White orchids for a grey day

I painted these white orchids for my aunt Marilyn who died yesterday in New York of Covid-19. We can’t get across the border to be with her family during this time because of the current restrictions, but I’m thinking about her today. She was a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and she taught me how to bake the best chocolate chip cookies. She will be missed.


109 Comments on “White orchids for a grey day”

  1. Carol Drummond says:

    so sorry Shari.

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  2. Cleti Cervoni says:

    Sharing, I am so sorry. I also had an aunt that taught me to make chocolate chip cookies. My condolences and the flowers are perfect. Cleti

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  3. Judy Harvey says:

    Shari, I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Sent from my iPhone

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  4. Gail says:

    Condolences, Shari. This is such a difficult time.

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  5. Debbie says:

    So sorry for your loss. How wonderful to reach her through the painting of the flowers. May she rest in peace.

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  6. Carol Bershad says:

    So sorry for your loss, Shari. Beautiful orchids. Can’t wait for this awful pandemic to be over. Sounds like it’s time to bake your aunt’s chocolate chip cookies too. Take care, Carol

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  7. loisajay says:

    Shari–I’m so sorry. Gov Cuomo has been the best one in trying to keep everyone in NY safe. This Covid is just awful, though.

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  8. Betsy says:

    Oh no. I’m so sorry.

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  9. TonyU says:

    Sorry for your sad news Shari. A lovely tribute … the thought, the words and the painting. And maybe you’ll be baking some cookies too.

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  10. Jane S says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt, Shari. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. And what a beautiful painting you made in her honor! I’m sure her family will be very touched.

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  11. judymiddleton says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of Aunt Marilyn’s death. It’s especially hard on families under these restrictions. Art helps.
    Love and peace to your family and you, Jude

    Judy Middleton
    360-333-7816

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  12. ksmiley2015 says:

    Shari,
    I’m so sorry for your losing your aunt. You have honored her with your lovely painting. A truly sad time for all your family.
    Katherine

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  13. What a beautiful painting for your aunt. I am sorry for your lose. This is a terrible virus. (hugs)

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  14. Kiriaki says:

    So sorry for your loss. The orchids are perfect.

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  15. Barbara says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss and for not being able to be with family. We have a mess here in the US but hope is on the way.

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  16. Anne Peterson says:

    So sorry for your loss…what a beautiful tribute to you aunt.
    Anne Peterson

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  17. Sorry for your loss, made more difficult by not being able to share it in person with family. Take good care.

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  18. Barbara Beynon says:

    I’m so sorry, Shari. Loss at this time of so much loss is especially hard, I think. I’m glad you could paint these lovely orchids in her memory and as a way of commemorating your relationship with her.

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  19. timdada says:

    Shari I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ll be thinking about the both of you. Sincerely, Tim

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  20. Kate Burroughs says:

    So sorry for your loss Shari. The orchids are a beautiful tribute to her.

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  21. Jean says:

    Sending my sincere condolences. Your floral tribute to her is beautiful.

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  22. Louise Genest says:

    So sorry for your loss in such terrible times. It must be so difficult. Will think of you and your sorrow. Wish you a smooth healing.

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  23. jankto says:

    I am so sorry for your loss and that you can’t be with family to grieve together. This is a lovely and touching tribute as a way to share with the family.

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  24. angmacleod says:

    Shari, this year needs to be pushed to the curb, another sad occasion that we can’t attend or fully grasp, I am so sorry for your loss, but it warmed my heart to know your Aunt wore many hats, cared enough to teach you a skill of baking those fine cookies, so honour her by teaching a young person the same way. Stay safe, stay connected, keep sharing the small wonderful moments that collectively make life bearable during these crazy times, my deepest condolences to you and your Family.🙏🏻✨

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  25. Unique Tales says:

    My sincerest condolences, there is rarely the right words to say, that does not sound like platitudes. Thoughts with you. 😔💕

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  26. Missy Walsh-Smith says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Shari. Such tough times, but you have honored her with your beautiful painting and memory of chocolate chip cookies. 💓

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  27. Mary Grasek says:

    I’m sorry for your loss. I live in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I lost a family member last month. I wasn’t able to get to the services because my family was in a “red zone” at the time and I had an upcoming surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  28. My condolence to you and your family! Losing someone you love is hard enough but the restrictions make it so hard to share the loss and come to grips with it. It is nice that you had a way to show you were thinking of her today.

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  29. Patricia says:

    I Hate Covid! Your orchids spread your love for your Aunt Marilyn to us all. Sending prayers of comfort to you and your family.

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  30. Mickey says:

    I’m so sorry, Shari. Beautiful Orchid tribute.

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  31. Bonnie Hasan says:

    I am very sorry for your loss.

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  32. Sandra BR says:

    Shari, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Aunt Marilyn. Your painting is a beautiful tribute to her memory. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

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  33. Bernadette says:

    There are no words left to say. Your words are eloquent and a beautiful tribute to your mush loved aunt. Without knowing her, you help us gain a glimpse into how special she was. I am sorry. She must have been very, very special. The orchids…are precious.

