That last response was so brief because I was typing while trying to see my screen through tears at work. I had to make it fast and turn my attention away or I'd have not made it through the afternoon without a tear-puffy and red face.

There are so many little ceremonies that have come out of these threads. Kat started them, I picked up and moved them along. We have spoken about clearing up our houses, about our art projects, our pets, our gardens, we have cured cancer and we have shared stories about our loved ones. We love creative arts - Michelle has taken up quilting, and I have intended to start making jewelry for ever - Kat shared lots of "jewellery" (thanks for the reminder, Alice!) hints, sources, and photos of her work. [Liz and Alice have been doing all of these creative things for years - and there are others who stop by occasionally to share photos of gardens, photos collections, etc. - I realized I left out a lot of folks I should have mentioned when I first posted this.]

Tonight I pulled out the box of beads that has accumulated but not been used, and I cut apart the circle of beautiful clear quartz beads shot with golden rutiles. I had intended to send one to Kat when I finally got around to making jewelry and cutting that string. I should have done it years ago. Tomorrow I'll find a headpin and some supporting beads and I'll make a bead pendant to wear to honor Kat. There is one of the beads in that set with a cluster of rutiles that look like a letter, kind of a cursive L, or perhaps a K.

I should have done this ages ago. I'll do it now, and thank you Kat for being in my life, albeit virtually and over the phone, for all of these years.

Maggie