Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie) Jul 2013

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Aug 13 - 03:28 PM

Barb I am so sorry......You are another of the old timer's that I somehow forgot to notify and that is inexcusable on my part. I don't know how to apologize but to simply ask your forgiveness.

Very sorry old friend.....Much Love


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Llanfair
Date: 02 Aug 13 - 03:25 PM

I've only just heard. Kat was the soul of the Mudcat, and, although her spirit is now free, she will always remain a part of this community.

MissyaKat.

Bron.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 13 - 01:28 PM

Innit it a grand testimonial that SO many people have posted on Facebook and here that they were "shocked", "saddened" and so on.

These alone tell all and sundry what a wonderful person she was in life and is< and will be, in our hearts and minds.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: bbc
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 10:11 PM

I dropped by, tonight, & stumbled, unknowing, onto the "Last Song Circle" thread. By way of that, I found myself, shocked & heartsore, here. kat was a great soul & the heart of our community. Although the two of us never met in person, we, definitely, met by heart & soul. The world is better for her having been in it. Blessings & condolences to her loved ones. Rest in peace, my dear; this part of the journey is complete!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Crowhugger
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 02:25 AM

I second ranger1's hope that Del will write something for kat. Guess I figure a lot of us will do that...create something with our grief.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: KT
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 05:44 PM

I check in to this thread often, and haven't posted much 'cause I just can't find the words. Like so many who've expressed it so well, kat was a huge part of my experience at Mudcat. I so miss her daily presence here, and I miss her phone calls which delighted and surprised me beyond telling. At the same time, I feel that she's very much here with us. I think of her so often, when I check in here, or when I'm in the mountains and see an eagle or raven soaring high above, or when I see something of beauty that I know she too, would love.

To her dear family, here's one more heart that shares the pain of her leaving. May you find comfort and joy in your sweet memories of her.
KT

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 04:08 PM

I learned this news from Seamus Kennedy and Mick Lane. I was surprised to say the least. I had know Kat's health was not strong but I din't know it was this weak.

Kat had a similar reaction to things as my sister. Immediate concern and worry and then a "let me think about it a bit." Passionate but never irrational.

She loved art, and poetry, and the history of the west. She had great taste in jewelry. And while I have been a sketchy resident is these rooms of late I always looked for kat's postings to catch up on.

I will miss her.

Don

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 03:26 PM

Oh, what sad news. I've only just found out ... goodbye and God bless, Kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Bobert
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 08:06 PM

Okay, I gotta do my testimonial...

When I first came here I pissed off some folks and was gettin' the blast from a couple ol' timers who had been here a couple years and didn't want no new whipper snapper comin' in and shakin' on stuff...

Ya'll know who you are...

Then I got a PM from Kat that was filled with grace explaining how I might better fit in on one hand but also encouraging me to keep shakin'...

That was the beginning of a long, caring relationship between us over the years with her just recently sharing information about doing a self-published book...

Luvya, Kat...

B~

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Bearheart
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 06:01 PM

I recently returned to Mudcat after a longer hiatus than usual. Due to a virus I just got back on line after nearly a week. Shocked at the news. A sweet and highly conscious soul, a bright and intelligent mind, a creative and loving heart-- that was Kat to me.

