Monday, May 06, 2019

My heart is broken: Rachael de Vienne

For long time readers of this and other blogs, Sha'el, Princess of Pixies is a name you know. It was the cyber nom of Rachael de Vienne, a lovely and exotic writer who made me laugh.

Sadly, I have just now learned that she has gone on ahead, scouting the afterlife.


Her book was the first ebook I bought on my treasured Kindle (first generation--the one that cost $300+)

She always had interesting tidbits of information about history.

And she took her pixies seriously.

And then there was Bill E the goat. In love with the French alpine down the road. Always ready with a pithy comment or two.

And of course, she was instrumental in helping me find Gary Corby.
Gary Corby,  where are you?

Her view of the world was idiosyncratic and wonderful.
There simply is no one like her, and her loss leaves a gap that will never be filled.

Words cannot express my sadness.


27 comments:

E.M. Goldsmith said...

Oh, I followed Rachael on Twitter and knew her a little here. I knew she was sick but I didn't realize how serious. I am saddened by this news.

Anonymous said...

Aww.

Brenda Buchanan said...

So sad to hear this news, Janet. My condolences to you, all who participate in this wonderful forum, and those who treasured her immediate presence in their lives.

MA Hudson said...

I'm so sorry to hear that, Janet. Gut wrenching.

Claire Bobrow said...

I'm so sorry, Janet.

Megan V said...

So sorry to hear about this loss. My condolences to her family and all who loved her.

I believe I remember her from my lurker days as Shael Princess of Pixies(the Master of the great Gary Corby hunt)?





nightsmusic said...

:(

julie.weathers said...

Oh my gosh. I am so sad to hear this.

If I remember correctly, she was instrumental in leading the search and rescue for Gary Corby when he queried and then couldn't be located. She was an absolute joy and will be missed.

RosannaM said...

I am so sorry you lost this special person, Janet.

Cyn said...

Sad news.

Janet Reid said...

Oh Miss Julie, thank you for reminding me of that. How could I have forgotten!!!


Gary Corby,  where are you?

Craig F said...

I was just emerging from the cocoon of lurkerdom at about the time of the Great Gary Corby hunt. Sha'el's comments helped me along the way. They were a lot of fun.

I know she will always have a place in the heart's of many around here.

Barbara Etlin said...

I'm so sorry. I remember her being a lot of fun.

Morgan Hazelwood said...

Sadness. :(

Deb Vlock said...

Such a sad loss. <3

Jen said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. Giving you a HUGE virtual hug from Virginia!

Annie d'iles-Stewart said...

Thank you for saying nice things about my mom.

Cecilia Ortiz Luna said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Rachael.

Yes, I remember Sha'el. She was the one who helped Janet track down Gary Corby. She had this cute "voice" and was always mentioning how pixies have cute butts.

Good night, sweet Princess of Pixies.

Lennon Faris said...

I remember hearing about the Great Gary Hunt and how Sha'el was an integral part of that, even though I wasn't 'here' at the time.

Annie, and Janet, and to everyone who loved her, I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

KDJames said...

Oh, this is so sad.

I didn't know her, as that was before I realized the comment section over here was of the rare non-toxic variety. But I certainly knew of her and remember her name(s). My impression was always that she was delightfully weird, in the best way, and a very fun person.

My condolences to all who knew and loved her and will feel her loss.

AJ Blythe said...

I was still a lurker when she was a regular here. Her comments were wonderful and it was because of people like her that I jumped from lurker to commenter. I hadn't realised she wasn't well.

I'm so sorry to hear this, and at such a young age. Another star in the sky.

My deepest condolences to all those affected by her passing.

BJ Muntain said...

I remember her well, from way back. She was a very special person.

Thank you for letting us know, Janet.

(((hugs)))

LynnRodz said...

I too remember the Great Gary Corby hunt. She has returned to her beloved land of pixies, may she RIP.

Jill Warner said...

Oh no! My condolences and prayers for her family.

Gary Corby said...

I remember the Great Gary Corby hunt too, and I will be forever grateful to Rachael. My world would be a very different place if it weren't for her.

We became email-friends after that adventure, and for a while she sent me quite a bit of her work to read. Her voice was unique. Her imagination was certainly unusual, and yes, when it came to pixies she was the expert. I can't imagine what it was like to be in her head, but I know it was a magical place.

And now, the magic is gone.

julie.weathers said...

I remember this so well, and the magic is indeed gone. Such sadness.

jerome said...

I would like to add my own tribute to Rachael, with whom I corresponded on history and a myriad other subjects for many years. There is also a tribute be found on her own pixie blog.

http://wardancingpixie.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-tribute-to-mom.html