I have been reading all the messages and I see the majority are about Cherie, not as many about Cathy. I saw one from a Grade School classmate of Cathy's.

I graduated with Cathy. She was always quiet. I can't say that we were friends, I honestly didn't know her well. I spoke to her a couple times. I never had any classes with her.

The picture of her in the green tank top looks the most like the Cathy I remember.

We had our 20th class reunion in October. We were mentioning that she was not there. We were wondering about her.

I was sorry to learn of her and Cherie's death.

As I read these posts, I think of the impact these two ladies had on people. How many of us can say that about ourselves?

While I am sorry about her death, I'm happy that for a short time, it sounds like she found love, good friends, and a home that gave her happiness.

My Best Friend

My best friend died today
And my eyes filled up with tears
As I remembered the joys we shared
Throughout the past few years

My best friend died today
And my heart nearly broke from pain
I can't understand the "whys" of this
My mind thinks it's all insane.

My best friend died today
Because a drunk was at the wheel
It's true he woke and sobered up
But the damage will never heal.

My best friend died today
And the world won't be the same
I struggle to find any bit of love
For the man who is to blame.

My best friend died today
Our times and our smiles...too few
I pray for the strength to carry on
For a part of me died with her too.

A few times a week, in a spontaneous way, Cherie or myself would call one another on the phone. Sometimes at 6:30 AM at the coffeeshop, sometimes we'd catch one another at home. The person who dialed would break into song, Here Comes the Sun, I Can See clearly Now, Imagine, Oasis of Love, and the other, knowing either word or melody would join in. We'd sing our hearts out for that minute, sometimes to tears, and then we'd talk. For a few minutes, perhaps even just thirty seconds. It's these 'small moments' that contain the joy of frienship. Profound and irreplacable.

I was Reading poems with my friend at school and I came across this one poem and I liked it because it made me think of how true it was.

You will be missed
You were always so full of life,
Always shinning and carefree.
Life loved you being part of it
And I loved you being part of me.

You could make anyone laugh,
If they were having a bad day .
No matter how sad I was,
You could take the hurt away.

Nothing could ever stop you
or even make you fall.
You were ready to take on the world,
Ready to do it all.

But god decided he needed you,
So from this world you left.
But you took a peice of all of us with you
You will be loved and missed.

for Cherie and Cathleen

To the children (of all ages) who live here or visit here in Melrose...

Once upon a time there was a small town
         not too small, just smallish
And someone with a large heart dreamed up a little shop
         not too little, just a little smallish

Though there were some small minds in the world and some little hearts here and there this smallish town had the large fortune of being inhabited with many folks who had large hearts and big minds this smallish town made room for the little smallish shop and more people with large hearts and big minds began to come from far and wide

and once inside though they themselves might have once felt smallish found that they were taken places they never imagined

once the door opened to this little small shop people of all sizes packed in and thumped and bumped and slide into new spaces that just seemed to expand in every direction

when people left the little small shop though they never really left they came out into the world blinking like a new born child at the bright light of day and were amazed to see how much larger they had become
or could become
or even wished they would become

magic is everywhere

The last poem is the poem I wanted to give, but somehow I ended up with the first and the second renditions. God Bless and ya'll know where my heart is.

I have 4 yorkies and T.C.and Kelly have been my groomers for years. Every time I dropped my babies off for their grooming, I was always greeted with smiles and happiness from the coffee shop from the owners, friends, patrons and all. Below is a little poem that I wrote from my heart for two strangers (to me) that always had a smile to give.

The sun will rise, a dove will fly
smiles and love will always abide.
Two lovely spirits in a community so small,
wanting to give of themselves to those known, and like me, known not at all.
Mike, Mark, Khalsa, Dale, TC, Kelly, Flash and oh so many more,
myself, yet so humbled, by two strangers so many friends adored.
A small part of my life touched by such sweet faces,
I know each of their loving spirits will forever say , "Take Me Places".

