Judi's Wishes

When Judi left us, her son, Jason, was specific in his request for how to best remember his mother. He said, "Please ask people to not send flowers or cards, and instead send the money to IWWG. Even if it's just a couple of bucks for a card and postage, I know my mother would have wanted them to do that, instead."

Now there are a couple of ways to do just that. You can write a check or money order in any amount, payable to The International Women's Writing Guild, make a note that it's for the "Judi K. Beach Memorial Fund," and send it to

   IWWG
   P.O. Box 810
   Gracie Station
   New York, NY 10028-0082

You can also go to the IWWG website and click the donation link in the left sidebar to make a donation through PayPal. You can enter any amount you like -- even just the cost of a card and postage.

Judi's legacy can continue, with your help.

Our Add-a-Line Poem for Judi

Susan Baugh made a terrific suggestion today. She wrote, "I’m so glad so many are remembering Judi the way she would want to be remembered. It occurred to me that she was the one who always read the collective poem at Skidmore. Do you think it would be appropriate to post an ongoing add–a-line poem in her memory? No one ever signed those as far as I know."

Yes, I do think that's appropriate, Susan, because we associate those annual poems with Judi's amazing ability to craft something extraordinary out of our single lines. How wonderful that she's still guiding us toward that collective poem.

Anyone who wants to add a line, please do so as a Comment to this post. Click "Anonymous" as the post ID, and when you submit, the line will be added. To view the lines, click the link on the left-hand side of the page that reads "Our Add-a-Line Poem for Judi."

Who wants to be first?

Judi K. Beach - In Memoriam

Dear hearts, by now most of you know that our Judi stepped out of time and into eternity this morning, shortly before 9:00 a.m. EDT. While it is difficult to accept her passing on, we can take comfort in our shared memories of her, and the joy she brought into each and every one of our lives.

I've created this space for us so that we may meet here and remember our friend. On this common ground, please feel free to post your memories, your poetry (especially if you wrote it in her workshops or under her guidance), things you remember discussing with her, and most importantly, the things you want her family -- including her writing family -- to know.

Be gentle with yourselves, and with each other. I'm missing her, and I know you are, too.

Marsha