Hello you wonderful people,
I have some really sad news. Christine, my wife, lover, friend and companion of 45 years died suddenly in my arms this morning.
The most likely cause was a massive brain bleed.
We had a perfect day yesterday. A walk on the beach where she took lots of photos to share with you all.
A visit to the farmers market where she was hugged and welcomed back by our local community.
You meant a huge amount to her, and sometimes I was jealous of the time she devoted to you.
Seeing her connect with a few special friends in England helped me to understand how real was these friendships.
Thank you all for the joy you gave her and enriching her life.
She was and is so beautiful.
Maybe later my clever sons and daughters in law will help me publish a collection of photos.
Love to you all
Stuart
Here are some photos that Christine took yesterday
dadirridreaming 
I am so sorry But thank you so much for respecting us enough to let us know. Some people just disappear and we never know. I hope my family realizes how important my blog is and my blogging friends to do what you have done.
Blessings to you. I can not imagine your pain.
This is amazingly moving and growing list needs a reply somehow.
It may take a while for me to get to everyone but I’ll try.
Someone asked about a book of the blog. Being my amazing Christine, she has done this (the first 4 months of dadirri dreaming). I promise to work out how to make it available for you somehow.
Last night she downloaded a project for me to be going on with.
It’s called ‘Number 75 would like a word’.
I am to use the last photo of the pied oystercatcher with the ’75’ band to start a campaign to ask people to stop walking their dogs on the beaches where these endangered birds want to nest.
If any of you want to contact me directly my email is stuartwhitelaw at gmail dot com.
Stuart, I have been amazed at your generosity with your time. Thank you so much for your visit to my blog.
I would have loved to be online with blogging friends at the time of Christine’s funeral, but it takes place at 2.30 in the morning UK time so I cannot guarantee my presence. But I’m sure you know that so many of us will be thinking of you, and of Christine.
It’s strange coming back here when Christine isn’t here to chat back to me. I spent some time looking at her wonderful photos from Seville and all those mosaics she admired so much, Stuart. I so nearly met you both. Isn’t life strange?
I couldn’t be happier that I’m going to be able to get a memento of the blog, and how typical of Christine to have left you with something to keep you busy. I will follow your blog from now on, to make sure I don’t miss anything 🙂
God bless!
I am so sad for your loss. I am so sad to hear that Christine has passed. It is difficult to grasp what has happened. I have been following Christine’s Dadirridreaming for a long time, and especially her recent adventures in Europe – always so lovely, cheerful, and gentle. I will miss her even though I didn’t know her. My thoughts are with you.
Oh Stuart, I am so sorry, so sad, for you, Christine and your family & loved ones… and for me that we hadn’t yet managed to meet in person. Thank you so much for thinking of us, Christine’s [blogging] friends, which we truly were. Take comfort from the people around you, and take care.
Oh my goodness. Oh I am so very very sorry to hear this. And thank you, dear Stuart,for letting us know. Her loving, gentle comments, her joy in the world and her family were things I looked forward to seeing each day. I loved that she took us on holiday with you, that she took us on your daily walks. When you are able to, please let us know if there is any way we can help celebrate her life. Vale, Christine, vale. Sincere hugs and condolences to you and your family.
So very sorry to learn your sad news. I have only known Christine through her blog the past few months and always enjoyed her words My sincere condolences to you and your family, and thanks that at such a sad time you would think of her online “friends” God bless
Dear Stuart, I have no words to express my shock and sorrow! Christine was among the few with whom I felt a real connection, that went beyond virtual friendship. My heartfelt condolences to you and her beloved children and grandchildren. She is going to be missed very, very much.
Stuart, would it be OK to borrow some of Christine’s photos for a tribute?
Madhu,
I know she felt the same. It almost doesn’t matter that you didn’t meet in person. I don’t think the connection would have been any less strong.
What devastation you must be feeling, Stuart. Please accept the uselessness of warm sympathy. I’ve only known Christine since last November, and was just beginning to develop a rich friendship. I have encountered her wisdom and warmth through her blog and through conversation and seasonal celebrations. I always looked forward to the day’s blog, and I loved traveling with her (and you) at home and abroad. She had a wonderful eye for a photo, and an ability to see what other people miss. I especially enjoyed seeing the world a few beaches up through her blogs. Thinking of you as you live on with this monstrous gap in your life.
