2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 04:35 AM

Years ago at Camp Ramblewood when I met MMario and became aware of his creations, we spoke of Quiviut and I resolved to myself that I would send him some when I returned home just so he'd have the experience of working with clouds . I never did, because he said it would require 2 - or was it 3?- ounces for a shawl and the retail shop in Juneau was charging $84 an ounce. I simply could not afford it. Now I wish I had done it. But now- I just realized that he will be knitting real clouds. Lovely man.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,gnu
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 06:34 AM

RIP and... thanks.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 06:44 AM

I also have no words. Much sadness. I have added Leo to the "In Memoriam" Thread.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 07:23 AM

This is tremendous and a touching tribute to my brother. I’d love to post it to FB
if you don’t mind.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,ganyah
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 07:34 AM

Jeri, I would love to share The Shawlmaker over at ravelry, if I could. I'm not sure how this works and how you will answer, but I will look back throughout the day to see if there is an answer addressed to me.
Dear MM was an important member of our Ankh-Morpork Knitters Guild and a sweet, gentle soul

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Jan Pola Waggoner, one of MMario’s older sis
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 08:35 AM

Several of Leo’s siblings have been touched by all the wonderful messages posted here; those that have not had a chance to read them, will do so soon. Thank you all! If We would love to repost the lovely poem and a link to this thread so other friends of Leo’s from his home town etc could also read these touching words. We would not do it without permission. Thank you

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Noreen
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 09:05 AM

I'll miss him.
Glad to have known you, Leo. xx

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 09:28 AM

@Jan Pola Waggoner, please do repost the poem. And as for a link, hyperlinks still run wild on the internet. (And I don't think worlds colliding would be anything but good when it comes to your brother.)

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,ganyah
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 09:53 AM

Jeri..Thank you!

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 10:04 AM

I've known his posts on song threads since my earliest days here, always a welcome contributor, RIP MM.

Mick

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 10:15 AM

Very sorry to hear this sad news.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 10:40 AM

Here are his posts as a logged in user and here are his guest posts. It would take a herculean search to find any he might have posted to the Mudcat Tavern and Recovery Ward as "other" characters.

Happy reading!

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 11:12 AM

My best regards and condolences to his friends and family. RIP MMario
Charlie

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Jan Pola Waggoner
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 12:55 PM

Jeri, I don’t know how to send a reply just to you but thank you for your permission. We all are so grateful for these messages of love for our brother! ??

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 01:19 PM

No problem, Jan. Understood. Leo was a very significant part of this community.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Ernest
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 01:56 PM

Sad news indeed. RIP

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 02:07 PM

I was going to bring up the Ravelry connection (a site/community for yarnworkers of all species, free to join) but I see Ganyah has beaten me to it, with the excellent suggestion of sharing the poem there.

If anyone is going to continue to administer MMario's Ravelry pages, it might be an idea to support the enterprise by buying some of his lovely patterns. (I don't knit, or I would in a heartbeat.)

His main contact page is here, from which you can access the rest (copy-pasted below but un-clickified):

https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mmario

https://www.ravelry.com/stores/mmario-designs

https://groups.io/g/MMarioKKnits

For fans of MMArio Knits:
https://www.ravelry.com/groups/mmario-fan-knitics

Clickable link to his essay on shawl-shaping, "The Shape of Shawls to Come" which is a direct PDF download.

- - -

And don't forget Jeri's Deskgram link to his work, in her post of 29 Dec 18 - 01:50 PM

Aaaaaand: ANOTHER JERI GOODIE
Tune Add: Evergreen by Jeri
http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=20194&threadid=20194

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Severn
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 03:13 PM

A loss for us all. I just know him from many Getaways and occasional sings when he stayed afterward, but I sang with him, co-hosted a workshop with him, read his contributions to Mudcat and enjoyed all the time that I saw him. He'll be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 06:11 PM

Leo (MMario) has been such a lovely friend to me and Andrew for many years, whether we met online through Mudcat or in person at the Getaway. Leo was always gentle, welcoming, generous and a most talented singer and knitter. We are so grateful to have his CD recordings to remember him. From us both here in South Wales UK we send our love to Leo's family

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,RIP
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 06:12 PM

I've never met Mario. I only knew him through Ravelry, where he has proven to be quite prolific and helpful.