Back in the day I considered Kat one of the kindred souls on the 'Cat, like many she was one of the first to welcome me, but more than that we shared a similar spiritual view and often talked of things besides music. I was pretty innocent when I first joined, and was really unfamiliar with the kind of negative behavior that has become common on the net, and which would occasionally surface here. Naively I felt that hostility and cruelty didn't belong in a place devoted to music-- the love of my life. What I DID love about Kat-- and truthfully, most Mudcatters--was their dedication to music and this community.
When some one got critical or vitriolic, Kat was often the one who would notice and salve the wound. Often I would end up joking about it! She also was one of the small community of people here who understood the spiritual space that inspired my own creative direction, and I wish now that I had continued to share with her; I know she would have been a most appropriate mentor. I feel that loss too now.
As I read this thread, I see many of the people who likewise made this community special to me-- offering knowledge, and more so wisdom; encouragement; the pure love of the music; and the willingness to be real.
I'm doing a lot these days to protect my community from fracking. and there are lots of other distractions-- but I want to be here more. I don't want to make the same mistake of believing you will all be here forever. I want to enjoy your presence as I wish I had enjoyed hers more. I have no doubt that Kat knew exactly what lay on the other side of that doorway and that she has made her way to the ancestors easily and effortlessly, and I feel sure she watches over all those she loves as she always has done. I wish comfort to all who grieve her, and I am sure I will stop crying SOON.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,WYSguest
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 04:48 PM

RIP Kat. May you shine in peace.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 11:19 AM

I am so sorry about the passing of Kat. She was one of the first people I posted a response to when she was looking for lyrics to a song for her father, I believe it was, when I was relatively new, here.
She will be missed. My condolences to her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Dave Swan
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 10:53 AM

One of her charms was that the Kat you got in person was the Kat who posted here, emailed, and called on the phone.

Sweet, warm, absent of artifice.

The genuine katlaughing. There is no substitute.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: open mike
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 12:38 AM

Was Kat born in North Dakota? it must have been in 1953, as I just turned 60, my own self.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: open mike
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 12:32 AM

This thread says Kat / Latie does it mean "Katie"?
Is Jerusha the same as "Rue"? I am looking for Kat's family tree...
I recall she did genealogy research and I wonder if the tree has
been posted anywhere??

I hope all her work has been saved, and is available to family.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: open mike
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 10:32 PM

One of the sad things about Kat being gone is that most people who post here start with something like: I don't come here very much any more...

I hope we can change that...I know I check in more often just as a memory of Kat and perhaps we all can step up and keep in touch more just as a way to honor her and the way she connected and networked with everyone here!

We used to have member info posted under the drop down menu for members photos and info....I guess that is no longer active?

it used to be a place you could look to find where mudcatters lived
and find their e-mail addresses and other info...I guess that went away when the "help" function ceased to continue?

We do have P.M.'s and the Mudcat face book page as ways to connect.
Please do---connect---do it for Kat!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 08:22 PM

So gooooood to see you here, jfh. A really testament to Kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,john from hull
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 06:54 PM

very sad news, my thoughts are with her family at this sad time.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 02:37 PM

Such a kind, gracious and interesting lady. This is heartbreaking.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 07:19 AM

One of the kindest and most positive people on here. A grievous loss to this community. The love pouring out here says it all.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 05:05 AM

I have got my leave. Bid me farewell, my brothers!
I bow to you all and take my departure.

Here I give back the keys of my door --
and I give up all claims to my house.
I only ask for last kind words from you.

We were neighbours for long, but I received more than I could give.
Now the day has dawned and the lamp that lit my dark corner is out.
A summons has come and I am ready for my journey.

R Tagore

I don't say much on here and don't say much anywhere really but This is where I come each day to see how the folks are doing. Been waiting for what felt to me to be the right words to the loss of Kat. The ones above turned up this morning.
I'll miss you from here Katlaughing.
One light, though the lamps be many
Al

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 05:23 PM

Ní bheidh a leithéad arís ann. A long sad time of sorrow and regret lies ahead for those who loved katlaughing, until the sad memories gradually give way to fond laughter and the embrace of remembering the best and kindest.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 05:14 PM

I don't check into Mudcat these days as often as I should, and this news is truly a shock. Kat and I exchanged PM's every so often back in the day, and I would just like to copy and paste one of them here. We had been discussing Roy Buchanan's recording of "Sweet Dreams", as well as the insane outpourings of the manic fundamentalist endtimes preachers.

