This week has been a time of opposites for me....happiness in many things and the heartbreak of learning that a dear friend passed away. This morning, while attending the Ocean Grove flea market for what would have been possibly my millionth time (small exaggeration), I spent more time taking pictures than anything else.
So much of what I saw reminded me of my friend Robbie. He loved bright colors and was not afraid to use them in his decor. I met him completely by accident one day, many years ago, when I walked into a salon, completely on a whim. He looked at me, took my hand and told me that he could help fix the mess that I had made of my hair...I had colored it myself...badly. You know how sometimes you meet someone and it is as if you have known this person forever? That is what our friendship was like.
We had so many things in common. We bonded over having relationships with people who traveled often. We bonded over a love of cooking and decorating. We laughed together and we commiserated together. When he moved away from this area, I missed him, but we still kept in touch, and I thought for sure that I would see him again.
I thought for sure that one day we would all get together over drinks again and talk about gardening and world travel. I thought I would be mesmerized by stories of edgy New York and partying in New Orleans...but it was not to be.
So, while I walked around the flea market this morning taking pictures of pretty things, I remembered the good times and Robbies great sense of humor. I remembered how much fun it was to be with him and I knew that my life was enriched for having known and loved him. I will miss him, however, I will always be glad for that one day when quite by accident he came into my life and made me feel better about myself. When ever I see a room decorated in bright colors, I will remember the fearless man who was my friend. I hope there is a bright shining rainbow over him today in heaven.
This post is being linked to Smiling Sally for Blue Monday, Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday, and Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.
♥, Susan
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook | June 04, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Interesting, I thought of Robbie while walking around the flea market, too. I wondered what pieces he might have liked for his old apartment.
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | June 04, 2011 at 08:31 PM
I'm sorry for your loss, Susan.
Robbie sounds like he was an excellent person with a guts and a keen sense of humor. I like him and the things you remember touch me too!
Only 4 times did I go to the Ocean Grove Flea. I still have something Sandy surprised me with, a beautiful black blouse. She may move there, to Ocean Grove and I've always been a cheerleader. I like it there!
Thinking of YOU, have a great day~~
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | June 05, 2011 at 05:24 AM
A lovely tribute for your friend Robbie. I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Eileen | June 05, 2011 at 04:36 PM
I am very sorry for your loss, too! A lovely post! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | June 05, 2011 at 05:25 PM
Oh what a wonderful tribute to your friend! I'm so sorry for your loss.
xoxo,
Mary
Posted by: mary | June 05, 2011 at 05:29 PM
wonderful tribute to your friend. i love flea markets and it sounds like your friend would have loved to be with you there.
Posted by: Snap | June 05, 2011 at 05:30 PM
What a lovely tribute to your friend Robbie. It's wonderful to be able to remember a friend like that. Sorry for your loss...
Posted by: ellen b | June 05, 2011 at 05:32 PM
I do like pastels...This is lovely
Posted by: Cathy | June 05, 2011 at 05:52 PM
What lovely thoughts you shared today. My sincere condolences on the loss of your friend. He sounds as if he was a compassionate person. Your mosaics of the flea market are terrific. Did you buy or was taking the pictures enough?
Posted by: Vee | June 05, 2011 at 06:18 PM
Oh my! What lovely finds. I would have a field day! Coming over from Met Monday! You are my after. ;)
Jeanine
Posted by: Okio B Designs | June 05, 2011 at 06:19 PM
My sympathy to you on the loss of your friend. I know how that hurts. A dear friend of mine passed away last year and I still feel the loss of her friendship in my life. V
Posted by: Valerie | June 05, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Oh how tender. I am sorry for your loss. You have beautiful pictures to go with your post. Thanks for sharing. Karie
Posted by: Karie | June 05, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, Robby. You've done a wonderful job of retaining the happy memories.
Posted by: Susan | June 05, 2011 at 07:00 PM
I am sorry for your loss. But he will be with you always in the treasured memories of time shared together. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you struggle during this time. Peaceful blessings!!
Posted by: A Garden of Threads | June 05, 2011 at 07:35 PM
What a grand collection of pictures your took this week while remembering your friend. Memories are wonderful things, and they can help us through the roughest times. Such a sweet and dear post. Genie
Posted by: Genie Robinson | June 05, 2011 at 07:54 PM
sorry for your loss..some friends will be always remembered for their wonderful nature and kindness.
You photos are so great to look at very intersting
Posted by: Kat Griffin | June 05, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Came from Mary's. Love your blog title. I love how you connected with your friend through photography. My mosaic deals with friendship too. nice to meet you!
Posted by: Terri Steffes | June 06, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Sorry about your friend...it's wonderful the bright cheery colors remind you of him & your time together.
Posted by: Mary | June 06, 2011 at 02:24 AM
very colorful mosaics. i like the shade of light blue displays.
Posted by: Angi | June 06, 2011 at 05:04 AM
It´s a nice way to show many pictures. Very beautiful. LG Tina
Posted by: Goodies for a pleasant life | June 06, 2011 at 05:43 AM
I am sure he does have a shining rainbow over his head today. This is a wonderful tribute to him.
Posted by: Vickie | June 06, 2011 at 05:51 AM
I understand. I love it when someone "clicks". I hope you do see Robbie again.
Happy Blue Monday, Susan!
Posted by: Sally | June 06, 2011 at 06:10 AM
Your mosaics are so colorful and beautiful, Susan!
I am so sorry you lost a good friend. Your words are a wonderful tribute to him!
Posted by: Pat | June 06, 2011 at 06:47 AM
That is what I do at flea markets, estate sales, and antique malls. I take more pictures than I buy. I have no place for much more.
Posted by: LaVoice | June 06, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Sorry for the loss of your friend... You have been blessed to know him.
Posted by: Suzy | June 06, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Gorgeous items that you photographed and displayed in mosaics. So glad your friend lives on in your heart.
Posted by: Crafty Gardener | June 06, 2011 at 08:17 AM
I´m sorry for your loss. :( This pics are very which you made like a memory. LG Tina
Posted by: Goodies for a pleasant life | June 06, 2011 at 11:59 AM
So sorry about your friend. That is a good technique to remember all the good things. Blessings A great mosaic.
QMM
Posted by: QMM | June 06, 2011 at 04:49 PM
This is so lovely. I am hosting a photobook giveaway on my blog. Would love for you to stop by.
Posted by: Anu@MyDreamCanvas | June 06, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Beautiful post, sorry for the loss of your friend.
Posted by: Joy | June 06, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Oh Susan, I feel your pain remembering your dear friend and the good times you had together.I am so sorry he is gone. Life is unpredictable at best. He isn't gone when you have loving memories of him in your heart.
Your photos are all fun to see. Thank you for sharing all the great treasures you saw that day.
Hugs, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | June 06, 2011 at 09:58 PM
I'm sorry to read that you've lost a dear friend. It sounds like he added a lot to your life and that he'll always be with you, in some small way, whenever you see something bright and beautiful.
Posted by: Pondside | June 06, 2011 at 10:48 PM