-
On Friday 22nd, Mairi Edwards, aka Ma100, lost her battle with cancer.
Ma was diagnosed last year.
She had family all around her and was peaceful when she passed. As she went to
sleep, the sun shone through the grey clouds and they all knew it was her telling
them she's safe and there is no more pain.
Ma was very fond of everyone on MWC and cared about their efforts to improve
their writing.
She was the bravest person I've ever known and I've never been more proud of
anyone. She fought it like a trooper!!
We are all devastated but also relieved that she doesn't need to be scared anymore
Rest In Peace Ma
-
I couldn't believe it when I first heard. Now I just don't want to believe it.
Mairi was a remarkable woman. She had a big personality, and a huge talent. I'm so sad that she ran out of time before publishing her novel. But still, she has a legacy here as so many will have Ma stories they'll never forget.
What a woman! What a loss. :'(
-
Speechless and tearful. She helped me so much when I first came online. It was a privilege to know her through private chat and more than a great pleasure working alongside her in the mod shack. She'll be missed by me and many others who loved her warm humour around MWC. I guess the Red Barren Bar will be busy tonight. I'll be tipping back a few rums for her. Missing you already Ma :-*
Goodnight Sweetheart x
-
Fare thee well, Ma. You fought hard and lost with grace. A role model to the end.
It was a privilege to know and support you.
-
Rest in Peace, Ma.
I had nothing but kindness and laughs in my dealings with you. :-*
-
One Helluva Woman
Her frozen knickers will of course be remembered,
Ma would want it that way, but what a sad bloody day,
hearing she’s gone. We crossed swords, had words,
had fun, shared ‘stuff’ to be done for the forum,
anthologies, Olympinks and proofreading – oh yeah
plenty of that. I’ll miss the old bat and her no nonsense crits.
What a woman! What a nutter! Her sense of humour
was wicked and evil and she spoke straight.
Mairi said things were getting hard but she ballsed it out
as usual, no time to whinge or whine, get on with it
as best you can, even if that means being nice to sis’ cats.
She made us laugh, she drove us mad, she even had
a thing against some bits of punctuation like colons
and semi colons. I was never sure if she abhorred them
more than poetry – only joking. Maybe I’m not. RIP Ma.
And good luck with Drew and the ghosties, I loved them.
-
Deeply saddened by this news. Ma was one of the longest serving moderators on MWC, and devoted many hours (all unpaid) to helping other members with their writing.
Older members may also recall the MWC Olymp-Inks, a vast and complex array of writing competitions and challenges she organized and ran herself (with some assistance from the other moderators, of course).
At one point Ma tried to resign as a moderator over a difference of opinion with another member. The moderator team were appalled by this prospect and unanimous in trying to persuade her to stay. Thankfully in the end she agreed to this!
I shall remember Ma for many things, including her wry sense of humour, her unfailing kindness, her humility, her wisdom, and of course the massive contribution she made to this forum. Rest in peace, Ma.
-
My heart hurts.
I wish Ma's entire family peace in the coming days. We share your grief.
-
I learned so much from her. Very sad to hear the news.
She will definitely leave a void, but I'm sure she will be back, she loved her ghosties so much, how could she help but join them?
Sio, that could have been the first poem she liked. ;D ;D
-
The many hats of Ma :D
(http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr61/firefly254/AMa_zps2d25503c.gif)
-
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Ma was also the driving force behind the anthologies we published. Lots of cajoling to get more submissions, enlist editors and cover artists. She also had a hand in dealing with the publishers. She did all this for the most part, behind the scenes as she carried on as a member and moderator.
Plus, she was my friend. Actually I know she was a friend to many around here, she was just that kind of person. One that can not be replace. We just have to make room for others, while retaining that space in our lives that was her's alone.
Frozen knickers, microwaved cats and dozens of other things were often joked about. But at heart Ma was a softy. I never heard of her saying "No" to anyone who came to her for help, especially if they asked politely.
Say hello to all your ghosties for us Ma. I'm sure they will be around to keep you company.