I have 4 yorkies and use TC as my groomer. Everytime I ever dropped my babies off, I was always greeted with sweet loving smiles from the coffee shop owners, personnel, friends and customers. I always felt a warmth of love and happiness. Below, is just a little poem from my heart, simply from smiling at two strangers:

The sun will rise, a dove will fly
smiles and love always derived,
Two lovely spirits in a community so small
wanting to give of themselves to those known and us not known at all.
Robin, Mark, Khalsa, Dale, Mike, TC, Kelly, Flash and oh so many more,
Myself, yet so humbled, by two stranges all adored.
A small part of my life touched by such sweet faces, now and forever, will "always" be "GOING PLACES".

From all of my heart,
Sasie

Memories Mental Pictures Digital images locked forever in my mind

The day when, after a bitter relationship disappointment that I thought was going to take my very breath away I, wandering aimlessly on the backroads, chanced to come upon a curious concrete statue of a lady pouring coffee standing in front of an aging cement block storefront piled high with all manner of oddities. How, unable to resist entering, I encountered a lady so full of heart and energy that she seemed to fill every corner of the room with her brightness. How her booming welcome, followed almost immediately by an introduction to and of everyone in the room, left this quiet and prone to be taciturn woman who had been in the previous moment uncertain as to whether or not she would cry forever, swept away by the brightness, the color and the wonder of her indomitable spirit.

How I have never been quite the same since.

The day her quieter and intuitively inquisitive partner persuaded me, over just one more cup of coffee, to tell her the story of the sadness she saw written on my face. The gentle comfort she extended. The unhesitating, unbridled pledge of lasting friendship she so freely offered. The sensitive, loving, guileless spirit she so clearly revealed herself to be. The way she proved the truth of that revelation over and over and over again.

The tears that blurred all the colors as I left that afternoon.

The day I came for my - by then weekly - visit to the shop and encountered the two of them. Together approaching me with an incredibly loving but somber warning that I was about to make a serious mistake and needed to step back and rethink a misadventure before it became folly. The way they kept me from feeling crushed and gave me hope and encouragement to look to the substance of a future that, even today, has yet to reveal itself.

A gift I could never ever repay.

The images of shared laughter, shared adventures, shared outrageous comedies, and a gradual but continuous outgrowth of friendships and connections all stemming from them, from their shop, from their hearts and from their lives all thrown together into a bright collage of vibrant, wondrous, sometimes even amazing pictures. Framed experiences left hanging in the gallery of my heart that shall brighten my soul forever.

The sobering image-memory of riding alongside them across a grey and narrow bridge in western Putnam county one chilly October morning. Of hearing the hollow hammering of motorcycle exhaust throwing itself back from the inscrutable weathered grey walls looking for all the world like aging tombs and thinking inexplicably Damn.

The feel of the phone receiver gone cold in my ear when the news came to me of their ride beyond the boundaries of any map I possess.

The brief, bright light in my room two nights later when they came to say goodbye.

In loving memory of Cherie McArthur and Cathleen Carter 1/2/2005 ~ My friends ~ Brenda Carlson 05

What a wonderful tribute to these two shining Souls. My heart goes out to all those who grieve their passing. Let their unconditional love be our example of the only way to live, no matter what your "life style" is. In the highest degree of Love, Dave & Sheila

I saw the sunrise like a fire in the sky
I watched the sunrise like a fire in your eyes
Waiting for your love to call me home
to the silent place
to the silent space
Waiting for your love to fall like sunshine on my face
--Bliss
Cherie, You are in Maharaji's love. You are missed.

Like so many others I keep coming back and reading more and remembering these two wonderful people. Lou and I would spend a lot of time after hours with Cherie and Cathleen. We would drive by and see the cad or the Harley setting out front and we would turn around and go in. We would usually end up cleaning the floors or putting supplies away with them and talking about riding, or where we were all staying for bike week. The quiet times we spent with them after hours were always so special, I can remember Cherie coming up behind me and putting her arms around me and her head down next to mine and whispering in my ear 'see my lady over there, isn't she beautiful?' and we would whisper back and forth about how wonderful Cathleen was, and then she would turn around and see us and flash that beautiful smile of hers and want to know what we were up to and we'd laugh at her and say 'nothing' and go back to what we were doing.