OOHHH Stuart, I am so very sorry to hear this very sad news. I cannot imagine your pain. Michael and I so enjoyed meeting you and Christine when you were in Malaga, recently. I’ll always remember that day. Sending you lots of love from Andalucia – Marianne
Such a shock to read this Stuart…sending you kindest thoughts. Always thought Christine and I would meet…annie
Dear Stuart, my heartfelt condolences to you, and to your family and friends. Her death is so sudden, and shocking I struggle to imagine how numbed you are feeling right now. I can only be thankful she had so recently seen your son and his family in Paris, and that yesterday was such a beautiful – normal – day for you both. Budhu saranai, Meredith.
Mum and I spoke often about this blog and all of you, her friends. You were a real and important part of her life, she was always looking for that great photo and that particular feeling or observation to share. A real community.
The photo that Christine chose for 1Day 1 World was an example of her careful observation and feeling; it was full of contentment and peace.
I’m so sorry that you have lost your wonderful mother, Casey.
we are enriched
Oh, Stuart, I am in floods of tears after reading this dreadful news. Christine was one of my favourite blog friends, and will be very sorely missed. My heart goes out to you, her family, and her many friends. RIP, dear Christine. Hugs from Sylvia.
I could not believe what I was reading, Stuart. Cannot, don’t want to. I so nearly met you both and it’s hard to think that this is no longer an option. Devastated for you. So many wonderful memories of your trip together! God bless you and help you. I know you will have an army of friends. I just don’t know what to say but sorry.
Dear Stuart, I echo so many of the comments above. I couldn’t believe what I was reading when I saw your post this morning, in fact I sat down and cried. I always felt ‘connected’ to Christine most especially through her great love of nature. I would love to have met her, but your trip this year didn’t include the Dordogne which I know she loved. She sent me some incredibly supportive messages when I went through a bad time last year. She was wise and warm, and I’ll miss her. Her lovely photo for 1 Day 1 World was one of warmth and peace and was so very much her. Hugs from Jude.
What a shock to read those words! My heartfelt condolences go to all of you in these trying times. Every blogger is a precious gem to the community, she will sorely be missed.
I knew her from her about & I remember her as this most vibrant personality, appreciative of all the wonders that surround us, unique & precious this is how I felt she was, as a follower.
Our prayers go to you for strength & courage in your journey ahead of you.
Hold on to the memories of the many perfect days you shared with each other during your 45 years and, when you are ready, they will make you smile again.
I am so sorry for your loss, Stuart. What a loss to the creative community. I so enjoyed her images and will miss them. Hard to believe how fragile we truly are. Goodbye Christine. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I am shocked and saddened to read this news. Truthfully, I had to read it several times to grasp what I was reading. Christine was someone I admired greatly … her enthusiasm for adventure (the big things) and her appreciation of the ‘ordinary’ things (photos on the beach). I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling with her sudden death. Her blog is a wonderful testament to her extraordinary life, and I hope you eventually find some comfort by looking back through it.
Oh no, Stuart. I am so very sorry. And so sad for you and your family. Christine will be sorely missed here. My condolences to you and your family.
Christine was a steadfast blogging friend, always writing thoughtful comments and I felt a true connection to her through her photographs and writing. She always had good words for me. Didn’t stress that I didn’t reply to every comment. Created a real supportive blogging community.
Your post today, telling of her sudden passing, is hard to sink in.
I am so sorry for your loss, for the hole there will be in your lives, all of you who loved her. Your writing of her wonderful day is lovely to think about. I went and reread the comment she wrote on my blog July 1st.
I read there are places to have a blog published into a book. If you do that or, I would like to purchase a copy to hold in my hand and keep Christine in my heart.
Thinking of you and your family as you grieve the loss of dear Christine.
With sympathy,
Ruth in Pittsburgh
I have only been following Christine for a short while though she often ‘liked’ one of my posts. She was everything that everyone above me has said. Her warmth shone out through the comments she made and her photography is divine. I enjoyed reading about your European trip and your time with friends and family. You will have lovely memories of your lovely lady. My thoughts are with you and your family in this very sad time. I am so sorry.