-
Just to let everybody know that poetry challenge 131 is a tribute to ma100. Even if you're not a poet, write some verse anyway and we'll give her a great send off :)
-
A little lady who will leave a big gap. She seems to have been around the circle forever.
A leading light in the production of the various MWC charity books. A heart as big as it needed to be, which sometimes was very big.
I'm glad nothing's hurting you anymore. But I'll miss you, My Friend.
Gyppo
-
I could write pages in tribute to Ma, as could most of the members here.
I could make jokes about Ma, as she often did about herself and everyone else.
I could tell you how much she'll be missed, or maybe I couldn't because it's only now sinking in.
I could say how her advice and cajoling helped so many, but that would miss the point.
Mairi had a unique voice. Sadly, that voice is gone, but at least we have the echo to share.
-
Mairi had a unique voice. Sadly, that voice is gone, but at least we have the echo to share.
True words well spoken Don.
May the echos linger a long time.
-
(http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr61/firefly254/Home/indexCA5Z8HN4_zpsuscphsby.png)
I remember having conversations with Ma via messenger or skype and I always commented she sounded like the Queen. So she was forever ripped off as Queen Ma. In fact we did a mock up photo of her as the Queen, I will keep searching for it but in the meantime, here is one she had as an avatar
-
I always liked that picture. I liked the worm with the various hats, but that picture told us a lot. You don't get those lines without smiling a lot ;-)
-
(http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr61/firefly254/Home/indexCA5Z8HN4_zpsuscphsby.png)
In fact we did a mock up photo of her as the Queen, I will keep searching for it but in the meantime, here is one she had as an avatar
i did that for one of her birthdays - just check each one until you find it :)
-
:D :D
I knew someone did it so I have found one of them at least
Queen Ma:
(http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr61/firefly254/Home/the-queen-1-1024%20copy_zps9nlcxjru.jpg)
-
:'(
Will miss you Ma.
:'(
-
Once Ma and I got to know one another a bit, she would PM me with a request. It would be someones birthday and we had to throw a party.
Being the tech savvy lady she was, I had the job of collecting all the party stuff from all over the net, sending her the links and she and I would flood the board with silliness. Everyone seemed to let us know when there was a birthday coming up, she was in her element letting people know their day mattered, even if we had never met.
Love you Ma for all your craziness most of all :-*
-
Fly with the spirits, Ma. :'(
-
:D :D
I knew someone did it so I have found one of them at least
Queen Ma:
(http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr61/firefly254/Home/the-queen-1-1024%20copy_zps9nlcxjru.jpg)
Love it :)
-
"I'm going to chemo with all your names emblazoned on my avatar/diva t-shirt with a poop badge attached."-Mairi
I bet she followed through on that fashion choice and had everyone at the treatment center smiling. One couldn't be around MA long, even virtually, before you were smiling.
Oh my, the anthologies and the olymp-inks. What a mess we were behind the scenes. Some will never know how much she put into those and the forum, although everyone still benefits from her efforts.
And butt clenching to music. So help me, never has a character's action stood out as much as this character of hers.
She had such a big and sassy personality, along with a love of all things Depp, Johnny Depp is probably feeling an inexplicable loss right now.
There will never be another MA. As with all greats, there never should be.
-
She was a lovely, kind woman, and she will be missed enormously.
-
:D :D
That t-shirt rocked. Anything to help her through a rough journey.
The frozen nickers always stick in my mind when I think of the funny things. Little did she know that all these years down the track, we would still be thinking of her bloomers :P :P
-
Well, the shirt was probably a dress on her. :)
There are some funnies that stand out. Even more are coming as the fog clears from memories.
-
Oh please, refresh our memories, we need it. :)
-
:(
Sad to hear about the loss of someone dear to us. I will miss her, but still hold her close.
-
Oh please, refresh our memories, we need it. :)
Random one-liners keep popping up.
"Did I really says that?" (Of course she did. Without MA, I would have never known memory shorts out when the temper flares. :))
"You're American ... did you lose the plot of my story?"