Cherie loved having the kids come in, she always had drawing supplies and colors for them and the walls (including the bathroom) would be decorated with their artwork. She could make even the smallest in her presence feel like they could do anything. I'm going to miss our impromptu get togethers after they would close up on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, our runs to Daytona. Cherie asking if I minded holding down the counter because she couldn't stand being inside while the sun was shining outside and just had to go for a ride. This was usually one of those quiet afternoons when it had slowed down, but still too early to close. Someone mentioned the basket, I remeber a couple of months ago, one of the county sheriff's had come by during the night and had looked in to make sure everything was all right and had left a note on the door saying that he couldn't see the cash register, needless to say we all got a laught out of that and were even tempted to tape a picture of one to the window just for him. Another time, Cherie had to leave and no one was there, she put two coffee dispensers, cups, napkins, some pastries and the money basket on the little roll-cart with a note stating that she had to make a run and would be back, feel free to help yourself to a cup of coffee and something to eat, just drop your money in the basket. Sure enough there was money in the basket where people had gotten what they needed and left payment as instructed, it was turly amazing the affect they had on people, even when she wasn't there. And to Cathy's mom and brother, how proud you have to be of her. I know alot is spoken of Cherie, but Cathy was where Cherie got her strength, i remember Cherie before Cathy. Cathy brought out the best in her and she was always such a true delight, she always had that twinkle in her eyes and a smile that would light up your heart. My heart sunk when I answered the phone at the cafe Monday and I found out from our talk that you were lost for information and the pain and anger I could hear in your son's voice when I called back with the information you had asked me to get for you. I felt so bad that all of us were so far apart and could not offer you the embraces that we had here to help us through this, but I do hope that from everyone's thoughts and expressions of love for Cathleen and Cherie that you will find peace in them. And to Cherie and Cathleen, thank you for including us on your lifes dance card, even with the pain in my heart I would not have missed a single moment. The memories and love you left will win out. I only hope the two of you know just how much you were loved back.

When I first heard the news, awakened and upright in morning bed now, I choked and hollered at God and cried out...there was such vacuum in my heart as the terrible subtraction was taken and pain puddled in the door. Cherie had consoled my heart when my sister died and now I had lost a sister again...a woman akin to me in soul as surely as blood...who has always called me brother and meant it in all its finest measures.

Where to start? I met this amazing woman as she was getting started at the cafe...not even named yet. I had stopped by to see what was happening. There were several motorcycles out front, French doors were flung open wide and there were more motorcycles in there, and I stopped, got off my motorcycle and walked inside to explore a new shop in town. I looked around at several bikes in states of assembly and repair. I felt the glow of desire....I was a kid in a toy store once again.....but I came out of it. A man named Jessie was there and he said, "I think she's got some coffee in there," nodding toward an open doorway that led into another room.

There stood Cherie in all her smiling glory, pouring coffee from a table formed by a scrap piece of plywood and a shipping crate. I assumed she was with the motorcycle shop and we began to talk that kind of shop talk. Before I could put sugar in the cup and stir, she introduced herself and took in my name. She looked me straight on and with a wild eye and a wink she smiled and it was just a warm feeling from this stranger that made me feel free to open up to her and shortly we were talking about other places.

She told me she had recently lived in Key West, and we had something shared there. Different times in the same small port city. She had lived on a houseboat there and I'd lived in a bar. We knew places and people in common....and I had a second cup of coffee.

"I'm going to call this 'Take Me Places,' do you like the name," she said.

Well, hell, we were already in Key West.
******************************
She was struggling to keep her little coffee shop open and go to school at the same time. But day by day you could see that she was going to make it.....a smile and an open heart were her strong cards....I watched her handle inspectors when she had to become legal....she had started out working under Jessie's license to do business and the motorcycles moved on...and she charmed them when all else failed...they for the most part left smiling and drinking her coffee and she'd made another negative into a positive. I t was an old building and she had to put in hot water for the sink and bathroom, a real counter top, some shelves, a table, etc., and there were all the other hassles of getting started and accepted in town that would have daunted a lesser force. She took it all in stride as she gathered about her cafe an eclectic group of people.