Jude xx
I am so sorry to hear of your sad news Stuart. I was really looking forward to meeting you both in the near future. Christine was a lovely blogging friend and her posts and photos were a delight to the many that visited her blog. Jack and I send our deep sympathy and condolences.
Dear Stuart, I am so sorry for your loss. For our loss, too, as Christine brightened up the world with her blog posts and images. She will be missed by many, including myself. If she had to have a last day — and we all do — it’s good it was a day doing the things she truly enjoyed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I am so sad to hear this news – and feel even sadder for you. May God be with you and your family during this time.
My deepest sympathies to you and the family. Be assured of my prayers. Christine was such a wonderful woman and photographer. I wish I had been able to meet her. Blessings to you all.
So sorry for your loss! What a beautiful way you shared with us her passing and even her beautiful photos. Saying a prayer that she is at peace with God and that you experience comfort in your grief.
~Mar
My deepest sympathies to your and your family. Thank you for sharing her with each of us and letting us celebrate the beauty she brought into our lives. Peace be with you.
She will be missed in the blogging world. Although no doubt not nearly as much as you will miss her. She was kind and generous and a great photographer. Blessings to you.
Stuart, I can only wish that you would know how much I admired beautiful Christine. I’m in tears just thinking of the loss to you and your precious family. She will be missed by me, and we never met. But she always somehow touched me with a gracious kindness that is often left out even between good friends. If knowing how much each of us cares for you through this time makes any difference at all, I will be glad for that. I am sincere when I say that I will be missing her smiling face that always came through the words she shared. oxo Debra (California, USA).
Sincerest empathy and thoughts and prayers are flying your way.
Stuart, we share in your loss. I am in tears. She was always so extremely kind to me and was one of the very few who would frequently leave very positive comments in my photo/philosophy blogs. Goodness… she just recently “liked” my latest blog post (that I posted yesterday). Truly… her photos were truly outstanding and mesmerizing. She will be truly missed!
You will undoubtedly go through some tough times now. Later, when you are feeling down, I suggest reading from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” now and then. It is very uplifting and positive!
from Walt Whitman (who understood about life and pictures):
Nothing is ever really lost, or can be lost,
No birth, identity, form–no object of the world.
Nor life, nor force, nor any visible thing;
Appearance must not foil, nor shifted sphere confuse thy brain.
Ample are time and space–ample the fields of Nature.
The body, sluggish, aged, cold–the embers left from earlier fires,
The light in the eye grown dim, shall duly flame again;
The sun now low in the west rises for mornings and for noons continual;
To frozen clods ever the spring’s invisible law returns,
With grass and flowers and summer fruits and corn.
Hi Thomas
Walt Whitman was a part of my life a long time ago. Thank you.
this piece of Christine’s we will be using in the service
I am the sunlit sea
waves curling and rolling
against the shore
I am the smooth wet sand
yielding to the foot
yet solid and supporting
I am the cool breeze
puffing softly on the cheek
playfully bunting small clouds
I am the effulgent sun
radiant in the morning sky
shafting through sea and air
I am the plover family
four birds shrieking in unison
directions for the flight
I am the adventuring crab
leaving a neat embroidered trail
right to the door of my new hole
I am the welcoming space
making way for all
to find its place with in me.
Stuart, dear Stuart, I am so desperately sorry to read that this has happened, I can’t believe that your wonderful, vibrant Christine has passed. I consider myself so privileged to have shared time with you both and so recently, I can’t begin to imagine how you feel or know the right words to say, but my thoughts and prayers are with you, just as Christine sent me a prayer
‘Last night at midnight when I was turning out the light I had a little of the chilli chocolate and sent you a prayer … you see, the chilli has made it last :)’
on the 14th June. I have posted a little about the time we spent together in Devon, such a precious time for me, thank you.
Peace to you and your lovely family.
