, the ratio of the former to the latter does increase, but it’s a gradual process.
I’m so glad that you have recordings of her to bring her soothing voice to you when what you need most is the “pure starlight of her song.”
gaslights
glow in the street
(flickering past)
twilight held us
in her palm
as we walked along
and we make it up
as we go along
we make it up as we go along
That’s really all we can do, but then I think I first saw those lyrics thanks to a very wise Therapod I sorta know…
Peace be with you and with all of little e’s loved ones. My heart is breaking for you.
Oh yes, these things are true—the underlying reality.
[Silence]
TRex @
45
Thanks for making your angel Elissa part of our lives. Just listening to the emotion and feeling in her voice makes me want to know her more. Please share more of her wonderful talent.
1,256 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
TRex:
Bless you and Elissa…I am here on the unit takin care of a dear friend and his wife, as we wait for him to leave us after a terrible but mercifully short bout with metastatic cancer.
Do what you hafta do to secure Elissa’s place in yer heart and memory and take some time dear friend…we’ll be here. Whatever it takes as long as it takes…
KEEP THE FAITH….
Dear T’Rex, my deepest sympathies for you on the loss of this golden friend. Grief is a deep well but tasting of its waters brings depth into our lives, struggle as we do not to drown. Remember to come up for air, dear. And may you live long and retain the purity of this love and gratitude for her presence forever.
Morning OS.
lotus ygm.
Trex, So sorry about your friend.
Grief and sadness are tricky things — if you don’t give them their own space and just ignore them, they will hit you upside the head sooner or later. So, while you are getting back to work please remember to give your sorrow about Elissa some room in your heart.
Morning John, Morning All, well it’s in the mid 50’s today, heavily overcase, and misty, though it sounds like the woods are raining…..I startled the buck eating apples out back when I went out to turn off the solar electric fence around the vegetables. They’re white tail deer around here, and that old white brush was bouncing some as the deer bounded away.
Hi Lotus, I miss your voice and presence here. Please come back to us. A family is made up of who shows up as much as who’s “entitled” by genetics or some other measure.
As we’ve seen with T’rex’s sad message above, there is reason enough to grieve loss when there is no choice about it. We’ll keep a seat warm for you……
Perfectly said, OS
Lotus ought to join the morning crew.
It is drizzly here in Boston — and a little chilly (59).
You know I love you … just silently for now.
Godspeed into the light, Elissa. In both life and death, you have touched many with your spirit and your voice.
As have you in this virtual space, TRex. Thank you for the opportunity to cry for all who have experienced the loss of such loved ones. I look forward to listening to more of Elissa’s music. In that, her spirit lives on for sure. Big hug to you.
Nan
Hello, Imm, how was your canoeing on Saturday?
Chilly? Yep, a little fire in the stove this morning. We finished the wood stacking on Saturday, and though there’s still a little kindling to gather under cover (I ran out of containers) we feel pretty secure about our heat for the winter. No, we also burn oil to keep the house warm, but spot heat for comfort around our drafty old farmhouse.
OS, canoing was nice, but we only went for an hour…. I think we are going up to the white mountains this weekend for some hiking, etc.
Are you going to have enough apples to keep that buck fed?
I am so sorry, TRex. Thank you for introducing us to this beautiful little light.
Imm, We have a couple of trees that produce thousands of small, wormy, tasteless-to-us apples which we are happy serve as feed for the deer so that we can enjoy the truly yummy ones……..
Justin Raimondo on the cracking apart of the conservative base….
(snip)
“What is almost unimaginable is the extent to which this administration is so completely the captive of its own hyperbolic rhetoric….”
(snip)
“Hagel’s dissent, and the growing disharmony on the Right over the war is an indication that the War Party’s support is plummeting where it counts – in the Republican heartland.”
http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=9614
Andrew Bacevich……….”Indeed, it’s past time to re-examine the post-Cold War assumption that military power provides the preferred antidote to any and all complaints that we have with the world beyond our borders.”
http://www.amconmag.com/2006/2006_09_11/cover.html
By the way, anyone who missed the book salon, it’s a fascinating discussion that went on there. Even if you haven’t read the book yet, you will find this post and comments educational. Might even spur you to reading the book and joining in again next week when John Dean will be here with us……..
