Once upon a time there was a blogging site called "journalspace" (JS). This site was just any ordinary site.... the people who posted there were not just normal people, they were special! It was the only site I have come across where those writing there actually became like a huge family, with all the pros and cons of a family.
One of those really special members as "likeisaid" aka Betty. She was funny, charming, and an excellent writer. Once she had also been on the road to becoming a country-western singer, but life's trials and tribulations got in the way.
On "journalspace" she shared her life with us, but in a way that it never sounded like whining. And she was there for all of us... listening to OUR whining! She was so cute and funny... and her entries reflected that.
In spite of being of an "older" generation, she learned html and soon her creative talents went to designing layouts for her blog.... you never knew what the layout would be when you visited, at times it changed almost daily. And they were all simply amazing!
In 2008 I made a trip to Dallas, Texas, to meet a number of journalspacer's. And on that visit I managed to meet Betty and Paul in person! In the photos below, Betty is hugging the orange scarf I had bought on a trip to Egypt and presented to her, along with a German Christmas mug. Paul is the one in the baseball cap.
After JS crashed in December 2008, Betty, like the rest of us, tried to find a substitute place to post. But no site has the been able to have the same family/community feeling like JS did. Betty tried her best to continue blogging as before at various sites (blogger, KCL, etc.), but it wasn't the same and she began posting less and less. Luckily most of us, including Betty, Paul, and Betty's sisters Sally and Paula, signed up with "facebook" and we were able to keep in contact.
Through "facebook" we found out about Paul passing away. Betty never really recovered from this great loss. And together with her real-life woes, including the poor health of her dogs, her own health deteriorated.
Betty has now joined her dear Paul. I already miss her terribly, but I know she is now in a happier place.
I miss you already, Betty!
Dorrie aka "Westy"
I remember how proud Betty was of her grandchildren- how much she loved them and spoke of them with such joy. She was a true Lady, and will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteDear Westy Dorrie ~ This is a very beautiful tribute to Betty ! Very nice job you did.
ReplyDeleteMay Betty have peace now with Paul in Heaven and go on singing. Now she has no more trials and tribulations...
RIP Betty and Paul.
~and thankyou, Dorrie, for emailing this to me.
((hugs)) from Sunny
What a beautiful tribute to Betty, Dorrie. She will be sorely missed here on Earth, but she is now home with Paul.
ReplyDeleteNicely done Dorrie.
ReplyDeleteGreat tribute, Westy.
ReplyDeleteBetty was such a kind heart. She gave so much love to others and always left us with a true sense of greatness. She was a one of a kind..I miss her deeply.
ReplyDeleteDorrie, this was beautiful. Betty is one I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteOh my sister, how I will miss her. She and Paul were quite the pair. The last time I was at their house before Paul went in the hospital, Betty and I were in the little computer room and Paul came in and said, "Sugar, would you like a banana?" When she said yes, he brought it to her~on a plate, sliced, with a fork!
ReplyDeleteHe was a great cook, and had his own little facebook for a while~ his screen name was Hambone. But it didn't last long, Betty thought he was too forthright in his political opinions and continually toned them down to make them more palatable for JS!
Thanks for this tribute.
Paula
A beautiful tribute Westy
ReplyDeletethank you all for commenting.
ReplyDeletePaula, oh yes... I remember how she kept getting at Paul for his entries... she prefered less confliction. She was so cute about it, though.
I really wish I could join you all tomorrow in Texas... I would have if MY real life, and the distance, didn't get in the way. :-( [hugs} to you and Sally and all your family.
Once upon a time there was this amazing place where I met strangers that became more than just friends to me more family...I could tell them anything and they'd sometimes listen and other times advise. Westy, I don't have to tell you, you are one of those strangers. This is beautifully spoken...Paul and Betty were part of our family and like journal space they will be deeply missed
ReplyDeleteNicely done.
ReplyDelete