Life has gotten in the way of this blog and my writing. A family illness, and then - astonishingly and horribly - two violent deaths this week of people I know. One, the suicide of a much beloved and respected teacher in the Writers' Program, Les Plesko. Some of you may have taken his classes or read his books. I didn't know him well, but we've said hello at UCLA events for the past twenty years or so, and I'd see him around town a lot on his bike.
The second death was a friend in Encino shot by an intruder as he was reading in bed last night. He was one of my husband's best friends. A happy jovial sweet family man full of energy and jokes. All day I've half expected him to call and say, Well, surprise, I survived!
I'll try to follow my own advice and take notes. Sometimes life is so random and meaningless that's all you can do.
OH, GOD. Julie, I'm so sorry and so sad. I took 6 or 7 of Les's classes. I am beyond devastated. And you and your husband have yet another loss to bear. Why? I keep asking why?
Posted by: Denise Emanuel Clemen | September 19, 2013 at 05:42 PM
Denise, I join you in lamenting these horrible losses! Barbara, I can't imagine.... Please give my love to R. and give yourself a hug too.
Julie
Posted by: Julie Pelc Adler | September 19, 2013 at 08:26 PM
I'm so sorry for your losses.
Posted by: Kathleen Guthrie Woods | September 20, 2013 at 07:07 AM
Barbara & R -- Thinking of you during this unsteady time. How lucky to have writing as a stabilizer, if only for a few moments at a time.
Posted by: Jeri Okamoto Floyd | September 20, 2013 at 07:48 AM
Oh, Barbara and R. May my sympathy and love surround you like a child's blanket during this very, very difficult time. It's so hard to understand the understandable.
Posted by: Barbara Force | September 20, 2013 at 08:15 AM
Can't even imagine how awful you must feel. Sending a prayer upwards and a hug your way.
Posted by: Mary Marks | September 20, 2013 at 08:33 AM
Sending lots of love during this difficult time. Holding you and R. in the light.
Posted by: Laura B | September 20, 2013 at 08:52 AM
So sorry. So sad.
Posted by: Carol Perkins | September 20, 2013 at 01:11 PM
Dear Barbara, so sorry for all these losses. Please extend my sympathies to Bob, too. Your photo is so poignant. The fog - but for those of us lucky to live another day, we will see the sun again and feel its warmth confirming that life is beautiful in spite of all the sadness. Luv, Loren XXOO
Posted by: loren stephens | September 20, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Thanks for all these lovely comments - The investigation of the murder of our friend Harvey is still going on. xo
Posted by: Barbara Abercrombie | September 21, 2013 at 01:53 PM
Dear Barbara,
Please accept my condolences for the terrible losses that you have suffered recently.
It's always a shock to the system. I'm sending love and healing thoughts to you. I hope you and your husband are being especially kind to yourselves now.
I heard about Mr. Cohen's tragic murder on the news. It was senseless, even for a home invasion.
Besides time, the only other thing I know that helps in difficult circumstances is good homemade matzo ball soup. You only need to ask and I will start cooking.
Peace, Carol
Posted by: Carol Casselman | September 21, 2013 at 02:47 PM
Sending my sympathies on these tragic events. May comfort engulf you like a deep ocean.
Posted by: Teresa Richardson | September 21, 2013 at 04:13 PM
Again, thanks for the comments. And offer of soup!
Posted by: Barbara Abercrombie | September 22, 2013 at 02:07 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your friend's shocking death. And I know so many writers who adored Les Plesko -- life is indeed hard to fathom.
Posted by: Elizabeth Aquino | September 22, 2013 at 08:45 PM
My condolences.
Posted by: Teresa | October 20, 2013 at 04:27 AM