From        Title        Date        Archive        Delete
katlaughing        Re: Sweet Dreams        20 Sep 2006 05:55 PM                

Message:
Hi, Murray,

Sorry this has taken me so long to get back to you,. I didn't know Buchanan's history until i looked him up after your comment. My educations on the Mudcat continues..:-) I can certainly appreciate some incredible electric guitar, though, education or not! I found his version very haunting and poignant. Thanks, again.

I don't know what to think of the endtime idjits. I knew they were out there. I don't think they are the majority BUT they do sell, i.e. movies, talk show guests etc...viewers seem to be eating up any of the fear-mongering stuff these days thanks, imo, to the shurb et alia.

The best thing any of us can do, anywhere, is to speak up and let other folks know about it and how we believe/feel about their *views.* I still have a lot of faith in the human race and I DO believe good people can prevail, that includes you and a bunch of other Mudcatters.:-)

Take care and don't lose any sleep over it, okay?

luvyakat

R.l.P. Kat ... luvyatoo ...

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: gnu
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 04:46 PM

Darn! I have tried to find the Obit online with an option for a note of condolence... been searching for a half hour using garg's post re Palisade Funeral Home but came up with nothing. Anyone?

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 07:47 AM

How sad!

I don't log on to Mudcat often these days, but every time I do some bad news seems to be waiting. Now it's Kat.

Like most posters, I never met her in person, but I enjoyed and admired her posts. I admired her even more when I learned what adversity she had to cope with due to her poor health. It's good to know she had such a close and supportive family circle.

We exchanged PMs while she was working on her father's book and I was doing a similar project. She was an inspiration, and as has been said, Mudcat won't be the same after her passing. RIP, katlaughing!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 11:01 PM

Del, write something for her, so that she never leaves us. I think our grief is made more bearable when we do something creative to keep the memory of our loved ones alive.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,DEL
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 10:59 PM

Jeri, Thanks for sharing about the beads, she sent you. I held her in myk arms when she was a Baby in North Dakota! It just can't be that she has left us--for now...

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,DEL
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 10:51 PM

OK, Delton Dean! I of course am Delton Lorenzo! Thanks for sharing--

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,DEL-- Kat's Brother
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 10:40 PM

Maeve in Maine,Thanks for the post. Right now it feels as though the music has died and I will write no more notes--but we can't let that happen, Kat would not want that, and we can't let the music die in this world. I am just awed and comforted by all the posts about her. So good of you all!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 05:27 PM

Kat was such a devoted networker. She cultivated relationships, contacts, connections. Kept up with folks. A lot of folks. That was a hugely important role that fostered continuity in this cyber-community. Her proclivity for making those personal connections, whether thru e-mail, pms or phone calls functioned as a "central hub" for Mudcat.

I am reminded of this after seeing a thread to which Louie Roy posted, and in the process realized he has not posted since April. He hasn't posted to any of the threads regarding our Darlin's passing. He might be fine and just no longer on Mudcat, but I recall he was having some serious health problems and is no spring chicken. Kat is the only person on Mudcat who would know if he is OK or not.

Kat is not able to answer that question anymore.

Kat was the "go to" person - the folk most likely to know if some one who disappears from sight is even still alive. I know I myself am not a good networker. If I lived where no one else in my immediate circle was plugged into Mudcat and died, no one on Mudcat would know. It is not arrogance on my part to think that there are Mudcatters who would care to know if I died. It is my awareness of the caring that exists here.

Virtual communities still depend on connection beyond the internet for continuity. So share your phone number folks. Not just your cell phone, but your home phone (assuming you have one) with at least one other Mudcatter. And call one or more of those phone numbers every now again, just to say "still on earth."

Spaw and Micca are both really good about calling folks up, but Kat was our "central clearinghouse" for keeping tabs on folks who otherwise have dropped out of sight on Mudcat.

Just noting another way she was so important to this community. I don't know that any one person is willing or able to fill her shoes in that respect. Let us spread it around.