"You must have the same doctor as me. He prescribed chocolate."
"Yep, you pretty much got it. And you're from a different country."
I see a theme with a few of them. ::)
-
:D :D
Foreigners never made any sense did they.
I do remember the many rants about the half sis's cat, my how she loved them. But Lump ended up winning her heart.
-
Do you remember how she created Ma-Space? She decorated the tiny little half room in colours to suit herself, made sure there was Ma sized furniture, and a little desk for her laptop. A writer's dream room. Just big enough for a writer and her laptop, but not big enough to be used as occasional storage by other residents.
"But there's only one chair."
"Yes. It's mine."
Then she gave it up when her half-sis and her moggies moved in.
Gyppo
-
:D :D
Yep I remember that one clearly. She didn't want to give it up though ::) ::)
Then all that wall paper removal and adding, and decorating and fussing over colours etc, she had it all going on, till her knickers froze ;)
-
God bless her and her frozen knickers :D
-
Lots of Ma nonsense in here: http://mywriterscircle.com/index.php?topic=14186.5610 ;D ;D ;D ;D Mainly about rum and Johnny Depp. ::)
-
I can hear her chatting away with her ghosts.
:)
What a great hearted woman, and a mentor to me and others, nudging us to be braver and tougher.
I sent her a box of yummy Germany chocolates for Christmas and hope she got a bit of sweet joy from them.
Here's a breakfast rum raised for Mairi and her wit and love on a hot scooter!
-
I am so sorry to hear this. She gave her time so willingly and selflessly and helped me so much as a mod. You'll be missed, Ma.
-
When i first came to the circ, i was an argumentative brat. A miner with a chip on his shoulder. And so i would always be gettin pm's off the Mods. Ma was the first one to see thru to the inner me. So she gave me the 'straight talk'. I'll always be thankful to Ma and the rest of the mods for their patience with me. But i too remember those hats. Bein a hat person myself, i always liked Ma just that little bit more for what she had to offer. I remember too the seemingly hap-hazard strings of the Olym-pinks. All brought together somehow by Ma pulling the strings. I always got an up-dated image of the wicked Witch of the West when i thought of Ma on her scooter. And i never did find out the story behind those frozen knickers. And i did ask. One thing ive learned thru these long years of my life has been, 'dont mess with women with fire in their eyes'. I still see those two fiery sky-blues looking at me. I'll miss you Ma. And the circle will too. God Bless Yuh. Bri. X
-
So sad to hear this news. She gave me a couple of wrist slaps when I first joined MWC - the same way a caring mother would tick off an errant child. She was Ma to us all and will be sadly missed.
H3K
-
It’s been a while since I posted here, but when I heard about Ma I had to come pay my respects.
Hard to believe so many years have passed since I first met Ma, as a newbie on these boards – I think it was 2007! She had such a zest for learning, was never afraid to ask the ‘stupid’ questions. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone learn as much in such a short space of time, or grow as a writer. She worked so hard on Drew and her beloved ghosties.
What I remember most about her was her willingness to help, giving her time and her experience to anyone who asked. Although, woe to anyone to tried to take advantage of her good nature. She wasn’t slow on setting them straight. Lol
She brightened up many a dark evening with her humour. Often we’d be chatting on the ‘boards’ and she’d be sending PM’s to all and sundry at the same time. She was the first person I knew to get locked out of her messages for going over the limit. That woman could talk! Lol
You know I hate rum, Ma, but I will raise a glass of the vile stuff in your honour.
Mairi – you were a friend to all, and you will be sorely missed.
-
I keep waiting for the right words to come - nothing. Mairi was not only the best mentor I could wish for but a good friend too. She helped me in so many ways with my writing, and for that, I will be eternally grateful, and deeply saddened to have lost our friend.
Let's all raise our glasses (Rum of course) 'To Mairi, may she be dancing the light fandango and free of the 'Spazmobile' (her words not mine)
-
I haven't been around on MWC for a while, but wanted to pay my respects after I heard this very sad news about Ma. (Thank you, firefly, for letting me know.)
