Oh Marie, are the words that would flow out my mouth: daily deadlines and desperate measures. You bluntly stared through, pretending not to know what was going on. But you did; you always knew exactly what was coming. You knew where you wanted to be and what you wanted—revelling in the light, whether it be the sun or our delight. Shopping was your game, and a bargain was always the aim. I realise now that you were an artisan of your trade, a fanciful peddler of all things lavish. Your chosen brand, "French". But beneath what could sometimes be somewhat different was a softness that only a skilled eye could see—the tenderness of a little bear, wanting to hold dear and keep everyone near. Cook, cater and make everything perfect. On a mission till the end, you were holding everything together with a fiery spirit of resilience, keeping everything and everyone as close as possible, with a kiss and a grin, saying goodbye when you'd had enough. I guess you finally did. May you find your fullness and freedom in a bounty of flowers: every colour but red. 🥀 Lots of love and CARE 😉 to all those left behind. Saint John, Faithful Felicity, Robust Robert, King Ollie, His Queen and of course Elly the Great ♥️