Today, Thursdays will open but there will be No DOTD or theme.
We have lost one of our own and I feel the thread would be best served as a quiet place to remember and reflect.
Thanks.
Pull up a seat and remember.
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Today, Thursdays will open but there will be No DOTD or theme.
We have lost one of our own and I feel the thread would be best served as a quiet place to remember and reflect.
Thanks.
Pull up a seat and remember.
Amen. John and Randi and family are much in my thoughts and prayers today. I will light a candle in memory and tribute. :(
That "soppy old human" did bring a smile to this hardened heart (thanks for finding that old posting Phred.. ) Nice thought Richard, let's just sit and hold each other for awhile and reflect on better days and miles of smiles.
To help us remember....
Here are just a few of the many wonderful, entertaining posts from John. In these he is writing about his beloved Fister, who was a stray and who John was determined to win over and bring in the house. John and Randi succeeded in luring him into the house, but from then on it was Fister who ruled the roost, much to John's delightful dismay.
Fister’s Journey – The House of Cages
Fister’s Journey – the noble art of scratching
Fister’s Journey – More news from the frontline
Fister’s Journey – Picking up bad habits
Fister’s Journey – Cat Speak & Cat Think
Fister’s Journey – A CHEEKY MONKEY!
We all never failed to delight in the "Fister Tales" and couldn't wait for him to post another. However, these are only a few of his earlier threads. He has many many more posts to his credit, and I know there are quite a few of you who enjoyed bantering with him in the Dog House.
On the way in to work this morning I told myself that I wasn't going to the bar this week, but how can I stay away. We all need support right now so I'll take a seat in the back and just ponder. I've got lots of hugs to give away if anybody needs one.
Didn't he do the cruise on the ship, too? That one made me laugh a lot. I also admired him for his opinions and the way he stated them here in the Dog House.
WHUT to do...?? :confused:
Maybe a *Toast*???
Well... OK...
But maybe a {{{HUG}}} would be more appropriate...
More Jonza-like...
Yeah...
... a *BIGG*, (warm) Pet Talk {{{HUG}}} for John!
And hey, <squeeze> over just a tad...
<make room> for Randi ~
she could use a *BIG* PT {{{HUG}}} right about now! ;)
..
I think that we could have a toast.
A DOTD seemed to be a little too improper.....
I somehow feel he wouldn't mind us hoisting a glass in his honor.
Sooooo.....
To Jonza, a creative force here on Pet Talk.
DONE!
:)
Remebering is the best way to fill the hole in our hearts. Thanks for the chance Richard.
Last night my husband was over an hour late from work. He generally works until 10 p.m., and is about a 5-10 minute drive away depending on traffic. As 10:30 and then 11 p.m. passed, my anxious mind began thinking the worst and I became more fearful. I tried calling him at work but he can't answer the phone if he's working because he's on the phone with customers all the time. By the time 11:30 came my fear factor was so high that something horrible had happened. But he finally drove in. He had had extreme difficulties with work and had not been able to get away to call me, but he was okay, except for being very upset with his work problems.
The night before, I had a vivid dream of losing my mother. Maybe that's partly why I got so extremely fearful and anxious last night when he was so late. Then last night I dreamed over and over of deaths and losses in my family.
I got up feeling so drained and down this morning. While I was posting to a few other threads, I saw the announcement come up.. I had a flood of tears before I could even bear to open it.
I don't know what to think. I feel confused, afraid, sad. My greatest fear last night is Randi's reality now. I just feel stunned.
I hope sharing these things are not inappropriate here, it's just that this hit me so powerfully, it's so hard to find the "right" words to say.
Thank you for posting the threads. I have mostly seen Jonza's threads in the Dog House, which I enjoyed, and I wish to see these warmer tales, to share more in his memory.
My tummy feels sick, my head hurts and so does my heart! :(
If someone had told me before I got the Internet, I would come to love people I met in a magic place called Pet Talk, I would never have believed them. Now I would!
Be at peace Jonza. If you visit the RB, I have lots of critters there who would love to meet you!
Just sitting here quietly, reflecting....
To one of the most brilliant minds on pet talk and elsewhere...
I didn't know John at all, but I loved reading his stories about Fister.
His sense of humor will be missed. :(
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few days in the company of John and Randi. So when I read his stories I hear his very proper English accent....his chuckle....
