Ann King and My Aunt Carol

My friend Ann King died yesterday afternoon, almost one year to the day that my Aunt Carol died. Ann was a very gifted artist, and a lot of her art dealt with her experience of cancer. My aunt also died of cancer.

I met Ann through Topanga Canyon Gallery, and she was always incredibly generous with me. She invited me to share her studio space for the Second Annual Topanga Artists Studio Tour. Ann was a well-known art director in advertising for many years, but to me she seemed very down-to-earth and humble. She was warm and kind, and will be missed by many. There will be a memorial service for her this Saturday at 4:00, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades.

I was with my aunt, Carol Wedin, when she died one year ago today. Sashi was there, too, kneading my aunt's arm with her paws as my aunt took her last breath. Sashi was her cat then -- my cat now.



My aunt's passing has made me acutely aware of how little time I have left. She was only 62 when she was diagnosed with cancer, and she was 67 when she died. I often think about what I want to do with my remaining time. What more do I need to accomplish before I leave?

Goodbye dear Ann. Goodbye Carol. You're not forgotten.