I was once on the train and ran into another knitter, Mark (I didn't get his last name) who personally knew Mario. We talked about how brilliant he was and Mark mentioned his love of Renaissance Fairs and math/computing. The man was clearly a genius.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 08:01 PM

I was at Getaway some years ago and on the opening night happened to sit next to him. He and I exchanged Mudcat names and pleasantries and when he turned to someone I swiped his skein of yarn. It was a few minutes of frantic searching before I handed it back to him. He was amused and said I had "stolen his best yarns."

A good, even great, man.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 08:48 PM

Jeri-

A very nice tribute to MMario, the shawl-maker among his various talents.

He will be missed but well remembered.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Janie
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 08:48 PM

Still don't really have words. I joined Mudcat in 2001, immediately after Dani dragged me to my first Getaway. So I first met Leo, and many other 'Catters at that first Getaway, before I joined this community.

18 years of virtual community and yearly 3D reunions - Leo was at more of the Getaways I've made it to than not. Some knew him better and some knew him less well than did I. Clearly, many of us will miss him, and anyone posting here will mourn him.

I still don't really have words, and the tears come too easily. Rambling. I was only half-conscious of the contributions he made to Mudcat regarding the DT and CD's.

Loved his contributions to the story threads and other collective creative writing exercises. What an imagination and flare he had for writing. He definitely "played well with others," and his contributions always delighted, advanced the storyline, and/or nudged the story in unexpected directions.

This past Getaway, several of us were making plans, in discussion with him, to lobby for him to have a mini-concert at next year's Getaway. Who knew that next year would never come? Too few people at the Getaways had an opportunity to hear him sing - he could be reticent, but in the last 2 years was getting more bold about 'singing out' in the song circles.

Like I said already, I'm just rambling, lost in sorrow and at a loss for words to honor him. That is often the case when it comes to people who exemplify what is meant by the expression "salt of the earth."

He wasn't one of the 'rock stars' who got or sought a lot of attention. He was a foundational rock, and a star that never sought to dazzle, but shone, and will continue to shine in my heart and mind, regardless of the season or be the skies clear or cloudy.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: KT
Date: 30 Dec 18 - 09:13 PM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Janie. Rambling or not....doesn't matter. We're all in this together. I don't know about all of you, but I haven't been around this place much for a long time. But I've looked at this thread numerous times, checked in more in the last 24 hours than in the last 6 months. I do love Mudcat and the community we have here. We're lucky.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 12:27 AM

If it won't be taken amiss, the last thread that MMario posted in was the playful Mudcat Tavern iteration for Christmas 2018. It has been moved back up to the top with a virtual wake in mind. He was a regular participant in those flights of fancy over the years.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: bbc
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 08:43 AM

I didn't know Leo well, but well enough to know his real name, as well as his Mudcat handle. Another part of our community gone beyond, but leaving us richer from abiding awhile. Blessings, my friend!

bbc

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Brien Hoye
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 10:05 AM

I only met Leo once at the Press Room but I frequently corresponded with him on this list. He will be fondly remembered along with many others I have corresponded with on this forum who are no longer with us.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Ebbie
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 12:24 PM

I was Guest at Dec. 30 who wrote about the Quiviut- didn't realize I wasn't logged in.