I know he would expect us to toast him. Beer would be good....but please...not Carlsberg or any of the big, bully brands. He liked the little guys...He was as political about his beer as anything else. So something local...something made from the heart...like John was.
Here's to you, John...
to John.
Thanks Sara, I was thinking a proper DOTD would be whatever John's favorite was - so beer it is. If he liked the little guys, he would have loved Naked Beer from a small town in Wisconsin. Some of the best beer I've ever had.
Here's to you John. :(
To John. Funny, but I always have something to say....but not this time. Debbie, can I please sit down beside you? Where are Laurie and Gini? Sure hope they are holding up.
Lucky you Sara. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into this special man.
One thing I noticed about Jonza's post count....
I don't think anyone on Pet Talk ever got as much mileage with so few posts...
Economical - but filled with thoughts.
To John.
You're right Richard. He definitely had a way with words...Quote:
Originally posted by RICHARD
One thing I noticed about Jonza's post count....
I don't think anyone on Pet Talk ever got as much mileage with so few posts...
Economical - but filled with thoughts.
To John.
:(
To John. :(
<skooches over> No problem, Slick, sit right down. I've put another log on the fire. Fires are so great for this kind of stuff, you can just stare into the fire and remember and get lost in your thoughts.....Quote:
Originally posted by slick
To John. Funny, but I always have something to say....but not this time. Debbie, can I please sit down beside you?
I've never posted in a Thursday thread before, but wanted to toast to John.
What a guy.
:(
I have never been to the bar, and drinking a toast is not someting I normally do, but I needed a place to shed a few tears. HUGS to Randi, HUGS to all pet talk loved ones, And CHEERS to John............and a wonderful life remembered.
I shed tears every time I visit here off and on, but your beautiful, kind and warm comments are so very touching.
To John.
Slick, is there room for a teary-eyed guy from Pittsburgh to sit down? I'm still speechless.
That's the thing about Thursdays. Everyone is welcome however often they want to join in.
Welcome Kim and Jen. This is the right place to come to when you need support. **stands up** Here, sit down by Debbie and the nice warm fire. Kleenex is on the table if you need it. You don't have to drink to come to the bar. This is the place "where everybody knows your name". There are no "attitudes" here and we don't judge people.
David, there's room on the couch for you, hon.
I'm going to put on some coffee and make some bailey's in case anyone wants it.
Thursday started out as an idea and a wacky place where everyone could come in and be silly, without a care in the world.
To think we could keep the "cold" from the real world out of the place is a just a dream.
The outside world has a habit of seeping in at times and it's good to know there is a place where we can warm our bones.
In our fireplace burns a cyberfire - but the warmth is generated by everyone who has ever posted on a Thursday thread.
One or one hundred times.
There are quite a few of you that peer into the windows at times.
I hope that you all take a minute to stop in from now on.
Time is very short - There is only one Thursday a week.
You have to make the most of them!
Ahhh, but sometimes that Thursday can last 3 or 4 days. ;)Quote:
Originally posted by RICHARD
There is only one Thursday a week.
Well said Richard.
Jen and Kimmy! Great to see you both, although it's too bad it's under such sad circumstances. I'm glad you stopped in for some hugs and to share your grief with friends. As others mentioned, this is not just a place for drinking, but for laughing with our friends when they're happy and have good news (yeah Kimmy on your job!), crying with our friends when they are sad, and just for being there for each other when we might need a shoulder to lean on or cry on.
Both of you come sit on the couch by me. We'll make room for everyone who just wants to be close at this time. We may need a bigger couch, but in cyberspace, that's not a problem.
Amazing how the bar is a cyber bar, the drinks are cyber drinks, the fire is a cyber fire and even the couch is a cyber couch, but the friendships and feelings are as real as it gets. :(
Beautifully put.Quote:
Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
Amazing how the bar is a cyber bar, the drinks are cyber drinks, the fire is a cyber fire and even the couch is a cyber couch, but the friendships and feelings are as real as it gets. :(
I generally only peek in from time to time.. but I often get a smile and feel so warm and welcome. I hope everyone has a relaxing evening.
I swore I was going to stay out of the DG but I have always loved peeking in on the Thursday get togethers.
Tonight my heart feels so heavy and I would really like to sit on that cyber couch, staring into that warm cyber fire, surrounded by real friends and wonderful people.
