Hey, I’m back!
I’ve taken some time off blogging for a myriad of reasons. University got pretty intense, the garden demanded my attention, I had some health things to deal with and work was busier than usual – particularly with the amazing Callum playing his debut gig (an absolute blast, that I will write about in coming days). But mostly, I was too sad to write anything for public consumption that made much sense. 2016 has been a tough year to deal with.
Last month, my dear friend Jacqui passed away and it hit me and everyone who knew her very, very hard. It wasn’t unexpected, her health had been failing for a long time and she was having more bad than good days. Her funeral was a bittersweet affair, with equal amounts of laughter and tears, and punctuated by lots of music. And she would’ve loved every bit of it! I performed her favourite song, “Jamaica Farewell” acapella, which we used to sing together most Mondays.
Below is the last photo of the two of us. It was a Friday session with the Superstars back in July and Jac was having a bad day. She didn’t want to join in – but she still wanted to hold my hand and say cheeky things to Chris the photographer, while the others played and sang 😀
Jacqui and me
I’m incredibly grateful that I got to know her in the last few years of her life and enjoyed such a friendship. It was joyous, at times raucous and always filled with music and with love. This was proved again today when one of The Superstars played a beautiful little piece of music and announced to us all when she finished “that was for Jacqui”.
She will not be forgotten ❤
Debra Manskey 
Oct 14, 2016 @ 21:58:38
One of the many joys I enjoy in my job is sharing vicariously in the joy of others. Watching Jacquie reach out for you each Friday and trying to capture somehow in two dimensions that which takes four, five, or six was/is my favourite way to finish the week. It’s a selfish delight I continue with the Superstars as each member searches/finds their voice and inner star. We contribute small incremental moments and get back so much in return. I love being part of this Deb.
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Oct 14, 2016 @ 22:01:17
It’s pretty damn fine to be there when people shine so bright 😀
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Oct 15, 2016 @ 06:03:36
I am so sorry about Jacquie Debra but I am incredibly glad that you were able to reach out to her and give her a musical voice. I love Chris’s comment above. Plant one of your fruit trees for her.
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Oct 15, 2016 @ 09:30:59
Thank you my friend. xx
Good idea! I have some citrus trees to plant into wicking barrels today. Also, there’s a gorgeous pale pink carnation that has been flowering profusely during this difficult time. It always makes me think of her ❤
I hope you and yours are well?
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Oct 15, 2016 @ 15:59:02
Well and just starting to dry out Debra. Its been SO wet we haven’t been able to move the fridges to start our wicking beds and I completely get your study mania. We are on the home stretch of our media course and its full steam ahead! We have been beavering away all school holidays producing websites etc. In 5 weeks it will all be finished and we can throw ourselves into full scale fridge wicking. We planted our 4 aging old inherited blueberry bushes into fridge wickers and are using them as test cases. At least the dog patrols them now and keeps them safe from the possums and wallabies 😉
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