Potterfests

Way back in 2008, when I was pretty new to LJ and didn't quite know how it worked, I saw that I had a friend request from someone named lash_larue. I didn't know them, but the name intrigued me, because only an old movie buff (like me) would even have heard of Lash Larue, and only a funny and interesting person would choose LL as their pseudonym.

So I friended lash_larue back, and it was one of the best fandom moves I ever made. In addition to being a fine writer and a stalwart supporter of all her friends' LJs and fests and fics, Lash was a wonderful human being, kind and generous, who became a close and valued friend.

You've probably taken note of my use of past tense above. I'm so very sorry to report that lash_larue died of complications from COVID and other conditions on Tuesday, February 10. Her beloved wife P was with her when she passed peacefully in the hospital.

I can't tell you how much I'll miss Lash. She was so damned funny, so refreshingly outspoken, so considerate, so larger-than-life, such a vivid presence both on LJ/DW and in RL. She'd call me periodically, and we'd bemoan the state of the nation, but she never failed to have me laughing by the end of the conversation. She was always there with emotional support and wit and wisdom, and the loss of her is huge.

I met Lash once in person, in Florida at an HP fandom gathering she organized at a rented house we called "Crone Manor." "Fun" doesn't begin to describe it. She went all-out to make sure everyone had a wonderful time, and we did. Just one of her many lovely gestures: I had mentioned on LJ that I love flower-flavored foods, and Lash made me an utterly delicious rose-flavored cheesecake. That's just a tiny example of her exuberant generosity.

And did I mention that she was funny? Outspoken? Read the opening paragraph of her description of herself on her LJ profile. It's the essence of the Lash I knew and loved.

Just a human being who occasionally steps through the looking glass. I am WAY over 18. I have socks over 18. I was born in the USA and right now I'm not too proud of that. In the 1950's, barely, like early. Just now I'm not very proud of that. I wrote a crack!fic about Kennedy and Kruschev in third grade and got detention for it. I haven't changed much.

If you are one of Lash's online friends, or if you ever read and enjoyed one of her many excellent stories, or if you had the pleasure of meeting her in person, you'll know just how much both the fandom world and our real world have lost.

And another "if" -- If you have the chance this weekend, lift a glass of your favorite whatever in memory of our dear, irreplaceable lash_larue.