InSanity~Normalize, Don't Stigmatize Mentall Illness.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

In Loving Memory of Bumpkin, One Year Later

"For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity."  ~William Penn 

One year ago today, we lost a remarkable blogger and woman, Lisa/Bumpkin on a Swing. Full of zest, passion, and generosity, Bumpkin was defeated by cancer at the young age of 40. This post (a re-post) pays tribute to her memory.  If you weren't a follower, I suggest a visit to Bumpkin's blog. Her spirit remains uplifting and ever-present.

Our Bumpkin left the earth more healed, and all those she encountered more loved. Lisa saved lives as an Animal Welfare Activist. She and her beloved life partner, Captain John, founded an animal rescue foundation. They also kept us updated on all of their struggles and successes as they fought to tame the devastating effects of the Gulf oil spill. Lisa and the Captain proudly braved the waters to rescue sea turtles.

I am honored and indebted to our Bumpkin for entering my life in April, 2010. I don't know how she found me, as I don't think we had any mutual followers. In fact, I am like a square peg amongst the glamorous, hospitable Southern belles and fashion divas - nearly 300 of whom have connected with our Bumpkin through the blogosphere. But leave it to Lisa to find me, a Northern California klutz and tacky dresser. She left this comment in response to an Internet dating post:

Bumpkin on a Swing said... I love a lady with balls. In the dating world, you just have to stand up for yourself. I vote for a little Demi. [I wrote that I'll be damned or I'll be Demi if I'm going to have a huge age difference with a man again.] ..You get a bloggy thumbs up from The Bumpkin, and you have a new follower!

I was suddenly energized by Lisa's sass and spunk. Blogging was more fun, and I became motivated to dress better. (Sorry Lisa, I've got a long ways to go, babe. But I'm keeping in mind your motto of "champagne taste on a koolaid budget.")

The Bumpkin's kindness continued when I put out a plea to reach 100 followers:
Bumpkin on a Swing said...I'm working on this for you darling, have you met My Trish, she's a beautiful Cajun Belle who will gladly steal your 100th spot! It's gets worse this obsession we have it gets much much worse.

It's easy to tell why Lisa and Trish spontaneously became the best of friends. Trish embodies so many of the same qualities and was happy to help me out too: Trish said... Hi Robyn! Happy to be your 100th follower thanks to my amazing friend Miss Bumpkin! :) YAY for 100, break out the bubbly!

Bumpkin on a Swing said... Cheers to you my friend! Tink!

This is in response to my post about the beach with the above photo:
Bumpkin on a Swing said... We are soul sistas, sniff, sniff, sniff, my beach, my waves, my sand, sniff, sniff...

My last comment from our Bumpkin followed a post about a seductive massage, (7/6/10): Bumpkin on a Swing said... Firing it [a cigarette] up too! Damn it girl!I looking up massage in the phonebook as we speak!


Hers was a spirit that cannot die.

Hers was a life lived with full passion and purpose.

She is an angel among angels.

Our Beloved Lisa, Our Bumpkin On A Swing 12/29/69 - 8/8/10

“She belongs among the wildflowers, she belongs somewhere she feels free."~The Time Traveler's Wife (This quote is taken from Our Bumpkin's blog.)

26 comments:

  1. I remember her helping you get your 100th follower! God bless her.

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  2. what a super tribute. I did know her virtually or otherwise but I can tell she is missed and loved!

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  3. Beautiful Robyn ! Her words and spirit live on...a touching glimmer at a life well lived !

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  4. I'll be back. But, I wanted to let you know I've selected you for something. Give me a C+, huh? Well, now you have to write abut underwear!

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  5. Thank you, everyone.
    Have a nice week!
    xoRobyn

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  6. Wonderful that you would post this again in her memeory.

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  7. Those are some nice memories you have.

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  8. I actually used to read her blog. So sad. But glad that this community is so close that amazing people like you R can honor her.

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  9. I didn't know Lisa, but I do know how sad it is when a blogger you've known for a while passes away.

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  10. I remember this post.
    Granny always told us that you're never really gone until nobody remembers you. Your friend is obviously still fondly remembered.

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  11. Hi there. I'm picking you up from Al's panty blog. Glad to meet you. :)

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  12. Thank you, sweet friends. These blog ties are so strong. I appreciate all of you.

    Lisa/Bumpkin on a Swing really was a remarkable woman.

    Pat, I like that. There's a similar saying, "To remember is to keep alive." I forget whose quote that is but it's the same sentiment.

    xoRobyn

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  13. Sorry for your loss. You did a nice thing in remembering her here.

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  14. Oh how she made me laugh ~ she did leave the best comments didn't she! It will always be a cherished friendship.

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  15. I actually remember you posting about this last year...wow - a whole year already. She was a beautiful person...and your tribute is beautiful, also.

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  16. Oh Robyn what a nice tribute to your friend! Hugs!~Ames

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  17. Robyn, you are a good friend to continue her memory. What a nice tribute-post. She was so young...

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  18. Great tribute
    Following

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  19. Beautiful and loving post Robyn xo

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  20. This is so awesome but made me so sad. I love that you remembered her in your post. I have a friend that is 40 and has cancer. It is devastating. It is advanced. Speaking of cancer, I am working tomorrow afternoon at a major cancer hospital in Houston- a place I worked for many years before my oldest son is born. Cancer is such an awful disease. :(

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  21. Aw, Robyn Love this is such a Beautiful tribute! You said it, she brought such fun and sass to Blogworld! It isn't the same without her :(
    Oh, I do love seeing her comments :)
    I am forever thankful she brought us together!
    Love you lots
    gi gi

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  22. So sad, yet so uplifting. That quote by William Penn is right on the money. I'm convinced that, when it's time to shuffle off this mortal coil, the essence that is "me" will remain.
    Of course, I plan on taking a shower as close to the end as possible. No sense having a stinky "essence of me" funking up the place.
    I'm considerate that way.

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  23. Such a beautiful tribute. Hard to believe it's already been a year!!

    <3

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