I've been fretting over my husband losing his job and after today it seems such a small thing. I gave him a hug and told him how lucky we really are. A job can be replaced but people can't.
If you all don't mind I would like to join in and share the warmth of the fire and friends while they remember a wonderful member of PT.
me too, Lisa. But what a tiny problem it is when the alternative problems could be SO much worse. I hugged Charlie a few extra times when he got home tonight.Quote:
Originally posted by catcrazylady
I
I've been fretting over my husband losing his job and after today it seems such a small thing. I gave him a hug and told him how lucky we really are. A job can be replaced but people can't.
I'll drink to that .... a cyber drink in memory of Jonza.Quote:
Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
Amazing how the bar is a cyber bar, the drinks are cyber drinks, the fire is a cyber fire and even the couch is a cyber couch, but the friendships and feelings are as real as it gets. :(
Yup, he was indeed a "creative force" here on Pet Talk and will be hugely missed. Can I squeeze on that settee by the fire please? I've brought my own Kleenex.
Shall I put on my blues CD that Randi and John sent me? It seems appropriate.
I'm here not great with words always but I give great neck and shoulder rubs .
Welcome to you new arrivals to Dicks place to day I think it should be called Johns.
Hope you guys don't mind me wading in here either... I've never posted in a Thursday thread before.
Randi, I know life won't ever be quite the same again but I hope you know that you can come find solace from the hurt amongst your friends here.
I didn't know John like some of you did, but I do know that he was a well-respected, well-liked member of Pet Talk and that he will be very missed. As others have said, I hope he did not suffer. Godspeed, jonza.
To John.
A warm welcome to all of the newcomers that have dropped by Thursdays. Now, maybe you can all understand why it even exists. We have fun here - we care a great deal - we give comfort if needed - or poke fun at you if you are getting too serious. As Corinna says, a good neck and back rub if you are too stressed.
Most of all this is a place to just STOP.
Stop what you are doing - give life a rest for a while - have a cyber drink of your choice and relax.
Randi, I have found an excellent bottle of Rombauer Zinfandel - 2003 - smooth - soothing - you are going to love it. Sit down, oh, I know, the couch looks crowded, but there is always room on it for a few more.
Let's share this bottle and toast Jonza..........................with great memories and affection.
Quote:
Amazing how the bar is a cyber bar, the drinks are cyber drinks, the fire is a cyber fire and even the couch is a cyber couch, but the friendships and feelings are as real as it gets.
Debbie.....you have such a way with words and that's so true. That's why I never talk to anyone about Pet Talk. They just wouldn't understand how much we care about one another, without even meeting.
Quote:
or poke fun at you if you are getting too serious
That's what life is all about. Laughter is contagious and there's nothing better than laughing at yourself and having others laugh along with you. Life just gets way to serious sometimes.
Quote:
Shall I put on my blues CD that Randi and John sent me? It seems appropriate.
Good idea Karen, but let's not get to morbid. I'm sure John wouldn't like that at all.
Pop the wine open Gini and let's give a toast to a wonderful man and to our friend Randi who needs all the help she can get right now.
One last thought.....don't ever take anything for granted. Seize the moment and if you care about someone, tell them.
See??? I, do have a serious side... :eek: ;)
Same with me.Quote:
Originally posted by ramanth
I've never posted in a Thursday thread before, but wanted to toast to John.
:(
Thank you for making this opportunity to remember the good times. I think it will help me heal. I've been affected greatly by his passing. He was just a wonderful person, so evident from his posts.
I had a similar experience as Jessica. On Tuesday morning, I had horrible visions and thoughts of someone dying. I thought it would be my grandmother and I was bawling and worrying. When I opened PT today and saw that thread from Karen, my heart sunk to my feet and I did not want to open it. When I did open it, I felt like throwing up because I was so utterly sad.
I am holding Randi in my thoughts constantly. I hope she is coping.
I think even for those that didn't know John, just looking back on his posts will show his wonderful character. We can all take this opportunity to live our own lives to the fullest, because we never know what will be around the corner. In John's honor, I will make the most of my life, not take things for granted, , and also be sure to have a good time. I'm sure thats what he would have wanted.
:(
I haven't been much of a regular at Thursdays, but wanted to stop by today and offer a toast to John.
I played my Ten Years After CD at work today, when I read the news. If I remember correctly he did many of their album cover artwork/photography and it seemed like the thing to do....