Funny, straight talking and incredibly generous with her time in helping others, she will be sorely missed.
RIP, Ma. It was a privilege to know you.
-
It occurred to me this morning, Ma didn't step down as a moderator, she just moved to a different platform.
Keep up the great job of moderating Ma. We'll miss you, but know you are with us in your heart.
-
Wow Ma, you must be proud of all the messages from people you thought didn't have much time for you because you put them in the naughty corner. Bet you have a big box of tissues beside you and a smile as wide as the ocean.
She brightened up many a dark evening with her humour. Often we’d be chatting on the ‘boards’ and she’d be sending PM’s to all and sundry at the same time. She was the first person I knew to get locked out of her messages for going over the limit. That woman could talk! Lol
:D :D
This was a regular occurrence for Ma. For the members who do not know, if you reach 20 PM's in quick concession, not sure of the time frame, you are locked out of your PM's for 20 minutes I think. Ma would end up in the Modshack whining (which is usually SpellChick's job) about not being able to chat. Had us all giggling in the background and sending her PM's just to tick her off a bit more. ::) ::) ::) She always got even one way or the other.
The last couple of days have been hard you old bag and distance is all our greatest enemy. You are the one person I wanted to sit and chat with face to face. Remember the time mate, we were chatting via skype or whatever it was those years ago and Fred came home for lunch. We had chatted about our kids and animals and husbands etc for hours, the time flew and you had forgotten to get his lunch ready. :D :D Sorry Fred, it was my fault. She is just so easy to chat too, sounding like the Queen and all. :-* :-*
-
I really don't know what to say about Ma, other than I will really miss her. She meant so much to me, especially her guidance and love when I first started here in 2008. She really was my online mother, and she always pushed me to be better at everything I do. But as I've read from the other posts, we should celebrate her life, and remember the great times. She knew how to have fun even when times are tough.
Her pain is gone. Her memory will last a century.
And thanks to those who reached out to me to let me know about Ma. You're the best.
-
Her pain is gone. Her memory will last a century.
Lovely words Joe.
-
So sorry to hear the news. There aren't so many genuine wordsmiths around that we could afford to lose one.
Best wishes to her friends and family.
-
Ma's funeral will be on Feb 5 in the UK. Anyone wanting details to attend please feel free to PM me for more details :)
-
I really wish I could've know this woman that you all are speaking of. She sounds like an incredibly brave woman. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Monica
-
I really wish I could've know this woman that you all are speaking of.
She was one of the best Monica x
-
As you know, that is all He seems to take :'( :'(
-
For those who may not have seen this, the Members Bookshelf has been dedicated to Ma. She was instrumental in pushing for the addition of this board and it seemed very fitting by the Powers that be.
http://mywriterscircle.com/index.php?board=22.0
-
Rhianne :-* :-* :-* :-*
http://mywriterscircle.com/index.php?topic=19109.0
http://mywriterscircle.com/index.php?topic=32942.0
http://mywriterscircle.com/index.php?topic=19342.0
More to come x o
-
Arrr, tha decks of THE THINGY shall never be tha same. I shall miss Cap'm MA, she was one of a kind.
I was so saddened to hear this. MA always had such kind words and did nothing short of mentoring me in my writing. She helped groom my craft with helpful criticism and instruction. I will miss my old friend with the many hats... :( :( :( :(
-
I pity poor Jonny Depp :D
Ma never lost her battle..she fought free 8)
-
Ma never lost her battle..she fought free 8)
Well said.
-
It's taken me a little while to feel ready to post on the thread here - even as I type, there are a few tears still rolling.
Ma was the first mod I ever pm'd when I was new on the boards here. I didn't understand something about a story challenge, and she was the only mod online at the time. She replied quickly, and didn't make me feel like the idiot I felt I was (although there were plenty of times once we got more familiar with each other over the next few years that she didn't hesitate to take a shot or two!).
She pm'd me a few weeks later, asking if the short story I'd submitted for that challenge (and missed out on winning due to one of Gyppo's classic tales) could be included in the anthology she was putting together. I was gobsmacked. Flattered. And a wee bit afraid, to be honest. That little contribution was the first nugget of fiction of mine that has ever been published. Thanks Ma :-*
I have fond memories of the last Olympinks, and all the chats and interactions I had with Ma and 510 - so much fun!
I also was the one who drew the little rum-sipping, singing caterpillar in her profile pic. Late last year I cut out the picture, stuck it on a notecard and sent her a letter that also included a fake UK licence plate I'd made for her that read "DEPP4ME", that I envisioned her attaching to the back of her 'mobile' as she puttered around town.
She had such a wicked sense of humour, that extended to a little evil-doing on occasion. But it seemed to be a right of initiation of sorts on the boards here - you knew you were 'one of the gang' when Ma gave you some sort of horrible virtual job to do, or took a jab at you in one of the games or conversation threads.
Cheers Ma. Thanks for the memories.
-
Very sad to hear of the passing of Ma. A lovely person who always spent so much time helping others. Love and good wishes to her family.
Carrie
-
So sad to read about Mairi. I didn’t know her but we had had a brief correspondence a couple of years ago when she asked me to write a poem for her son’s wedding. My condolences to the family.
-
So sad to read about Mairi. I didn’t know her but we had had a brief correspondence a couple of years ago when she asked me to write a poem for her son’s wedding. My condolences to the family.
I remember that. Hope you realized at the time, and even now, how much she appreciated you for doing it for her.
-
Hello all,
First of all please do not freak out it's not Mairi, You probably won't know me but my name is Christopher, Mairi was my mother. I just wanted to post a thank you to all of you, for your kind words, and all the love, support and friendship you showed my mum.
The writers circle gave my mum many happy years, many friends, and a way to let the creativity that screamed from her body out, so thank you.
My dad(Fred), me, and all my family would like to say thank for the beautiful flowers, and chocolates.
And just to let you all know how special you really all were to my mother and how much impact you all made on her life, we have selected a few messages from the beautiful words you have said about her on this forum to be read out at her funeral, we understand that your all so far away and that you would not be able to be there in body, so we will make sure you are all there for her in spirit, your words will be embedded in to the hearts of our entire family when we say our goodbyes.
Goodnight all,
My mother has now become one of the stars she used to look to for inspiration.
Christopher, Fred, Donna, Stephen, Angela, Rhianne, Reece, Ryan, Isiah, Lily, and of course The one and only Ma!
-
:-* :-* :-* :-*
Thank you so much Chris for popping in.
You certainly did make me look twice I have to say.
-
Thank you Christopher. It means a lot that you took the time to let us know.
-
Christopher, Seeing Ma's name on the message did take me by surprise. But your words are well received, so thank. It means a lot that we will be there, if only in spirit and a few of our words, for Ma's last good-bye.
Thank you,
Alice
-
Christopher, our thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. Thanks for sharing Ma with us for the last several years.
Gyppo
-
Thanks for those lovely words Christopher, your mum will be missed around here, but at least you know how much she was loved on this forum. Sorry for your loss. 8)
-
Thank you for posting, Chris. And I know your name and that you are a talented musician because your Mom talked about you a lot. Bragged :D She was so proud of you she was popping buttons.
My best to you and your family. Your Mama was very special to me.
-
Hello all,
This is Fred, this message is being typed by my son Chris, I just wanted you to all know that the reason I did not respond myself was because I have no idea how to use a computer. But thank you for your kindness xx
-
Hi Fred and Chris,
Thanks for taking the time to pop in, its nice to see your faces.
Ma always said she wasn't all that techie either but she got by in here OK.
Our thoughts and love are with you guys :-* :-* :-*
-
Chris, Fred, et al.,
Ma always took such pride in all of your successes, great or small and shared them with everyone here. She took nearly equal pride in the successes of folks here, so it means a lot that you've allowed us to be part of your farewell.
Linda is right, our thoughts and love are with you guys.
-
So good to hear from the family, Christopher and Fred. Thanks for dropping by and it's really touching some of our words will be read out at the funeral. Thank you for that honor. I'm thinking of you all. :)
-
To Fred, Chris, All of Ma's Family and Friends, including those here at My Writer's Circle, I can only say, thank you for sharing Ma and I'm sorry for this loss of such a wonderful person.
Everything else feels hollow and muted.
Love,
~Deb
-
:D :D
That t-shirt rocked. Anything to help her through a rough journey.
The frozen nickers always stick in my mind when I think of the funny things. Little did she know that all these years down the track, we would still be thinking of her bloomers :P :P
Reading through these with tears, then you have to go and cause a spit-take. Ma would have loved me spewing on my keyboard and would have reminded me that I should know better than to read anything put out by this lot with liquid twixt me cheeks.
What a void left by a such a tremendous personality, such an exceptional person.
Thank you, Ma, for your honest approach, sense of fairness, and wicked humor. You will always be loved and remembered.
-
:D :D
How many days did those bloomers stay frozen? We got some miles out of them mate
-
I recall convulsive laughter and my boys looking at me like I'd lost my mind.
-
Having not been on MWC for a while I was very shocked at the news. Ma and I go back a long way, she was always the most helpful person you could wish for. I am most saddened to hear this. It goes to show that you never know what is behind the person who does all the good work.
My condolences to her family. I will certainly miss her. We don't often lose our members on this forum, but when we do it's like losing a friend even though we never met.
All my love to the family
Lin
-
Ma gone. I can't believe it. I have no words. Just this big cold lump in my stomach.
I'll miss her.
-
RIP
Just seen this. A very sad day. Condolences to family. Had a few spats with Ma but nevera grudge held. A lovely lady gone.
-
You've been gone a whole month now Ma, hope you have them inline up there, no spammers and watch those poets :-*
-
Can't believe it's been a whole month.
-
Sorry to hear this.
-
On Friday 22nd, Mairi Edwards, aka Ma100, lost her battle with cancer.
Ma was diagnosed last year.
She had family all around her and was peaceful when she passed. As she went to
sleep, the sun shone through the grey clouds and they all knew it was her telling
them she's safe and there is no more pain.
Ma was very fond of everyone on MWC and cared about their efforts to improve
their writing.
She was the bravest person I've ever known and I've never been more proud of
anyone. She fought it like a trooper!!
We are all devastated but also relieved that she doesn't need to be scared anymore
Rest In Peace Ma
Oh that's super sad. I remember chatting with her. It's terrible that cancer takes so many good lives. RIP! God speed fellow writer and human being.
-
Not sure if I mentioned it, but I dedicated a recent book to Ma. She meant so much to me as a youngster, and every day since.
-
She would love that Joe. :-*
-
She would love that Joe. :-*
Felt like the right thing to do. Her ghosties will always stay with me. :D
-
;D ;D
I love the ghosties they were so cool
-
Ma would have loved that, Joe. :-*
-
Great to hear, Joe. Appreciate the sentiment.
-
Very thoughtful Joe, good for you. :)
-
That's great, Joe. :-*
-
That's a mighty fine gesture, Joe.
-
Not sure if I mentioned it, but I dedicated a recent book to Ma. She meant so much to me as a youngster, and every day since.
That's such a nice thing to do, Joe. :)
-
Today is April 27 here in Oz, you all may be a bit slower coming into it
Today is our wonderful friends birthday
Happy birthday Ma, would much rather be giving you heaps in the bar or anywhere but this thread
Love you heaps you old bat. :-* :-* :-*
-
Happy birthday, Ma. I'm hoping you are having a great time. Life sucks here at the moment. At least for me. Sorry for the self indulgence. Today, I'm in a trough. :'(
-
To Ma, and all those others missing at the table. :'(
-
Salut!
-
cheers Ma.
-
I just wished that she was still with us to appreciate the good wishes. At least her family and friends will read this and see how well we thought of her. I miss her, she used to write to me and me to her when we had a question about writing. Great soul and always helpful.
Lin