Just want to add that Leo was one of those who are larger than life. I realize that each of us in the world is unique but some are uniquer than others. :)

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,His sister Sue
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 03:34 PM

He told me about this.
Leo lived with me for 49 plus years.
He helped raise my children, helped me over two decades of caring for my Agent Orange poisoned Marine husband. Has been my emotional support system always.
In our large family he was “my shadow”.
I miss him more than I can express.
Sptseagull

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Sister Sue
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 03:37 PM

So many stories. Yours is one of the most touching. He was a sweet sweet man. Lived with me for 40 plus years. I miss him more than I can express.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,His sister Sue
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 03:47 PM

How lovely. So much love.
Leo lived with me for 40 plus years. I miss him more than I can express.
Thank you all.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 31 Dec 18 - 05:17 PM

Sister Sue, don't take it personally!
Submitting a posted message on these forum threads
is sometimes easy and,
then there are those other times
when you get a message that the submission didn't go through
when it actually did ...
looks like that happened to you.
It has happened to most of us as well.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Jan 19 - 04:53 PM

Discworld-related knitting? Someone please post a link! RIP MMario.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 19 - 06:49 PM

Sue, hi-- I think we met briefly years ago when Greg and I came up for a very short visit one evening. Please know that you have been and will continue most especially in our prayers-- now and in the days ahead. Leo's dedication to you was deeply obvious each time we spoke and I know he's still watching over you and yours.

We recently found your mailing address and will send a note with our contact info.


Love,

~Susan and The Rev. Canon Greg Hinton
St. Paul's/Wellsboro (retired)

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: C-flat
Date: 02 Jan 19 - 06:20 AM

It's getting harder to drop in here on Mudcat.

I've been coming here for many years and feel like I "know" many of you folks.

MMario was one such name. Always a kind contributor and I'm greatly saddened to see this thread.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Jan Pola Waggoner, one of Leo/MMario’s older
Date: 02 Jan 19 - 11:02 PM

Services will be January 19th at 10 am for Leo’s memorial at
St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Penn Yan, NY. 14527

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 19 - 03:03 AM

Thanks, Jan.

~Susan and Greg

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Jan 19 - 09:12 AM

Leo is the inspiration of the UNI-VERSE collective song of the uni multi verse and everything.
"Out of Chaos came not "The Word" But "THE SONG" for those who heard Melody of crystal sphere Harmonies in every ear" quote MMario

I imagine him now singing from the other side of the turbulent mirror.
/mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=18488

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 19 - 09:20 AM

Leo was an amazing man. Sorry I never got to meet him in person.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 03 Jan 19 - 04:41 PM

Sad to hear this. Condolences to his friends and family.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Janie
Date: 03 Jan 19 - 09:09 PM

Thanks, Jan. Know that many of us will be there in spirit who can not otherwise attend.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Jan Pola Waggoner, Leo’s sister
Date: 04 Jan 19 - 12:14 AM

Another of Leo’s other passions was designing and knitting. Many of his knitting friends who live all over are planning a “knit in” on January 19 in his memory during the time of his memorial service. I hope some of you on Mudcat will sing a song or recite a poem or simply think of our Leo/MMario at the time of his services at 10 AM on January 19 in Penn Yan, NY. His siblings, nieces and nephews, and all his”borrowed children” will feel the warmth generated by Leo’s many friends. Thank you.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Helen
Date: 04 Jan 19 - 01:25 AM

Hi Jan,

A "knit in"! I like that idea. I'm on East Coast of Australia so that 10 am NY time will be 2 am here. I am unlikely to be awake at 2 am but I can start making something a bit earlier in the evening. I'll have to think of something to make.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Jan 19 - 03:47 AM

I don't knit, Jan but I WILL play a CD of his.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 19 - 03:00 PM

Jan, we'll be in Ohio by the 19th, so we will probably hold a house mass that day for him. Also, where may I send an MP3 recording of the Solemn Mass at which he was remembered?

~S~

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Monique
Date: 05 Jan 19 - 05:56 AM

Sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: GUEST,Jan Pola Waggoner
Date: 06 Jan 19 - 04:58 PM

Thank you. The mp3 could be emailed to me at [e-mail] and I will send it on to all Leo’s other 7 siblings too.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 09:01 AM

Jan, I'll see if I can zip the MP3. Or I could snail a CD data disc.

~S~

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: skarpi
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 10:01 AM

What ? ...another one
May you rest in peace Leo .
all the best Skarpi Iceland .

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: MMario (Leo Pola)
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 10:45 AM

I'll be thinking of him on the 19th.