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  34. Laura Kate says:

    This is a lovely tribute to your aunt Marilyn.

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  35. Barbara L Stumpf says:

    Dear Shari, Thank you for sharing your grief and memories of your aunt Marilyn with us. You remind us how deeply we all are connected. Her generosity and creativity reaches out through you and blesses each one of us in this online community. Wishing you and your family comfort and peace.
    https://shariblaukopf.com/2017/02/

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  36. Linda Uphus says:

    What a beautiful tribute! It is the simple things that connect us to our loved ones!!! I would be honored to make a batch of her cookies to share with my family!
    It is the selfless acts of our past relatives that we cherish and pass on to our present family members.

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  37. Barbara says:

    I, too, send my sincere condolences from the other side of the border. Your painting is beautiful !

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  38. Irene Miller says:

    My sympathy to you and your family, Shari

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  39. Carol Balabanow says:

    I am sorry for your loss, Shari. You found a lovely way to honor your aunt.

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  40. Cindy Cali says:

    I’m so very sorry for your loss Shari.
    Cindy

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  41. Denise says:

    Dear Shari, my sympathy to you and your family. Difficult times, and difficult time of year to suffer such a loss. This painting is a lovely tribute to her.

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  42. Lynn Bowen says:

    So very sorry for your loss!

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  43. Judy Sopher says:

    I want to add my sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts and hearts and prayers are with you.

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  44. Lyn Seley says:

    Shari, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. You show your love through your art.

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  45. Linda Murray says:

    My deepest sympathies to you and family. Hang on to those memories, they are so important 🙏😘

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  46. Gayl Harner says:

    Shari, I am so sorry that you lost your aunt, and under such limiting circumstances.

    Will say prayers for the peace and comfort for you and your family. With gratitude for her life on earth.

    And what a beautiful painting for her.

    Gayl Harner

    >

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  47. Jane Guest says:

    My condolences Shari, such a tough time. Your beautiful painting will be well received no doubt.

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  48. debraji says:

    So sorry to hear this, Shari. She sounds like a wonderful lady. My condolences to your family.

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  49. Marion says:

    My condolences to you Shari. There are no words to express how hard it is to lose a desely beloved kinfolk, but to do it as a result of this ruthless virus makes it even worse.

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  50. So sorry for your loss Shari. It must be especially hard for you and your family with the currant Covid pandemic and its restrictions.

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  51. pampeters2@gmail.com says:

    Dear Shari,

    I send my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Aunt. I am so sorry that you can’t get back to NY to be with your family. Your painting of the white orchids in her memory is especially poignant.

    I also have a question about the Oaxaca sketch class. Can I join anytime (probably after Jan 1)? I was in Oaxaca for a few days in 2017 and want to go back. This class will at least take me back in a different way.

    Sincere regards,

    Pam Peters

    San Diego (winner of the Shells by Shari)

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  52. Susan says:

    Hi Shari. Your post touched me deeply as I live here in a bubble of two. I know no one who has had COVID. it must be devastating to lose someone that way. My heart is with you.
    Susan

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  53. Soni says:

    Isn’t it great to have had such wonderful people in our lives and moreover, close to us in family. I share your sadness especially with greedy Covid but I celebrate such cherished memories you have.

    Let’s hope this virus strikes you no closer.

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  54. Elaine Robinson says:

    Sara this is lovely, beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for sharing. Elaine S Robinson 836 Cole Street San Francisco,CA 94117 415 661 5393 awc.esr.836@gmail.com

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  55. Flowerpoet says:

    What a beautiful and fitting tribute to that dear lady whose soul will surely know and feel all the love sent her way.

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  56. jeremc1maccom says:

    Shari I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt Marilyn. And to know you can’t be with your family makes it more difficult. We hear so much about the virus, and it becomes more personal when we hear that it has taken the life of someone in our circle. It’s out of control in America because it has been handled so poorly. It’s embarrassing. Hopefully, things will change soon. Enjoy the holidays. Jere Sent from my iPad

    >

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  57. Theresa Chruscinski says:

    Sincere condolences on the loss of your Aunt Marilyn. Your memory of baking chocolate chips together….what a wonderful memory of someone you loved and who loved you back. What a treasure!

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    • Yes, I have a few of her recipes that I make all the time. And some beautiful crystal candlesticks that she gave me that I use often too. A few treasures to remember her by. Hope you guys are well. Thanks for writing Theresa.

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  58. Such sad news, these are difficult times. Take care.

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  59. Iona says:

    So sorry for your loss Shari, and what a lovely tribute of orchids to her.

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  60. Margaret Simons says:

    My condolences, such a sad & terrible time for you & your country. Keep well.

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  61. Tracy says:

    I have not been keeping up with your blog lately and I sat down today to catch up and instead found my heart in my throat when I read this post. Shari, I am so sorry. This has been a cruel year indeed. Your painting in memory of your aunt is lovely and I hope it gave you some comfort to paint it and think of her. It is very hard to find closure in this pandemic. Virtual hugs from Washington state.

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