OS — It’s odd. McCain picks this moment to decide he is all Bush all the time — and down he will go to get stuck at 30%. Hagel is no idiot, if he runs on his current platform for president, the Dems will have a very tough time in ‘08
Thanks for that, TRex.
Good morning, everybody! Won’t be able to stick around–walking the girl to school.
Go to Atrios and check out the cool video for “Had Enough.”
Howie’s got more. You know what to do.
TRex:
I’m so sorry for you loss. Thank you for sharing Elissa with us.
Mornin’ all. yet another wet dreary day here in PA.
Tommy yum, that’s great. I hope it gets used time and again during this election cycle. Have a nice walk with your little girl…..
Twolf1–wasn’t it fun seeing how happy getting the zero made folks over the weekend? *g* Dreary here in Maine too. Sounds like a reggae sort of day to me!
Old Sow @ 123
Yes, it was. BTW OS, I posted a link to a slide show of some of my pictures from Maine a coupla’ dayz ago. I included 2 pix of Old Sow. Did ya happen to see them?
G’morning OS, twolf, tommy, imm, and everyone else….
Still hot and steamy here, cooling down just a tad. The rice heads are finally starting to appear in the paddies!
Hey lotus, doll! Whassup?
Morning Medaka…..
David Henderson, who has an interesting article at antiwar.com rebutting an argument for the US to go to war with Iran, links to an earlier column he wrote called “Who is WE”, that contributes something to the book salon last evening…..
http://antiwar.com/henderson/?articleid=7889
mornin’ medaka… or I guess good evening is in order.
The sky is crying today. TRex, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her amazing voice with us.
Twolf, I did view your slide show. So many of your shots were simply stellar. So thanks for linking us up to the show. But I don’t think most folks here would recognize me from your snaps of Old Sow……..they’re way too flattering……lol
OS, twolf — I of course, being upside down here on the other side of the planet missed your photos, and I’d love to see linkup shots from Maine.
Could you provide a linky? Pretty please??
Words cannot express such heartfelt sorrow. Peace.
medaka, check out the “Sad. Funny. Tragic.” thread
While I was looking for it, I bumped into this typcially awesome/funny rant from Mary.
Mary says:
August 26th, 2006 at 11:34 pm *
I’ve had it.
Let’s chat, Joe…
Pluto’s no longer a planet. Lieberman’s no longer a “combatant.” What does it portend, oh what might it mean in the world according to bush?
Pluto was a respected, well known planetary staple for all those educated prior to its recent demotion. Wasn’t it always so cute in its diminutive condition? I mean, who didn’t like Pluto! It was the baby of the family for heaven’s sake…the “junior” of the group. Sure, it wasn’t a dramatic Saturn with its willowy rings; nor was it a monolithic Jupiter, the big one you’d never mess with. All I can think in my attempt to understand this is that a fundamental truth emerges from within Pluto’s demise: Indeed, size DOES matter after all.
So, Joe…what in the planetary system are you doing here? One day you’re a Democrat, one day you’re a whole party! Then you wish to caucus with Democrats – but you “campaign,” yes, CAMPAIGN (ya, Jane, that one’s for you!) with Republicans! And what’s THIS about…Glory be do my eyes deceive me? The Hawk is changing course? Your lust for war has been satiated? Oh, I know, it’s just a small thing, a concession “if you will” (I like to talk like Cheney sometimes and I KNOW it appeals to you.) You simply want a timetable…like your Republican colleague..I forget his name…oh, right, Christopher Shays. I LOVE when political expediency reigns and oh Joe, I know you love it too! Who among us can’t love an opportunist? Especially when it comes to life and death matters? Why, look at your donors – beneficiaries of the war machine! Of course you love opportunity – who wouldn’t given your coffers they’ve stuffed.
But Joe – you’re kinda walkin’ a fine line now, aren’t ya? You just might be construed as a “flip-flopper” and we KNOW how politically incorrect THAT is. Just ask your old ex-buddy Kerry.