Looking back I realize that at least half the people I know locally were introduced to me, or I to them, at Take Me Places by Cherie herself. That woman would converse with a stranger wanting coffee and before it was poured she would be bringing another into the conversation and bring people together.

The first time I called her a "common" woman she looked back with a frown but I laughed..."you've got something in common with everybody, Cherie...you find the common ground." She liked that.

We'd go riding together often.... When she was opening the shop she had a guest book and I wrote something about how she spilled love and kindness along the trail like oil stains from an old Harley parked in the drive....and she loved that image. She loved to ride and to love people. She was a politician in the best sense....she brought people together for a common good....a Diva.

She became an acupuncturist....was drawn to it by her healing nature. But she was really a heart surgeon. She treated so many wounded souls and broken hearts that came through those cafe doors.....

I want to share a grieving letter from Belize:

Hap, I'm so sorry not to respond sooner but everytime I get on the computer and try to write you I melt down. I got stopped yesterday when I read the letter from Kathleen's mother. Barb had to shuffle me out of her office twice as its not that great for business to have someone sobbing at the computer. My dear friend, there is just nothing I can say. I've thought of nothing else since Wed. when I got your letter. I do so wish I was up there to grieve with all of you. To help keep the cafe going. My friends here are so kind but no one can understand the magnitude of this loss. I am comforting myself with the thought that somehow this is a death Cherie would have approved of. It helps to think that if anyone had ever asked her how she would like to die, the answer could only have been "On a Harley in the arms of my lover." In some ways a good death. But my heart is broken for all of us left with an impossible to fill vacuum in our lives, and especially for you Hap. Know how much you are in my thoughts and feel my love. My brain is so rattled I can't figure out my plans. I will try to call and let you know when I will be back. We must all reach deep inside ourselves to find the strength and love to bear unbearable pain. Cheri would have wanted a celebration of their lives. When we can stop crying, maybe we can all help each other to reach that place.
***********
And this site is truely a wonder....it has brought us together again, as Cathy and Cherie would encourage....I can hear Cherie saying, "Hey, brother....let's do it."

And I haven't even said how much the loss of dear Cathy....and what changes she wrought for good ....but I have to share this now...for today.

So here we were this small, black woman owned publishing company on our first tour with our first two books and our first two authors in a town where we knew no one. Then there was Cherie and Flash saying, you should come to the coffeehouse tomorrow for Flash's release party. And we did. And there were all of these women who had seen us perform the night before. We knew so much love that day. Cherie and Flash embraced us and we spit words and jumped in with Flash on the flute and drank coffee and made new friends and family and found connections to others we knew far away and left our books, our words behind. We saw many of these women again at retreats and festivals and events. We kept in touch via email. But we will never forget that first day and that warm inviting and welcoming smile and all of that high energy of Cherie's. We are so blessed in our lives because of her and her welcoming spirit. We knew because of her and Flash and this wonderful community that we would be welcomed all over the globe (and we have been).

I can not tell you just how devastated we are to hear this sad news. We feel the loss and the anguish of being to far away to embrace the love of this community and share in this community's sadness. Please know that we are here. We love you all. We miss Cherie too. Our hearts are so heavy. Thank you Cherie and Cathy for being such a huge part of such a loving and sweet community. We will truly miss you.

RIDE ON SISTERS IN THE MOONLIGHT
I
You rode into town like a firestorm across my heart
And your life blazed a trail of glory right from the start
You never played by any rules except your own
Your light burned so bright and now suddenly you're gone
CHORUS
Ride on ride on my sisters in the moonlight
Ride on sweet sisters to your favorite star
Ride on ride on sweet lovers in each other arms
Ride on ride on my loves let the Goddess take you home
II
Quiet and strong you stood so long right by her side
Content to give the Diva her worldly throne
Basking in her light you gave your heart all through the storms
Now you're safe in each others arms forever more
CHORUS
Ride on ride on my sisters in the moonlight
Ride on ride on sweet sisters to your favorite star
Ride on ride on sweet lovers in each others arms
Ride on ride on my loves let the Goddess take you home
BRIDGE
So hard to believe I'll never see your face in this life
So hard to believe two lives were cut too short
So hard to believe we just ran out of time my friends
And heaven has two new angels
Heaven has two new angels
Heaven has two new angels... tonight

Flash Silvermoon 2005 for my dearest Cherie and Cathleen
written on Rice Stream Bridge

I finally am able to write. I was honored to know these 2 women, and their friends Flash, Tara and so many others, having been blessed with the opportunity of visiting the magickal place of Melrose twice. I felt the need to go back and revisit in April to see everyone and feel the energy one more time and say goodbye. At the time it was a part of my personal journey couldnt resist the real need to connect just one last time and fulfill whatever wonderful karma had happened there that I couldnt seem to forget.