Dear Stuart, my sadness for you and your family is indescribable. My sadness for Christine at having to leave you all is just as great. My sadness for me is a selfish thing. Special friendships so often comes to us in the most unlikely places. Perhaps a Chinese restaurant when we are 17 and have lost our way, or in the drop off hall of a kindergarten on the first day we have to leave our child for the first time…and sometimes it comes when a special woman takes the time to leave a comment on your blog. You respond and before you know it you have a conversation going that continues over the months and the many different posts you both make. You visit and find she takes you home to the place you grew up with her incredible photographs and her way of weaving together words so that you can smell, and taste and feel the places she describes. Many [who have never blogged] will never understand how you can call someone a friend who you have never physically touched, but it happens. Christine was, is and will always be a most amazing woman. I am so thankful I got to know her on her blog and on mine. I will miss her wit, her wisdom and her gentle kindness that she so often showed me. I am so sorry for your loss…and wish you peace in the coming difficult days.
Dear Jo,
Special words. They completely blindside me which is just what I need.
Seeing Christine connect in the physical body with some blogging friends was a revelation and I really understood what you are saying.
Now that she has left that body, somehow I feel that that connection is not broken.
Maybe that is one of the lessons from all this
love to all of this community
I will try to post some elements of her farewell and celebration here at dadirri.
Stuart
Dear Stuart,
Thank you for taking time to reply to me. Your kindness is beyond words to think of us in this most difficult time for you and your family. As the time draws nearer for you to say farewell to Christine’s physical body I hope you will know that she is still with you spiritually. Christine so often talked about spirituality and her search for a greater understanding of it, as we all wish to understand. While I don’t believe in God and Heaven I do believe that our souls are all interconnected, even more so when we are released from the physical. With her great love of nature and the world around her I believe she would find her place there. Her scent will waft in the breeze and touch gently on the flowers, her laughter rolling on the waves across the sands of the beaches she loved to walk. And always it will surround her family with her deep abiding and never ending love for you all. Take care today, and in the coming days. Christine and her loved family are not just in my thoughts at this time…I know they are in the thoughts of many [even those of us worlds away] who were lucky enough to have known Christine.
Our thoughts are with you at this time Stuart – I always enjoyed Christine’s bird and nature photos and her many kind comments when she visited my posts. I hope the darkness will soon pass for you and that you will be left only with happy memories.
Martin
Dear Stuart – how kind to think of Christine’s virtual friends at such a time. The loss of her must be indescribable, as empty as space. Though I only knew her virtually, I valued her as a blogging friend and she was one who often took time to stop by with a few, lovely words. In fact it was only yesterday she commented on how lucky she was with the weather when visiting England. I always think of her as her avatar – the Oyster Catcher – and the high-pitched cry sounds suitably mournful right now. Thank you for sharing her last images.
My thoughts are with you. Many lives are poorer without Christine’s beautiful photos and amazing perspective on the world around her.
c’è un angelo in più oggi nel cielo, la dolce e cara Cristina con cui ho condiviso momenti lieti con la sua bella anima e i suoi splendidi pensieri le sue meravigliose foto …ho pianto nel leggere…e ho letto e riletto, non volevo credere…ma la vita è anche questo, un volo di vento, un battito di ali di farfalla, ma i ricordi restano, indelebili
, sono lieta che lei ha vissuto felice accanto ad una famiglia meravigliosa ed ad un marito così affezionato da 45 anni
, dovevo ancora condividere il suo viaggio in Europa, sono stata assente dal blog per qualche tempo, ed ora lo farò restando ancora in sua compagnia, come se ancora fosse qui con tutti noi che la conoscevamo, apprezzavamo, amavamo
Che Dio vi protegga e vi benedica, voi che restate
Annalisa.
There is an Angel in addition today in the sky, the sweet and dear Cristina with whom I shared happy moments with her beautiful soul and its splendid thoughts his marvelous photos … I cried reading … and I have read and reread, I didn’t want to believe … but life is also this, a flight of wind, a flap of butterfly wingsbut the memories remain, indelible
, I am glad that she lived happily next to a wonderful family and a husband so fond of from 45 years
still, I had to share his trip to Europe, I’ve been away from the blog for some time, and now I’ll do it while still in his company, as if he were here with all of us that knew, apprezzavamo, loved
May God protect you and bless you, you who stay
Annalisa.