Miss Kitty, Mudcat is going to miss you in ways we don't yet realize.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 11:01 AM

The way Kat signed her posts is indicative of the warmth and encouragement she gave to so many in this international community. My deepest sympathy.
Sheila

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 12:35 PM

Very sorry to hear this. RIP, Kat. Condolences to her family.

Saul

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,peregrina
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:20 AM

I haven't been posting here, but I looked in and was devastated by this news.

Kat shared so much warmth, generosity, wisdom, love of music, nature, and family, plus good writing and enthusiasm for life here--an inspiring, radiant spirit. I am so moved by how much, and how freely, she could reach out and give for others, and for mudcatters individually and collectively, when things were uphill in real life. To Morgan and her family, I wish you all strength.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: ragdall
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 01:24 AM

Morgan,
   Thank you so much for thinking of us and for posting the sad news that your Grandmother will no longer be adding her wisdom and caring to threads on Mudcat. I will miss Kat's presence here very much and send hugs to you, your mother, your grandfather, and all your family.

I hope you know that you were/are the sunshine in Kat's life and what a great help you were to her? When Kat told us about you we could see how happy you made her and how proud she was of you. I hope that you and your mum will check in with us from time to time and let us know what a fine man you are growing into.

Hugs,
rags

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:09 PM

A LAST SONG CIRCLE FOR KATLAUGHING


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:06 PM

How about repeating some of these in the thread named "A LAST SONG CICLE FOR KATLAUGHING?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 08:10 PM

Journey Round the Sun


JOURNEY ROUND THE SUN
1
When I think of all the friends I used to know
Scattered now to places I don't go
Chasing lovers and careers
As we carry on this journey round the sun
Memories are passing one by one
Like moving pictures made from these restless years

2
Looking back on all the struggles lost and won
As we carry on this journey round the sun
Time has dried up all the tears
And the gold dust of experience remains
To be used to buy us freedom from the chains
And teach us how to fly from these restless years

Chorus
Standing on the edge of time with history fading far behind us
Searching darkly for the key
Sensing something undefined and wrestling with a greater mind for
Who am I and why are we
And as step by step discovery it goes on
In this never-ending journey round the sun
Wheels keep on turning round through these restless years

3
Living always in the shadow of the gun
In the wandering of this journey round the sun
Darkness never disappears
But as love flows through the bad times and the good
Connecting us in ways not understood
And lighting pathways drawn through these restless years

Chorus

4
Generations flowing onwards one by one
As we carry on this journey round the sun
Mystery hanging in the breeze
And as We look out on the trackless fields of time
With always one more mountain still to climb
To touch the stars we see through these restless years

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 07:18 PM

Or not.

One more try, open mike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDDyyDjWM_0

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 07:16 PM

clicky for open mike's link to the Merle Haggard song.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDDyyDjWM_0 I coulldn;t help thinking of KAT and the CAT when i head this "Sing Me Back Home" by Merle Haggard

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Alice
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 06:26 PM

Del, Kat was so proud of you and I remember over the years that she would mention many times on Mudcat that her brother is a classical music composer. It was obvious how much she loved you and Morgan and all her family and loved sharing tidbits of memory about you all.
My sincere sympathy.

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 06:06 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDDyyDjWM_0 I coulldn;t help thinking of KAT and the CAT when i head this "Sing Me Back Home" by Merle Haggard

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: CupOfTea
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:58 PM

Like so many of the fine, fun, wonderful voices on Mudcat, Kat was someone whose posts I read, nodded, smiled at... but I never reached out and made that personal connection. Her passing, and what I've obviously missed by not expressing my enjoyment of her presence here hits me hard.

It makes me realize how I need to fight against the lethargy I live in and not miss the chance to get to know others who I admire from afar. (That would indeed be easier if my @#$%^&!@ brand new upgrade of Windwos Internet Explorer hadn't hung up the first (seriously) 8 times I tried to access this thread.)