I didnt know that Cheri and Cathleen would be gone so soon. They had such courage, as you all do, that they tried to share with us all. So unique and amazing. I am inspired and awed by you all.

My heart goes out to the community in Melrose and around the globe who will miss these two wonderful women. I was desperately digging through my unfortunately unorganized stuff, kicking myself for not having taking better care to preserve special pictures, video, etc. in a specific place. I was able to come across some precious photos of Cheri and loved ones and I am sending along for the website to share, hopefully I will uncover the video soon as I cherish it. However the most special moments seem to be without pictures or video. The last one I recall before leaving was singing with Cheri in her coffee house, her keeping the beat and energy with the shaker as singing along as I belted out my song of love for Melrose one last time. You all are Melrose, you all carry a piece of Cheri and Cathy inside you. Keep the spirit alive!

What a magickal place Melrose is and that Melrose is Cheri, Cathleen and all of you. I am glad we all got to know Cheri and Cathleen even those like us who got to see them only only once or twice, and people's lives were touched who didn't even know them by reading the about them on the memorial website, in the newspaper, or hearing about them from friends and relatives.

I am so glad for your website. What a tribute to Cheri and Cathleen and the Melrose they helped to create. Thank you for your picture of the statue of Cheri Goddess. Yes, I did say the first time I met her she was a Goddess and perhaps some how even threw Her off by it! (I think she thought I was flirting with her.) So, it was like a 'back at you' with the love and blessings sometimes, like when some one hands a mirror up to you and you actually finally see how beautiful you are.

I hope you all in Melrose see that mirror. You are a mirror for Cheri and Cathleen and they for you. You all own that love and you are all a part of each other's beauty!

Thank you to the person that created the Memorial site for helping us keep connected with that wonderful energy Cheri and Cathleen bring into our lives.

Deb Nichols, your words are beautiful. Thank you for writing... Lori Aly

It has taken me all of this week to write here. The shock has yet to ebb. My heart hurts for/with, all of you/us, as we deal with this transistion these 2 soul-mates have made. I remember the first time I ever heard of Cherie, and the effects she could have on people. I remember the first time I met her... and all her effervescent energy. Thank you Flash, as you shared another in your life who gave so much laughter to my son(and myself), endearing herself to him, the coffee affectionado that he is . He so adored her coffee, atmoshpere, stories, and humor... and I do think that she enjoyed spoiling him as much. I have heard and watched of her growth, and the changes she made as she chose to give Melrose "a place to just hang out, and share friends". I was blessed to be at the beginning sparks of the relationship Catheleen and Cherie formed and shared; right there, on one of those "lazy afternoons" of sunshine, right there in the shop. 'Quieter' Cathleen, smiling, balancing, Cathleen, yet, so like Cherie-the 'sometimes' Wild Woman, a heart of gold on her sleeve, loyalty unabound and touching everyone around them, sharing their joy, and laughter, as they complimented eachother so well. I am sorry that I didn't witness more of that as I could have... How blessed we have been. How blessed they were and are.

As bad as this tragedy is; it went as I believe Cherie would have chosen it if she could. Can you imagine dying in such joy? They had a day with some of the best of their friends, doing what they loved and ended it "with their noses in the wind", loving, laughing and looking forward to more. They left together. How befitting. I am apologize that I am so angry at the stupidity of a person choosing to keep challenging the Universe again, and again, walking away, physically uninjured, whilst he committed what I consider murder. I hope that he will be healed as he deals with the ulitimate horror his disease and choices have caused. I can not dwell on it. I choose to help alter things in the future. I choose to celebrate their lives and joys with you. Consider yourselves hugged at this website. It is a creation of love that is up to us to sustain and continue sharing. Laugh when you think of them, as I think that is what they would choose... And perhaps, you may even feel a a whisper of Cherie's hair on your face, a touch of Cathleen, and the wind in your nose. Flash shared Cherie with me, and the circle goes on and on. Thanks for the site, Flash, for all... Thanks to them both. Deb

Does anyone know people driving from Gainesville for the potluck memorial on Sunday?

