Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Farewell, sweet girlfriend

I got the unspeakably sad news this morning from our AREtsy team leader: Our friend Julie Anne Stillwell passed away yesterday.

Julie Anne was known on Etsy as Diamondmeenuh. Remember my remarks about the adorable "bird lady" who sewed her products totally by hand and donated handmade games to the Art YaYas' Jennifer Project? Who wrote epic novels from the point of view of her five bird "children"? Who was always upbeat and cheerful and the first to offer help to AREtsy newbies or anyone else who needed a boost?

Julie Anne dealt with a cascade of health problems with optimism and determination, but pneumonia got her anyway. I can't say everything I want to say here this morning. I'm profoundly sad, and the words won't come. Maybe I'll be able to say more later. Or maybe you could take a look at Julie Anne's site and see just how remarkable she was. (The link to her blog is in the right-hand column of this page.)

So long, precious Julie Anne. Today, you're out of that damn wheelchair, running and laughing and breathing deep. Today, you're flying like the birds you love so much. Godspeed.

10 comments:

Lisa_in_AR said...

So sorry to hear about Julie Anne. I didn't "know" her except through this wide world of the internet. What I do know is that she was a sweet, giving person who cared enough to send wonderful things to people she didn't even "know" in hopes of making children's lives a little brighter. Our world is a little brighter for having "known" her.
Goodbye Julie Anne.

Anne said...

Thank you for writing such beautiful words about such an amazing person.

Vicki said...

I just got a call from Diva Cyndi and am so shocked and sad to hear the news! I got to read one of her bird stories and enjoyed it and looked forward to her published work...can't believe she's gone. What an amazing and braze woman she was.

Oh Mandie said...

What sad news. I didnt know her outside of the etsy forums - and wish that I would have taken the time now. Its always to sad when a beautiful creative soul leaves us. Many blessings to everyone who knew her

Unknown said...

{{{hugs!!}}} I don't know what to say other than she was obviously loved by many! What a sad loss!

Janna said...

What a tragic loss. I didn't know Julie Anne, but I did browse her blog several times and read her stories about her birds. Having owned a cockatiel when I was young, I could totally relate to her wonderful stories and I loved her creativity. She will be missed by many.

Rachel Biel said...

Wow.... I came over to thank you for your post on Fiber Focus and now I'm all sad and tearful for someone I didn't even know... I went over to her blog, too, and read the last entry and it's just so bizarre that someone who was already watching her food intake would have a colon problem. Very, very sad...

But, I do thank you for your enthusiasm on Creative Chick's post. I enjoyed your writing, too... Rachel

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about your friend. She must have been an amazing person. Prayers and heart felt sympathy go out to all who were touched by her life.

Char

woolies said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. I sort of joke that it's dangerous to be my best friend, because so many of my friends have died, at young ages too.
We come into this world for such a short time, and leave our footprints behind. Wonderfully, Julie Anne left some profound footprints.

Possibilities, Etc. said...

My heart and prayers are with yout - just be grateful for the time you had with this remarkable person. I lost my angel 13 year old granddaughter - my bestest buddy, my apprentice, my clone last Memorial Day in a stupid, freak accident - so I am grateful for 13 glorious years I had her company.