Hey, Senator Kerry! I’m gonna give YOU a couple of points for your politics around your comments re your ex-Democratic senator buddy. Not enough, however, to get MY vote again but for now, nice job! I am a liberal and I like to give credit where it’s due.
Now, back to you, Joe…Being so “in touch” with your consituents as you claim to be, surely you must have noticed that Ned’s got the momentum? Come on, you KNOW it! You INVENTED it! Just like your “new” friends like to say that President Gore “invented the internet!” NED’S GOT THE MOMENTUM….but WORSE for you, Joe, NED’S GOT THE BUCKS NOW!!!
Use all your senses, Senator…take a look at what your constituents, the majority that is, are saying, and doing…and when you do, you’ll see that the tides have turned against you. Forget about the reasons, Joe, you were never really a detail man. It is what it is. The people of Connecticut, YOUR state, Senator Lieberman, spoke to you on August 8th. So far, you’re still unable to hear what they said. Let me try to rephrase it in a way that I think you might understand.
We, the People of Connecticut, registered DEMOCRATS, whom you have sworn to serve, have given you a message. The message was clear. You can’t hear it right now because you’re still in shock that you are about to lose the power you’ve coveted for the past 18 years.
Power isn’t lasting, Senator, unless you use it properly, with respect and that that respect applies to others you encounter while the Power is in your hands. Senator, you have ABUSED your power and you have done so at the people of Connecticut’s expense. You have betrayed the principles of the party you claim allegience to.
We’ve got some dead people here in CT, Joe, really, really dead…and they have families whose grief and pain can never be explained to anyone unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Your decisions, Joe, have caused those beautiful people to be dead and those families their eternally gaping wounds. Things like that are NEVER forgotten, Senator, trust me. I lost a child not through war but in love. I get their pain. But I don’t get how they reconcile their loss based on known lies. My heart bleeds for them.
And when we take it a step beyond, and look at your un-WAVERING support for that war’s continuance, speaking for myself, I’d love to grab you by the shoulders and shake you, screaming in your face, why, why, why did you let this happen?
Do the right thing, Joe. Some say you’re a “religious” man. “Thou shalt not kill” seems like a pretty universal spiritual and moral concept, doesn’t it, Joe? Get in touch with your conscience. Look back on your career. And ask yourself one question…What role have you played since 2000, when you covered your bases in the senate even then, how many of those lives are you responsible for and what, for mercy sakes are you prepared to tell the God you believe in? Far be it for me to presume to be able to judge any one else’s conscience but oh wow, if it were mine? I’d be pretty tied up in THAT psychological quaqmire, that’s for certain.
I have voted you the responsibility of speaking and standing up for the values I believed in. You did that for a time. That time was over in 2000…but in 2002, when you had the dignity and grace to drop out of the race, I applauded you. You had the integrity then, Senator, but you’re mixed in with a whole different crowd now, Rovian folk. I beg you: remember your roots.
At this moment, you are on a precipice. A crossroads. Make the right decision, Senator Lieberman. Bow out of the race now while you can with that same dignity and grace you displayed in 2002. Do it, Joe. Your positive legacy will remain in tact. For the most part. The clock is ticking, Joe. Time is on your side this moment but that is about to change depending upon what you do at this crossroad.
I’d love to meet you, Senator, and have a cup of coffee with you. I know you’re the one of the two of us who knows the diner scene so I’ll leave the logistics to you. You name the diner and the time and I would be so delighted to share some coffee and some kibbutzing with you.
But, back to Pluto where I think I must have been living these past 6 years as my eyes and ears couldn’t believe what I’ve been seeing devolve. I guess my questions all boil down to this: is if a planet is no longer called a planet, does it still make a sound?
It’s time, Senator. It’s time.”
Old Sow @ 129
lol.. I put ‘em in there just for your viewing enjoyment OS. That being the only time I have seen it, I can only assume it can get a little more ‘violent’ than that.
medaka @ 130
here ya go medaka
morning folks.
TRex, sorry for your loss. i am at the age where i have lost a few family and friends in recent months. your words are eloquent. she will be with you as long as you remember.
Good morning, everyone.
TRex, my condolances as well for your loss — her music was indeed beautiful, and I can only imagine what she was like in person.