I wasn't a friend, I didn't know her, we never spoke, but I hope her family knows that there are likely hundreds of people like me whose lives peripherially touched Kat's, and were lifted by it in small ways that DO COUNT, if any keeps score of Good in the Universe.

Joanne in the folk wasteland called Cleveland

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Peter the Squeezer
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:33 PM

I never had the privilege of meeting Kat in person, but her work, together with her posts on the 'cat have served to make us all so much more aware of our duty towards our planet and all the life upon it.

My thoughts are for Morgan and all her family at this very sad time.

RIP Kat - You have proved a great earth mother to us all.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:01 PM

What RAP said: "She worked to make Mudcat and the world a better place. We can honor her best by continuing what she started, and I know that she'll approve."

We can remember her best by following Kat's example...here, and beyond!

I now have a re-newed interest in having the mudcat compilation disc,
"This Is Us" so I can listen to Kat when I need to hear her voice.

It occurs to me that might be one way to do a good deed in her memory..
to order the set of C.D.'s if in fact there are some still available.
That would support the mudcat, and keep our music alive, including Kat's (and morgan's?)

Anyone else want to join me in this?

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 04:48 PM

I read some of what she wrote recently as cleaning things up a bit, making a softer closure.

Del, everyone who "knew" her here knows how much she loved you. Keep remembering--it makes the memories stronger, so they last. The memories are that part of her that lives on in you. I love that you planted flowers for her. It was always about more than the flowers.

She sent me beads a couple times. Things she couldn't figure out how to use. The first batch, I'm sure there were some she liked but just wanted to share something nice with me. There were turquoise chips and amethyst chips and pearls. The last batch, I'm positive she added some beads she thought were more interesting. Everything was white or clear, but then, there was this pack of emerald green glass leaves. I still haven't done anything with the second batch, but there are beads from the first in many of the things I've made

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Del Kat's Brother
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 04:26 PM

Crowhugger, Thank You for sharing! I keep remembering things-- About 2 months ago two of her favorite flowers in her garden, Basket of Gold and Colorado Blue Columbine had died. She was sobbing her eyes out. I got some new ones for her and planted them and watered them to get them started. I thought nothing of it at the time,but now I think her sobbing was a sign, a presage of what was to come soon. I think it troubled her that she could not get around and do her flowers and stuff. And believe me now when I tell you I am SO glad I gave her the flowers! You never know...If you love someone, tell them NOW. Don't wait...

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 02:08 PM

Del... thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: voyager
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 01:59 PM

Friends and Family of katlaughing -

Here is a bit of Western family lore and geneology that kat shared with me when we moved back to Colorado -

"My maternal grandmother's family came from Kansas in a covered wagon when she was a little girl. The original farm, outside of Boulder, well, inside now, but still preserved, was on what is now 95th (I think) and is in a special book on old farms in Colorado. It was the "Ewing" farm and my mom's cousin still lives there. It was my grandmother's sisters who so tragically died of TB and are buried in Niwot. I'm not sure why that cemetery, but that's where their parents are, too. My grandma wrote all about it. Last I knew, the Boulder library had a copy of her memoirs. Her name was Flora E. Ewing Youmans. She went to the Normal School at the original first building at CU and became a teacher.

My maternal grandfather, M.L. Youmans first came to Erie, CO from PA and had a store there where he met my grandma and they married. They relocated to New Castle on the Western Slope which is where my mom and her siblings were all born and raised"

A fine story told.
voyager

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 01:44 PM

Del, I generally go by my middle name, Dean, but a few years ago Kat and I caught on that you and I have the same first moniker.

             Delton Dean Elkins, in Michigan

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Crowhugger
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 01:11 PM

Del, it's very good to hear from you. Kat talked about you and shared your music with us. It was obvious to me that she loved you and was very proud of you as well as admiring of your creativity.