Does anyone know the name, address of the funeral home where Cherie's service is being held?

My Dearest Cousin Cherie, I Love you and I know I will miss you. I know that we will be together in heaven some day. Until that day, dear one, rest in the Lord's arms with Cathleen.

This site is such help. Can it stay open forever?

Cherie and Cath... I remember swimming in the lake with you two and Flashie in October last year...the water restored us you said, as we gently bobbed and danced in the lake to stay warm in its briskness...the lakefront so serene, so peaceful, the two of you entwined, playing and loving, inspiring, reflecting on the festivities earlier in the day with the tribe of all of us at the Cafe, celebrating another year of existence, another artist, ourselves and the music we all made together. As the sun sank lower, we swam over to the dock, toweled off and began to head back to the house...you two stopped at Wind's resting place and howled, openhearted and mightily, up into the trees, into the night, at the moon, to greet him. After you three had gone inside I also stopped to say hello to Wind and to thank him for who he had been in your lives. With gratitude, I took in the vision of the stones and momentos on the sandy mound and I asked him to impart a message, any message, about 'life, love and the nature of the universe'...that I could share with you and with others. In a moment of stillness, my attention was drawn to the tinest few particles of sand as they tumbled across the mound when a gentle breeze came up off the lake. Then they came to rest in a new place. Then there was stillness again. I thanked Wind with a gentle 'arooo' and came inside to write this down and share it with you. We warmed up with the best tomato vegetable soup and toast ever, talked about the wonders of falling in love with life and one another and watched Alias until it was time to sleep.

Cherie with your bright sarong, streaming across the campground on the Harley...your words always a loving if not also challenging mirror to live in the moment and love to the max. A year before I knew you, i drew a picture of myself climbing over a wall. On the other side? An amazon woman, wild locks flowing, open armed saying, "cmon over, it's time." It is you. Pictures in baskets at the Cafe, on the walls by those you embraced toward their purpose...you always remembered well, each of us, where we'd been and what was worth recalling on the way to where we are going. Cathleen in your knowing way, you the yin buddha, subtle essence of home in every nook of the cafe, your trademark of encircling arms with a space in the middle to do, find, become, honestly; Divine Love Minister you are.

You crossed over together... spirits first, yet we are capable here in the material plane... by touch of healing warmth to elbow grease in pushing a broom across the floor to make way for the next day. I know you would challenge us to hold up the same loving mirror to ourselves and to those who struggle in this world with treating themselves and others as the sacred beings we all are. Ride on Ladies of Latte...in howling Wind. Blessings all!

May the skies be sunny and blue.
And the roads be straight and true...
Ride easy sisters!!!

I have known Cathy all my life. She is my cousin you see. We were the only 2 girls for many a year. I have a picture of her when she was a baby sitting in a cardboard box at the Thanksgiving or Christmas table at Grandma's. It was always togetherness, on the weekends. The whole family would go to Grandma's house in Alton, IL. We would spend the afternoon together. Holidays were always spent at Grandma's also. As we got older and her brothers came along we would band together to tease them. A family traditon of teasing is what our family brings. That is the greatest showing of love. Words of I love you need not be spoken. The teasing does it all. I, of course, being the 1st girl in the family got it the worst. Cathy's dad, Bill, my first cousin, is great at this! Even though we were 2nd cousin's, it didn't seem that way. Bill and Vicky were more like my brother and sister and Cathy my 1st cousin. I lost track of seeing her, but Aunt Sis always kept me posted of how happy she was. I will miss her greatly. I am glad she found true happiness and love with Cheri.