For those following Ernesto, he’s back on track to hit south Florida smack at the top of the Keys (NHC link). DarkSyde at dKos also has a nice screed regarding the Katrina anniversary.
What’s in a name? Opponents fight Lieberman’s use of Democrat label
From today’s Greenwich Time
Blessings, TRex. My heart aches in sympathy. And welcome, Persiflage. We look forward to hearing more from you.
Thanks John Casper! And thanks also for copy/pasting that amazing rant from Mary. I just started it and immediately realized I have to save it to HD for future ref …
BTW, John Casper, are you E Coast? Somehow I thought W Coast …
Bin Laden, Most Wanted For Embassy Bombings?
NYT’s
Lieberman’s Run Shadows House Campaigns in Connecticut
By JENNIFER MEDINA
Published: August 27, 2006
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 25 — “As Senator Joseph I. Lieberman begins to mount a vigorous and well-financed re-election campaign as an independent, many Connecticut Democrats say they are worried that his bid could jeopardize their party’s ability to win in three hotly contested House races this fall. Mr. Lieberman, a centrist Democrat who lost in the Aug. 8 Democratic primary to Ned Lamont, a wealthy businessman, is now running on his own line….”
I have bolded the words that I think Gerstein pounded into Medina. My guess is that he was livid with Medina for even covering the CT House races as they pertain to Joe, so to make it up to him, she included what I have bolded. JMO.
If I am right, Joe is short of money and doesn’t want anyone to know.
You’re very welcome medaka, Milwaukee, WI.
twolf1 @ 134
OMG! I’m only up to the submerged seaweed shots — those gorgeous filaments are seaweed yes? (((smacking lips and thinking of recipes)))
Really beautiful stuff, twolf. You’ve got the eye, for sure….
Thanks medaka. I’m npt really sure about the seaweed stuff. It only appeared in the tidal pools amongst the rocks–that I could see anyway.
medaka, twolf1 — hellohellohellohello.
I am at work already — really need to get some stuff done here….
And JohnC — thanks for the Mary rant.
hi Imm, how are ya.
fine, twolf — a bit behind in my commitments, but that is always true at the start of each semester…. You?
lotus,
glad to know you are still reading…
‘ere…
Qh TRex, words fail me. Wishing you comfort when you need it most.
Happy travels, e. We send our best with you to those who await you.
medaka @ 143
They are beautiful photos, and thanks for posting them for us. As for the green seaweed, it’s probably Enteromorpha sp. algae, although you’ll also get Ulva (sea lettuce) and the larger brown Fucus (the one with the gas-filled floats) up in Maine.
TRex @
45
What a beautiful tribute to your friend, so sorry for your loss.
Trex
I am sorry for your loss. And your sadness.
I am so used to your humor, I almost can’t picture you sad. Your written tribute was very moving, very eloquent.
You do well by her.
Good morning, LHP — I have a question. Who is running the prisoner representation training in New York that you mentioned? Is it coming out of the Fed Dist. Ct’s prose clerk’s office or some law school or somewhere else?
Thanks,
Imm
I listened to Indiana, TRex. It is beautiful. I’m sorry Elissa has passed away and sorry for your loss.
FishGuyDave @ 150
FishGuyDave, I love information like that, thanks.
Scientific names rock for accuracy, and cut across cultures
and borders with their own poetry.
Twolf at 140
I saw that article this AM and thought it was odd. Why write about that today? Is it a set up story for something that is going to break in a couple days?
And why quote Dave Kelley who “oversaw” the case instead of Pat Fitz who actually directly investigated and tied the case?
Something is up. I have no idea what, but there is some back story.
A friend of mine from New Jersey was one of the defense counsel for one of the defendants in the original twin towers bombing case which was ironically (now) called US v. Osama Bin Laden.
looseheadprop @ 156
Imm, I dunno. Something is always up these days. Only time will tell.
John Casper at 141
It may mean that leiberman is running out of money or it may signal that someone might want to check his nest campaign finance filing to see how many Republicans, especailly out of state republicans have recently given him money
Between blockades and seiges, it seems that life for poor folk in Lebannon and Gaza has taken a particularly nasty turn:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..00768.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08…..ref=slogin
Imm at 153
It ’s Federal Bar Council in conjunction with the Southern District. The Court is going to prescreen cases.
