Laura Always Loved A Party, so let's give one every year to remember her...

Book by Lars

Here is the lovely book Lars put together. There will be ample room for signing. It will be at Art's on Thursday.

There aren't enough words to express my thanks to Spontaneous, Scully and Metaphysician for their kindness. I know the Bundy Balls would probably be more appropriate but it's not as easy to get the ingredients.

No one here seems to understand why the lack of Laura/JML is so significant since I never met her. Her written voice in the middle of the night, in the middle of rural Australia, was one of the strongest, keeping me grounded. Her humour, her daring, her generosity, her activism helped me rediscover those parts of me when I felt most isolated. And when she felt most defeated and deflated she reached out in her night, knowing I was awake. it's really odd not be able to honour someone I love so dearly by saying goodbye personally.

So a little bit of Australia will always treasure our time with Laura, and you'll have a little bit of Australia with you on Thursday.

That book is gorgeous. I'm sure they will treasure it.

debby said:

That book is gorgeous. I'm sure they will treasure it.

Yes, absolutely. It's wonderful. Thank you, Lars.

I can't wait to see it

Thanks, Lars. We miss you.

ctrzaska said:

wendy said:

What about Alabama slammers? Isn't @metaphysician famous/infamous for that at Laura parties?

"Infamous" wouldn't begin to describe that bastard's evil, sneaky concoction.

The above referenced bastard will be honored to bring a gallon or so of the above referenced concoction. Since it was served at the unofficial F2F at the Blue Plate Special back in Nov. 2013, it seems singularly appropriate. I'm sure it will provide a fine, though nontraditional, accompaniment to the Lamingtons that Spontaneous is whipping up. Of course, if there are a few drops left of the GlenFiddle to be had, the bastard will be glad to sop them up. Waste not, want not.

Waste not want not is a time-honoured traditional sentiment Lamingtons aficionados practice whenever opportunity presents. In reference to alcoholic beverages, Alabama Slammers are probably better than sherry. ;-)

joanne said:

No one here seems to understand why the lack of Laura/JML is so significant

Can this other Aussie say "I do understand what you're feeling, and why"?

Marksierra, you should be up here... Sigh.

I plan on hitting the repast at Art's about 6:00-6:30pm. Anyone else planning on going then? Is that too late? Please let me know.

Nancy
aka
LL

That's when I plan on getting there, or even a little later. I hope thats ok.

Also, I wonder if others feel as I do, that I'd love to meet as many people from MOL as possible. I have no desire to hide behind a screen name and in Laura's honor it would be so nice for everyone to come together and be real people together.

boomie said:

Also, I wonder if others feel as I do, that I'd love to meet as many people from MOL as possible. I have no desire to hide behind a screen name and in Laura's honor it would be so nice for everyone to come together and be real people together.

^^ What Boomie says

Nancy J
aka
LL

I never met Laura outside of MOL, but I would love to come to the Repast after work if its ok. I cant make it to the wake or the service, but I am so moved by the response of the people on this board. I havent lived here long and my work hours make it difficult to get to know people so MOL is my window into this community. I had always hoped to eat at BPS, especially after enjoying her lobster roll at the July 4th festivities last year, and meet Laura someday but I was never fortunate enough to do so. I would love to learn more about her and meet as many of you as I can.

It is absolutely OK to come whenever you want/can. As Art said, this celebration will go on until the last person leaves. As Max said to me at the wake last night, he expects to see the sunrise there chatting with people. (I told him I hope to last until past my normal bedtime in Laura's honor. Or I may have thought that and instead said I look forward to throwing back a shot of scotch with him in his mom's honor.)
And what boomie said too.
Wendy

"I never met Laura outside of MOL, but I would love to come to the Repast after work if its ok.:

Yes it's OK!!! Please come, and I assure you you'll leave feeling like you've know her forever. Also, as you read this, you are one of many who never got get to meet her. And, what LL said; "it would be so nice for everyone to come together and be real people together."

The truth of the matter is, in all my years on MOL, I've never met a Moler face to face that I didn't like, (of course now we're just talking about F2F) ;-)

I'm planning to be there, as well.

I'm not sure when, AJC, but I'll be there!

I'm coming, too. I think.

Me too.

I'm planning to go to the repast as well.

@ajc let us know when you'd like us to come tomorrow (or this afternoon) to help. I am at 469.323.3213 or you can respond here.

Here's the latest State of the B&B; and another update on offering to help:

* I like it best when; (If you see something, Don't say something, Just jump in and help.)
* Laura's sister's family are all here and settled in last night, (stayed up talking until 1:30 a.m.)
* We had a big PANCAKE breakfast this morning, (of course, what else?) LOL,
* Yesterday and today I started my Spring yard cleanup, (at least the front entrance is done.) ;-)
* I'm planting some flowers today, (Yea, probably wouldn't have done it until after Mother's Day)
* The tables and chairs are all set by the chimney with care, (in hopes lot's of guests will soon be here)

I very much appreciate all the offers for help; and trust me, your time is fast arriving to step up to the plate and produce. This is how it works best around here when friends and family get together:

* Bring yourself, and come prepared to help yourself. (I gave the hired help the day off)
* From what I'm reading there'll be plenty of food and drinks. (but TNFG, bring something anyway)
* Parking is problematic, read the signs and obey. (On site parking is for family and handicapped)
* Smoking is only permitted outside. (there are two areas, please talk softly, we have neighbors.)
* Please drink responsibly, or don't drive. (FYI, I still know how to repossess cars.) ;-)

BTW, Maria D, a woman Laura recently did a catering event for called and offered to play the piano. She can play just about anything; and of course I said yes, so please come prepared to do whatever it is that you do best...

I'm traveling and can't come. I'm sorry. Please know that I think the world of Laura.

metaphysician said:

ctrzaska said:

wendy said:

What about Alabama slammers? Isn't @metaphysician famous/infamous for that at Laura parties?

"Infamous" wouldn't begin to describe that bastard's evil, sneaky concoction.

The above referenced bastard will be honored to bring a gallon or so of the above referenced concoction. Since it was served at the unofficial F2F at the Blue Plate Special back in Nov. 2013, it seems singularly appropriate. I'm sure it will provide a fine, though nontraditional, accompaniment to the Lamingtons that Spontaneous is whipping up. Of course, if there are a few drops left of the GlenFiddle to be had, the bastard will be glad to sop them up. Waste not, want not.

You are an evil, evil man. Are you at least going to put some sort of warning on it? Seriously. Art's being a nice guy here, and all you're doing is ensuring he'll have a half dozen people laying in his yard at 4AM. NOT nice.

On second thought, it's distinctly probable that Laura wouldn't have it any other way. Except maybe ensuring folks werent tossed about in the flowers.

@ajc, I think I will stop by tomorrow evening, but don't get off the train until 7:00, so it would be closer to 7:30. The wake was so sad, but Laura looked lovely. Her sisters told me that they fixed her up last night to make her look better, more like herself. It was touching and sad, but inspiring to see how many lives she affected.

Meggie, it was kinda funny watching them all crowded around her, fussing with her makeup. Funny banter between her sisters yet also a loving & moving scene.