On this day two years ago, October 18, 2008, my friend and tattoo artist, Kauri Tiyme of Denver, Colorado, was taken from this earth. I posted my story of her here:
http://bettysvintagemusings.blogspot.com/2010/06/celebrating-girls-who-stand-out.html
Today, in honor of Kauri's passing, I am wearing all black:
I also plan on having a lovely vegan meal for dinner tonight. Kauri was a strict vegan who loved Indian food (I am pescatarian and I adore Indian too). I think I am going to have a nice feast of lentils, chickpeas, and some aloo gobi with rice and naan. (Naan is a type of flat bread and aloo gobi is cauliflower and potatoes).
I cannot believe two years have past already. It's crazy. I still miss Kauri greatly. I am so blessed to have been her friend and client. I am lucky to have her art on my skin forever. I feel like Kauri lives on in each piece she put on me.
Part of me is still angry that Kauri is gone and yet this is a side of me that has found peace knowing that she is still alive in my memories. I think what continues to make me mad is that I have so many questions unanswered. I want to know why her killer (ex-husband) did what he did.
I know that despite any desire for resolution, nothing can bring Kauri back. She is gone and like I said, I have a feeling her energy is somehow still here with me and with those who knew and loved her. Kauri's untimely end should not overshadow the beauty that was her life. I want to celebrate Kauri's legacy today so I will.
There is a VNV Nation song called "Perpetual" that talks about life, death, and the unknown. It is amazing song and it is always the last song VNV Nation performs at their live shows. Lead singer and co-founder Ronan Harris once stated in an interview that if he had anything to say when he died, he stated that the lyrics of "Perpetual" would say it all for him.
I know that Kauri is the never-ending light now. Her spirit is shining. May Kauri live and thrive in my heart forever!
Lyrics for "Perpetual:"
'Find it in you, raise your eyes
Look beyond the place you stand
Towards the furthest reaches
And to the smallest of things
The sound you are hearing
Is the symphony of what we are
Revelation will not come
With heart and mind closed and divided
No need of sun to light the way
Across the ages, we have reigned as we endured
Through the storm fronts we will ever surely pass
To stand as never ending light
Throw away the mantle
Awake from your uncertain hesitation
No way to describe or equate the feeling
No end to what is at your command
A million thoughts run through you
Concentric circles, ever greater
But you have always known
That this is not all there is
To your questions there'll be answers
Let there be, let there always be
Never ending light."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG18ARsi2Mk
what a terribly sad story, but how fabulous that she lived such a glorious life sharing her art and her wisdom with others
ReplyDeleteBeautifull post full of love.x.
ReplyDeleteLady Betty: It takes a lot to make me sad, and this story does. She was a beautiful lady, and obviously loved. I am also a pescatarian,and love Indian food. I will cook a special meal in her honor this evening, and share your story with my wife during dinner. It is always a good thing to have people thinking of our loved ones who have departed. I am sorry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind, touch comments, JJ. Kauri was indeed amazing and it was not fair how her life was taken. I cam wrap my head around an illness, a car accident, or even cancer. But how does one wrap their head around murder? I can't. It is beyond all reason. Murder is the antithesis of reason and understanding.
ReplyDeleteI hope Kauri knows in some way that she was loved by so many! Almost everyone I have met (either in person or online) that knew Kauri, all say how amazing and kind she was. Her talent and energy were indescribable! I am truly lucky to have spent time with her, even for the little time we did have.
Thank you for making something special in Kauri's honor. I know she would be extremely humbled and touched!
Straight Talking Mama,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts and insight. Kauri was indeed glorious! She lived her life to the fullest and was living her dream doing the art she wanted to do. I know her energy is out there swirling and dancing in the cosmos.
Thank you, Gingeyginge. I really appreciate your comment very much.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you
I'm sorry for the loss of your dear friend. It's very cool that you have some of her art on you. And a special way to remember her every single day.
ReplyDeletewow i think it is so beautiful that on this sad day you honor her by doing her fave things the music the food ..what a great way to pay tribute to a great friend <3
ReplyDeleteThat is horrible. It's a tragedy what happened to her. Thank you for sharing your story about Kauri. It sounds like she was an amazing, talented and beautiful tattooed lady who had great taste in food! May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment and sympathies, Kimberly. I am very blessed to have Kauri's art on my skin for sure! I want to do so much more tattoos with her. I know Kauri had clients who had pieces in progress and/or unfinished pieces when she was killed. What a shame that they will never get to have them completed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, "for the love of betty." I lit a candle for Kauri when I got home that night. She will always be missed.
ReplyDeleteCrafty Doll,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts. Kauri did have great taste in everything! She was her own person with her own style and I loved that about her! One of the many topics she and I talked about was our mutual obsession of Indian food! I love it! I could eat it everyday. Whenever I order aloo gobi, dal, channa masala, or naan, I always think of how much Kauri would enjoy it.