They also ran a death penalty program up in Conneticut not too long ago that was well recieved and may be repeated. My understanding is that it is hard for defense counsel to get certified for CJA death penalty cases and they are trying to mentor people to expand the pool.
If big districts like SDNY have trouble finding qualified defense counsel, I shudder to think what goes on in more remote markets.
. . . we’ve let them take the test too long
gawd I love that
Mornin’ All,
anyone have current polling for the Rowley race ?
sorry to go all middle school on ya, but what the hell happened with Lotus ?? did something happen here ? is she dealing with something in her non blogging life ?? She has lit up plenty a morning here for me and I just want to know she’s okay
anything I can do for you, flowah ?
Thanks lhp.
Thanks lhp….
Imm
Dave Kelley (with mike garcia at second seat) tried the first WTC Bombing case.
Pat Fitz tried the embassy bombing case.
cbl, check out the “Sad. Funny. Tragic.” thread.
CBL see SAD. Funny. Tragic.
We hope it’s all working iteslf out now…….
new thread
Morning, all!
TRex, the world may be a darker place without little e, but it is also a brighter place for you having shared her with us.
Peace, and thanks.
imm
Don’t be put off by the first decade committee sponsorship. Although they are trying to catch them young and idealistic, I expect that this program will have more than it’s fair share of experienced people.
Marty Glenn And Karin Orenstein have really put togther a great system. I don’t do criminal defense, but if i did, I would love this for the networking and emotional support alone.
new thread
mostly “Sad. Tragic.”
John Casper
Are you a lawyer?
lhp, no, but I’m very flattered that you’d ask.
You, Imm, and Mary have really helped my image of attorneys. Prior to coming to FDL it was very low.
TRex I am so sorry for your loss and the exit of another gentle voice from the planet.
I am grateful that there are compassionate, active spirits still hard at work.
I have caught Christy’s bug and spent yesterday curled up on the couch.
Dr. Turtle leaves for another TDY in 5 hours. Just until Sunday and in Lotus’ neck of the woods. Then he’s back to work on Monday morning 7AM. Did I mention I think our military is broken?
HopeSAT — been thinking of you and your Dr. Turtle, hoping that you were both well. Will continue to send good thoughts your way.
BTW, now have $$ if Dr. has a methodology.
Indiana sounded really good. I cant seem to find any info on Elissa. Google does not come up with any useful hits. Is there any site for her music?
Thanks.
Namaste, TRex. Thank you for sharing her a little.
I woke up to this thread, and it looks like it’s already ended, so please let me be among the last to express condolences, TRex. Elissa was too good to live here, which is why your work to make this world a better place is so important.
There are more Elissas out there somewhere. I hope each is lucky enough to have a friend like you.
Geez, TRex, here i am bawling my eyes out for you. you are an extraordinary human being – it’s an honor to share your grief. e will always be with you.
Sincere condolences to you and yours on your loss, TRex. 36 is far too young.
Condolences TRex.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
Oh, sad, sad. I’m so sorry, TRex.
Trex, my condolences on your loss. I listened to your linked song; she did have a wonderful voice.
You said in one entry that you had posted two previous columns about Elissa. If so, could you link to those so we can learn more about her.
Thanks.
Trex, my deepest sympathies. What an amazing celestial Light you shared with us, and her song is so achingly beautiful. She has touched all of our souls. Her Silver Cord may have severed from this earthly plane for now but our etheric soul bonds are never broken.
Peace Elissa. Harmony, safety, and joy.
Trex,
Condolences. May she know peace and joy.
Kevin
I’m so sorry for your loss TRex. Thank you so much for sharing your friend’s beauty with the FDL family. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Thank you for introducing us to Elissa. She will live on in the hearts (and ears) of anyone who hears her voice. Peace to you, your love for your friend has touched us all deeply.
My condolences, TRex.
Allmann Brothers – Melissa
Thanks for that beautiful song. Sorry for the so sad news. Peace to you
I grieve for your loss.