Oh Stuart, I’m so sad to hear about Christine’s passing. I’m incredibly sad for your loss, and for the loss of a beautiful person. I haven’t been reading blogs much lately, but I did follow Christine off and on for a long time. She sent me a beautiful guided meditation that I still listen to. She was such a kindhearted and peaceful soul. We will all miss her dearly. Love and hugs to you and your family. xxx
I am shocked and in tears to hear these sad news. Christine was such a wonderful person and blogging friend, a very bright spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. Love, Helen
I always admired Christine’s positive attitude. Often learning something new with each post, especially those posts about her travels around the world.
Stuart, you are a very lucky man to have had her in your life.
Dear Stuart, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Christine will be missed… I have learned so much about life, love, and nature from Christine. She brought so much joys to us through her beautiful words and photos. Love, Amy
Stuart, I am so sorry to hear about Christine’s passing. We just shared a nice set of comments about her 1 Day 1 World post and I was really looking forward to continuing our hour themed conversation next week. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so saddened to hear of Christine’s passing…my thoughts are with you and yours in this suddenly tragic time. She will be missed by many in so very many ways.
Dear Stuart
I am so sorry and words so inadequate at a time like this. Such devastation for you and the family. Christine was my treasured and wise friend. I took myself to the beach for a dedication walk when I heard the news. Laughter, tears, sorrow accompanied my footsteps as memories coursed through me.
Love, Lenore
So very sorry. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
A lovely lady. Thank you for letting us know. -hugs-
So sorry for the loss of your beloved wife Christine. The great blogosphere that we travel connects us with the
most wonderful people who are unknown yet known through screen. I am feeling the loss as others are here.
Blessings to you and your family during this very sorrowful time. ❤
Reblogged this on Inside the Mind of Isadora and commented:
Yesterday, several bloggers I follow posted the loss of Christine. Although, I had not been a follower of her blog, I still feel a sadness for her loss. She will be missed by her husband of 45 years, Steve, as well as her family.
This world wide web we travel connects us with the most wonderful
people who are unknown to us yet known through a small screen. It has made me aware of how much each and everyone I follow touches me.
Blessings to Steve and his family during this very sorrowful time.
What a sad shock. I am very sorry, Stuart. Who could ever forget Christine’s “found poem” words:
take care of your heart
tumultuous flower
You do the same.
Monica thank you so much for reminding me of those words.
They will be in her funeral notice and maybe on the coffin I am going to paint over the weekend.
Perfect like her
Stuart will I find you with Christine’s email address dear?
stuartwhitelaw AT gmail DOT com
That’s just beautiful. I will be thinking of you and Christine.
Dear Stuart, let me stand together with the growing list of friends, family and bloggers commemorating your wonderful Christine. Be strong and know we are lucky to have known her. Your recent and beautifully chronicled tour has inspired me to book a flight to Seville and Cadiz in September 14. I’ll be proud to walk in your footsteps.
2far2shout – Tony.
Hi Tony,
Christine would have loved that idea.
Thank you for that wonderful tribute.
Stuart
Thank you so much for letting us know, Stuart. So often in the online world people we’ve grown to love just disappear.
I feel honored to have communicated with Christine from halfway around the planet and share with her insights about art, photography, life while she was in Detroit, and philosophy. She was a wonderful person who will never leave any of the hearts of people who encountered her.
Be gentle with yourself and your family during grieving. Know that she is still with you forever.
Doug Peterson
Brighton, Michigan, USA
Deepest sympathy to you Stuart and to your family. I’m deeply touched that you have let us know of Christine’s passing. Thank you for understanding the friendships formed this way are real. Our tears confirm this. Take care. ❤
No. No … This can’t be right ! She was so vital, so engaged in life. Oh, Stuart … what can we say ?
I found her so short a time ago – mere months – and enjoyed every moment of the posts we shared. I was so looking forward to your return so as to pick up on Aussie things. Why did I take those two weeks off and miss 14 days of her posts ?!
You poor man. You must be shattered. How extraordinarily good of you to let us know.
She would have gone in an instant, unaware. I would pray to any god I believed in that such were to befall me. And she had you …
I spoke with one of dear yoga friends about the full details of her death and what we had shared in the 24 hours before. She said ‘that was a conscious death, that is the ultimate release’.
Once again, she soared higher than I could have possibly imagined. i am only just beginning to realise who she really was.