Take Me Places . . . Cheri told once of a French woman named Simone who came into the shop, and while there sat and shared a story of being lost at sea. She had the thick French accent and told of how she and her man survived for some crazy number of weeks! Everyone was entranced by the story. Afterwards Cheri asked 'and so are the two of you still together?' 'Of course not!' The had all been taken places by way of this story (like so many told at the cafe). . . 'we all get to go places' - said Cheri , 'and that's what this place is for'. Thank you for your unconditional love and spirit. Thank you for blessing each and everyone you met.

When I got the call it was, I'm sure for so many of us, unreal. . . shock. Then I imagined Cherie standing there with her all-welcoming loving arms and Cathleen with such sweet grace by her side. . . I smiled. What worlds are they traveling on to now? What amazing access they have to continue to help from the other side . . . helping each of us to do better for ourselves and each other, to do more - laughing, dancing, to sing, or to simply be. No matter who I was, what my beliefs, where I walked on my path, I was always welcomed by Cheri and Cathleen. They gave respect and expected in return. The liberal minded feminists come, the elderly Christian couple come, the appearingly rough bikers, the elegant artist, the professional lawyers and suit-types, the young looking for guidance, the lost looking for hope, the spit-fires who wanted to be heard, each and everyone of us. We came, knowing a space was being held for us. We came knowing that to sit in this cafe would mean hearing new names, greeting new faces, being open ourselves. This was a gift given. Thank you girls, for showing the town of Melrose and each person we touched, that it CAN be done. Loving and missing you both. Enjoy your ride ladies - catch ya on the other side.

Their time was now.
One Eagle, soaring to the sun,
One dove, singing to the clouds.

As we all grapple with the unbelievable loss of two brilliantly alive people, I'd like to perhaps ease our hearts into thinking, that our beloved 'Coffee Diva's of Melrose' are on the most exciting and intense ride of their lives..right now. And with that in mind, we can begin to smile and send them on their way with the love and excitement for life they shared with all of us, while here.

It's the lightness of being.
My thoughts and prayers to you all.

i will never foget you. Your friendship,your smile,your laughter and all the memories that we shared you were truly "something else" what a better world this would be if there were more people like you and Cathleen. You were both BEAUTIFUL people who really made a difference,and will be missed forever.

Day 4 of waking up and realizing, I did not have a nightmare, their passing on is real. Damn this hurts. Our Ladies of latte', Our Melrose Diva's, What a wonderful place you have made for us all. I had not planned on staying here , but moving to St. Augustine, they reason I stayed was "Take Me Places". Dale honey, I know this is so hard for you. Flashy, Cate, Kirsten,Les,Patricia, damn, all of us here, And to their families I believe it is a comfort for them to know how important these ladies were and are to our world, especially our little town of Melrose. We Miss you. I can hear Cherie laughing so much, giggling, and see Cathleen's radiant face with her hands on her hips looking on.

I met Cherie on Marie's porch 2+ years ago, and was very moved by her light, smile, and laughter. We crossed paths a few times after that, I got to visit her little stone house, and was with a friend who made a delivery to "take me " and while it was not open and she was not there that afternoon, her spirit was so strong. I saw her at a couple of music Festivals, and wished I lived in a community with souls like her. When dear Flash e-mailed me about this, I too felt such shock. Every time I had crossed paths with her, I enjoyed her aliveness so much. It feels like she was living her whole life in double time. Was this why? I got a card once that said "not gone, just gone ahead." and that is how it feels. I am so glad to read about the bond with her partner. May we all get the chance to be so loved. I am so sad for all who will miss her so deeply, and I KNOW you will feel her around you, cheering you on. Sweet Blessings

I last saw Cherie and Cathleen at Bob's pre-New Years Eve gathering and they were teasing me about being absent from the coffee shop as of late. I recently became one of those Melrose residents Patricia jokes about who have a real job-Ellis however, will be thrilled - and now I have to enjoy my coffee on the go at an unmentionable hour of the am. They said that they were sad that we would not get to see and talk with one another as often anymore, and that they would miss me (they both had such a way of making one feel special, valued and important, didnt they?) but that Dale would be a wonderful surrogate provider of friendship, smiles, coffee and information at the drive through. Laughing, I told them not to worry, I would never forget them, for they alone were the divas. As always, with hugs and laughter, we said our goodbyes. I am completely unable to express the sense of loss being felt by those who knew and loved them, and chances are, if you knew themyou loved them. Perhaps I will be more eloquent in the future, but for now, I find it necessary to borrow anothers words, as my own are muted by sadness and a very heavy heart. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for awhile and give us a deeper understanding of whats truly important in this life. They touch our souls. We gain strength from the footprints they have left on our hearts and we will never be the same.

