1/31/14

friday links (plus tribute to Elle's Kitchen)

On Wednesday the food blogging world lost a wonderful person.
Many of you might remember her as Elle from elle's new england kitchen.
I can't even remember how many friends she has in the food blogging world--let's just say it was a lot.
And for good reason: she was a good soul.  She loved EVERYONE, she encouraged everyone to cook & bake.
She was one of the first people I met when I started blogging back in 2008; it was her and a few others that left inspiring comments on my first few crappy blog posts.
Two days ago it was so heartbreaking to learn from her kids and her husband, that Elle quickly passed. Honestly I thought it was a prank, even my gut said "no, this can't be--it has to be a prank".  But sadly as the day went on, and more and more bloggers posted on Facebook about the news, it finally sunk in that she was in fact gone.
So I ignored facebook for the day, couldn't handle the news, and left the house.
Sometimes just hearing over and over again how heartbroken everyone is, just gets to me.
Comforting for others and that's fine, but to me, I had to deal with this on my own; digest it in my own way.
At the end of the day, a certain memory I had of Elle and I conversations kept cropping up in my head; it involved my morning haiku's (Elle called them haiku's).
Most mornings on Facebook I would post a quick and short inspirational phrases to get myself motivated for the day.
It soon became apparent that most of my Facebook friends and food blogging friends looked forward to them--especially Elle.
Sometimes I would repeat the same message over and over, since they meant so much to me, and/or really struck a chord with me.  These quotes were from the movie "eat pray love".
The first:
'eat pray love'- (simple & easy to permanently remember past 11am).
The second:
'you must choose your thoughts just the same way you choose your clothes every day'.
I remember Elle loving these messages; somehow it always struck a chord with Elle too.
On my way home from work, it hit me to combine them into a new phrase; like the words just flowed--it was a perfect remembrance of Elle's passing.  As soon as I posted them on Facebook, my dear friend Kristen of Dine & Dish took those words and created this gorgeous photo.
Thank you so much Kristen!1549447_10152176312810568_2093206599_n

I'd like to share a few of the bloggers who have done a remembrance of Elle, and in the coming week there will be an #ElleaPalooza happening.

What is an #ElleAPalooza?
Any blogger can join in.
First accept the open invitation here at #ElleAPalooza
Then simply choose a recipe creation from Elle's Kitchen, create it and post it on your site along with any words you have about our dear Elle.
Make sure to tweet about your post with the hashtag #ElleAPalooza
AND finally, please leave your link URL at the Facebook page for #ElleAPalooza 
Post it Feb 8 or 9 (or sooner if you have to).
Here are more details on the event.
I encourage you to join The Friends of Elle on Facebook

Wonderful remembrances of Elle:

The Foodie Blogroll featured Blogs (special edition)
- a special fund on Paypal has been set up to help Elle's family; she left behind husband and 4 children.  If you can help, please donate, any amount is welcome:  The Self Healing Journal
- My friend Elle from The Leftover Queen
- Lee Ann from Not Going Postal
- A Salad for Elle from cbsop.com
- Elle from Mad Rantings of Andrew's Mom
- Losing One of Our Own by Just Crafty Enough
- Out of Every Darkness: Light from He Cooks She Cooks
- Elle From Fresh New England 
- Elle's Kitchen Hard Cider Jelly from Flamingo Musings
- Details about the #ElleAPalooza
- Friends of Elle on Facebook
And lastly the obituary for Elle (Lee Ann)
The guest book for Lee Ann Ritchotte.

Any links you'd like me to add, please tell me!

PicMonkey Collage

1798320_703315243036022_306179254_n

20 comments:

  1. Elle was one of the first friends I made through my blog. She was very kind, funny, supportive and touched many people's lives. I love that photo of Kristen's with your quote. It's so beautiful. Elle passed way too soon and she will be missed dearly by all of us. xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's so hard to see people young and great like Elle leave this life too soon. We are not in control of that. But we can use these lessons and all she taught us through her example to make our lives better. Love your haiku--it's it perfect. All the best to you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I became blog friends with Elle around the same time as I did with you. People like you guys are so kind and genuine. When I read the news about Elle, I couldn't believe it. May she rest in peace.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thats so so sad...I hadn't read her blog. I'm going there now and will make one of her dishes

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a special post. I wasn't lucky enough to know Elle, but am grateful you're sharing your experiences with everyone.
    She was obviously a very genuine person.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm still having a hard time processing this. I'm reading everyone in "small bites". Like you, there's only so much I can take at once. Still, we go on and do what we know. Love this post, Dawn. {{{Hugs}}}

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for a lovely post, and also the links...I'm still stunned.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so saddened to learn of Elle's passing. she was a wonderful, supportive fellow blogger. She will be missed! Your post was a touching tribute to her!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am sorry to say I did not know Elle, but she sounds like an amazing lady. It is wonderful so many bloggers are paying tribute to her.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am so sorry to hear that. I just learned of Liz from Daring Bakers passing away at age 48. And now Elle.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am finally able to smile again as the thought of her slips into my mind. I'll come watch you surf when you pick up the board again. And we can smile together.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I never had the pleasure of knowing Elle. Your beautiful tribute makes me wish I had. I am sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such a nice tribute to Elle. You were a good friend to her.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I didn't know Elle, but she sounds like a wonderful person. How lovely that you're helping to keep her memory alive by posting your memories of her. My sympathies to her family and all her friends.

    ReplyDelete
  15. A beautiful tribute. I can't believe Elle has passed away... So sad.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  16. so sorry and lovely tribute hugs

    ReplyDelete
  17. Such a lovely tribute... couldn't believe the news :(

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dang I wish I had seen this. I've been terrible with keeping up with my Feedly lately. I would've love to have participated.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Craving your favorite food, but don’t have time? No need to worry. Order Food Online on the partake7 app and enjoy the freshly made meal with quick delivery.

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments!

Share

Get This