I sat by my beloved husband’s bedside as he lay dying, too afraid to move or make a sound … willing everything to be a terrible dream; and then a began to talk to him, to tell him what a wonderful life he had given us. I never knew at what point he left me; and I have never stopped regretting that I did not hold him in my arms … but I had not the courage.
One day you, too, will write about it all, I believe. When you lose someone who is your centre, the knowledge eventually comes that you have to tell the world about that joy.
I wish so much that I could help you now: I know how much you need it. But you are not alone, as I was; and friends are what you truly need.
So sorry to hear this. What a wonderful lady and what inspiration to us all. I hope the amazing memories keep you strong. Sympathies with you and your family. Sorry I didn’t get to meet you on your recent visit to cornwall. Much love x
RIP, Christine… @Stuart & all your close ones: courage, strength, serenity… our loved ones who have left us – slowly or suddenly, continue to be present in our hearts, inspite of their physical absence… my sincere condoleances and respectful regards, Mélanie
Dear Stuart, In memory of Christine https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/07/05/to-bring-light-and-love-to-those-around-me/ with love, Amy
offering my sympathy to you and yours.
may she beautifully continue shining
in your compassionate heart’s actions.
I too had to read this several times to believe it. Her comments were different from others’ – a lightness, a generosity of spirit. She will be missed. I wish you strength. Please take time for yourself and allow yourself to grieve in whatever way you need to. Years ago someone close died suddenly while he was with me, and it was such a struggle to get through the months after that. Someone advised me to allow a bit of time every day to spend with him, in grief, and giving myself permission to do that, even moths afterwards, helped get me through. There’s room in your day for the activities and work you need to do, and for the grieving.
lovely advice. I will heed it.
Thanks
Christine thank you for your beautiful friendship and the generosity you showered on our blog stories and photographs every week. I hope you always knew that our appreciation was heartfelt and your comments so very much welcomed. We will miss you.
Thinking of you all today.
I am sitting in Nova Scotia, Canada… shocked and so very sad to have just read this… I knew Christine only through her written words and images – but she was a friend and kindred spirit… how lucky we were, to have been graced by her presence. Last night, I finally got around to thanking her for a recent comment on a post. Now. I am so sad and deeply sorry for your loss Stuart. I trust that she will flow beautifully into whatever it is we call the Mystery. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Chris
I am shocked and deeply moved by these tragic news. I can’t even imagine what you, Stuart, went through to have her die in your arms so unexpectedly. I read the post about her funeral service and was so impressed with how deeply she was known and respected and loved by her family. May the sea eagle show you the way forward…love and blessings. Annette
Oh Stuart, I am heartsore at the news of Christine’s passing, and deeply moved by your kindness at sharing your loss with those of us who have come to know Christine through the magic of her words and photographs. Thank you too for these photos, they made me cry but made me glad you both found dadirri together on your walk and that she was in your arms. Sending you love and light from over the sea. xxx Ailsa
So very sorry to hear about your loss, and ours as well. Peace and healing to you and your family Stuart. Margie
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May your memories of Christine, and those special times you had together, strengthen, comfort and encourage you.
Dear Stuart, this IS my WORDLESS WEDNESDAY. ❤
http://napkinwriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/australian-experience/
Oh Stuart, I am still shaking my head in disbelief at what I have just read. Such a shock! And how sad. I am so sorry for your loss.
I was on a two-month+ blogging hiatus and am finally beginning to visit blogs again. This evening I wanted to finally stop by to catch up with Christine’s posts because when I last enjoyed her beautiful photos, it was near the end of May, and you were still travelling in Europe. I was hoping to see how the rest of the journey went – and I will still look at those posts sometime soon. However I certainly never expected to be reading the words posted here.
Christine always took great care with her posts – sharing delightful images and accompanying them with words of history, background and personal adventure. I do not remember how we connected, but I have just been blogging about 3.5 years. For much of that time it was a regular thing, the visits back and forth to one another’s blogs. Her visits to my corner were always reflective of her kindness and a great sense of humour.
She will be missed. I still cannot believe it.
Thank you for taking the time to keep us in the blogging community in the loop. Your kindness is much appreciated. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris