Christiana was with me the day that I painted this young student
Christiana and I ran into each other on one spring morning. I told her what I was up to, and she decided to drive me to JPsJava to paint. She had just bought a pristene white Mercedes at a thrift store (the truth), and was happy to drive me over there. Anyone that knew Christiana loved her way of finding a bargain. It was a clear spring day with a fast clip to the air. The students were in finals, so the coffee house was packed. We found a table, and I quickly painted this young, college student. She brought along one of her brother’s sketchbook journals from the 70’s, and we went through it together, page by page. It is a beautiful memory.
I had deleted this post after over a hundred viewings, since I realized that people were coming over thinking this was a newsite. I received a comment from a reader who knew Christiana, and requested that I put the post back (see comment on Pacha post below).
I have reopened the comment section so that those who wish, may leave their personal stories about Christiana here. I keep getting many views on Christiana’s memorium, so my gutt is telling me that many of you have something to say. I cannot tell you how much she has changed my world-view; it would take its own blog. Let’s just say, that “here’s the thing”…
I Stare At People 
8 Comments
It’s true. She really did get that car at a thrift store. Christiana could find anything at a thrift store. Weeks after telling her that I loved looking at pictures of fractals, she brought me a black tank top that she found in some thrift store, printed with wildly colored fractals on the front. It’s very cool and I will always think of her when I wear it. I wonder if she had any idea how much she will be missed.
I am so very sad…
Hi, Michelle.
Thank you for asking me to put the Memorium post for Christiana back up.
Lavanna, I haven’t been able to be here much of late. Sorry. I love this painting. Just something about it. Can’t say.
I am Christiana’s cousin, Margaret, and I just found out about her yesterday! I live near Boston and I still haven’t heard any details, but I am just so so sad. I haven’t seen her in years, but I talked to her after her mother died of lung cancer in 2007, a year after my mother did the same, and we commiserated about that. I have memories of her as a beautiful blond young girl and woman in our childhood, and the funny observations she always made about people.
Does anyone know when/where a memorial service is planned? I was going to try and contact her husband, but I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now. He and I actually went to college together and just by chance he married my cousin.
I would love to hear any other thoughts or memories people in Austin can share about her.
Hi, Margaret.
Oh, my – I am so glad that I was told to “put it back”. After I did, my site was bombarded. People are looking for some comfort, and some information. Here is what I know: Erin was here last night (she and my daughter are best friends). She said there will be a small “viewing” service on Friday. On Satuday, there will be a memorial service at the Quaker Meeting hall. Expect times and dates to follow. I will contact you as soon as I get specifics.
As an aside, one of Christiana’s friends said that they will need Irwin Center, there will be so many people there. She was well-loved, and knew everybody.
I will be there! Looking forward to seeing you, Lavanna, and all other friends and relatives of Christiana. I always meant to come visit her; now it’s a sad reason to come to Austin for the first time.
link to obituary, viewing, and service information:
http://obit.wcfish.com/obitdisplay.html?id=621254&listing=Current
Thank you so much for sending that, Sarah. I just went over and checked on the Obituary page, and there is an online guestbook with space for comments. I will shut down the comment section on this blog, so that folks can go over there.