May all those who loved Elisa soon heal from the pain of her untimely loss, leaving room only for the most loving and cherished of memories.
The angels I miss, but who bless me every day are:
My mother, my father, my sister and my brother.
Some people in life aren’t meant to stay with you from cradle to grave. They shine their light on you, and then that light is gone, making room for the light of someone else. But in that briefest of times when they are with you, you get to see and remember that which they illuminate by their presence.
Love and peace to you and yours, T Rex. Prayers that my angels meet Elissa and guide her way with love.
Oh, what a beautiful voice. Please give more information on her and her music, when you are up to it, TRex.
Friends are few,
Losses many,
Lose yourself, and
Your friends lose too.
TRex,
You have my deepest sympathy. Words fail me.
A big hug from me,
Sharon
Hello Trex. I’ve just been lurking here for a couple of months, but you moved me enough to write in today. I lost my little brother to AIDS a dozen years ago, and your writing reminds me of him every day. You remember at the end of “ET” when he touches Elliot’s forehead and says, “I’ll be right here”? That’s where my brother Vince sits, right in the middle of my forehead, and sees all the good and silly things I do, and laughs his ass off most days. I hope little e sits there for you and watches the world with you.
Wow. The choir up there is now one voice sweeter.
My condolences to you and all her friends and family.
TRex Your tears are my mine. Her,sweet voice will haunt me. This Scotish Song is oh so revelent to your loss.
A Scottish Song —-Tune: Rory Dall’s Port.
Edited for Your Elissa
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me.
I’ll ne’er plead I’ll surely miss ‘er
Naething could resist Elissa:
But to hear her was to love her;
Love but her, and love for ever.
Had we never lov’d sae kindly,
Had we never lov’d sae blindly,
Never met-or never parted,
We had ne’er been broken-hearted.
Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
Ae fareweeli alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.
I’m sorry, TRex. It’s never easy. Hugs.
For Little E- may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. For TRex- your love is so full,it leaks out from between your lines and reaches deep within us. To touch others so deeply is a gift. There is a web of love out here for you, closing around your newly rent world, torn with the loss of such sweetness. Grief, the inevitable result of loving, binds us together in a long, lonely, longing howl at the Moon.
TRex, you and I don’t know each other, but please accept my condolences. Thanks for your moving tribute.
TRex,
My deepest sympathy. I lost my own best friend a short time ago. I know she visited me before she left the earth. And I also know she is with me all the time. She is in my heart, just a little e is with you.
TRex,
I don’t know you but I am crying as I write this. Your post broke my heart for you. I hope the condolences people are sending you can let you know in some way how important you are to us and how much we empathize.
David
What happened? I haven’t spoken to E in about 6 years. I got a call from Brad S. today to tell me. Jesus. I’m overwhelmed.
Page
I am so sorry for your loss- and for everyone that knew her. I am so sorry to say that there will never be another elissa- never. she changed my life for the better- and not many people can say that. she was the reason i escaped atlanta and moved to athens. we lived together for 4 years and thank god after a falling out reunited again. even though i have lost a part of myself, and am heartbroken, i wouldn’t change a thing. elissa i love you. i’ll never forget you. thank you for everything.
tracy
TRex @
28
Elise was lucky to be so loved.
Proverbs in the Bible states that “Love is stronger than death.” and your loving post adds evidence to this faith based truth.
Elissa was lucky to be so loved.
Proverbs in the Bible states that “Love is stronger than death.” and your loving post adds evidence to this faith based truth.
The beautiful and mysterious photo of Elissa reminds me of Juliet’s line about Romeo “Take and cut him into little stars.”
Hello, I don’t know you (unless you are the ‘David’ Elissa introduced us to in the back room of the 40 Watt years ago), but I am so grateful for your moving words about her and your sharing her music. Instead of working, I’m just googling her name, trying to make her loss seem real. My condolences to you…
Elissa was an amazing person and I was so lucky to know her.
Your description of her is perfect.
She will be sorely missed.
You, all her family, and all her friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Though I only worked with her in a small way, I will never forget the positive, vibrant aura that swirled around Elissa constantly. She will be missed, but I have a good feeling she will live on through you and others. Take care always.