A couple of years ago, I stopped at Cherie and Cathy's Take Me Places coffee shop with a couple of friends. One of the good friends I was with had rented a room to Cherie when she first moved to this area. He had spoken highly of her and I was glad to get the opportunity to meet her and see why he felt that way about her. I don't remember ever feeling so welcomed by a stranger as much as Cherie welcomed me. Her friendly, warm smile, down to earth personality, interesting conversation was so refreshing! I remember telling myself on the way out the door that I'd like to come back and chat with her more. Furthermore, she offered to display my stained glass work at a shop without even seeing my work yet. That really impressed the heck out of me! What a sweety! I drove past their coffee shop again a couple of weeks ago after hours and thought- "I really want to go back there again." Now, I am disappointed for not having done that. My new work schedule did not coordinate with her shop hours but I regret that I let that stop me. Why is it that we often don't appreciate others until they are gone? Even if I had not had the opportunity to know about nor privilege of meeting Cherie, I feel like I know her more through all these wonderful sentiments everyone has written here about her! I also wish I had met Cathy as I see here she was also a sweet lady. Heck, she must have been to be Cherie's soul mate! What a horrible waste for us to have lost these two beautiful people in such a tragic way but I know heaven must be a better place because of them! Another great thing about Cherie I did not know until recently was that she was my age and a Premie, like myself. Now, I wish I'd had the opportunity to discuss Maharji with her!

I'm so gald this site was established so that I could express these feelings and get to know more about these remarkable women through the writings of all these family and friends! Thank you! My heart, love and prayers go out to their families and friends! I do hope the coffee shop remains open. I know it won't be the same without them but I have a feeling that through their spirits and their many friends' and patrons' continued visits, the ambience in that little friendly shop will prevail. I know I'll be stopping in much more if it remains open!

This is to Flash and MaryRose, for Cherie can hear my thoughts and does not need written word to know them. I came to Jacksonville because of personal troubles. And I left Jacksonville healed because of the wonderful people I met. Mary introduced me to Cherie, and Flash, and the wonderful people at the acupuncture school. They all changed my life, or as I think of it, saved my life. Cherie's open heart, and her fun and loving spirit will never be forgotten. Flash, your knowledge, insight, spirituality, thoughtfulness and goodness will shine throughout time. My heart goes out to you. Mary, your openness, sense of adventure, and nonjudgemental acceptance makes you a very wonderful person. Sometimes I wish I had taken up Cherie's offer to work with her at the coffee shop when she first opened it, but life placed my feet upon another path. One filled with sorrow and death also. But I learned from all of you how to survive and stay strong. So please know, all of you who loved Cherie, that missing Cherie is normal and will always be present...but also remember to cherish the good people who still walk among us. I know that this is what Cherie would want. As for Cathleen, I never had the chance to meet her, but she must have been very special, and had great taste in friends. She chose the very best.

I had felt a little isolated living in Hawthorne... removed from much extracurricular activity or "LIFE". But, after meeting Cherie and Cathleen, and the people they attracted to them, I began feeling more united with the open, generous, loving, conscientious and conscious folks living out this way. I felt less alone. The presence of these these two beautiful souls offered us all a "connecting point". WHAT A SERVICE! Take Me Places IS the primary (maybe only) environment for us to meet like-minded people. Having played music a number of times at Thee Shop, I have felt honored to be a welcomed "family" member. Cathleen and Cherie were a shining light together, not just for the Melrose Community, but for the whole area! I believe they knew how much we loved them and how much we appreciated and valued what they offered, which was so much more than chia or latte. The positive emotions and beautiful memories remain...forever.