Amber Dancing Deer [with my apologies to everyone for writing here a third time] ~ I 'tried' to email you with this, but you left no email address here, so I couldn't. I was one of those relatively few, straight women at the First Wise Womyn's Festival, two years ago, and I happened to be standing beside you at the counter when Cherie cupped your face with her hands, kissed you on the lips, and asked you to please deliver that to her girlfriend sitting over there [pointing to Cathleen across the room]. Your accounting of it was, perhaps, verbatim. I remember thinking at the time of what a magic moment it was, and how open and freely loving it was of Cherie ~ and how much like her it was to do it. I remember Cherie's and Cathleen's shared, radiant smiles and laughter, after you did it... a recognition of their appreciation of you, and of each other in that very instant. Cherie always encouraged ~ and facilitated ~ people in thinking 'outside the box.' From her gentle nudgings to her [more often] life-affirming exuberance, she intentionally imbued people with the confidence to just 'go for it!' I have many memories of spontaneous music-making, where Cherie would, in whole-body rhythm, dance her way to every person gathered, pulling from a large basket to give each an acoustic 'shaker,' drum, piece of wood and mallet, tambourine, or whatever, briefly demonstrating it as she enthusiastically handed it over, "Here ~ c'mon, play! Join us!" Even the shyest of one of my friends found herself joining in. Cherie was the Pied Piper of Melrose.

Oh poop Cath, knowing how computer dumb I am trying again... stop laughing... this sucks, but will see you again, hope God hasn't got this computer thing going..I will be save a gillion times... we love and miss you, again, Uncle Don and CJ... now where is the send button...

People so open and free, loving and community promoting as these lovely ladies are very rare these days. Let them inspire us all to recreate their heartfelt sharing in our own lives. Each of us has a lot to offer before we join them in the next world. In their honor, let's reach out to the hands around us so the circle will remain unbroken. Blessed be !

I can only say after reading these beautiful messages of love, my life would have been richer, had I been lucky enough to have met them and the sudden, unexpected finality is so very hard. I'm so sorry and hope everyone can find peace and love again.

Dear Cathleen and womin of fire Cherie, we needed you here. I am glad that we got to sing with both of you on New years eve . You both brought us joy . Blessings, Blessings, falling like rain...

We at Gainesville Harley-Davidson would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the families of Cherie and Cathleen. It is a great sorrow to lose such wonderful customers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My prayers and thoughts to both of you as wing your way to heaven. Cherie, I will miss you. We had a special bond that we always spoke of with each other... I am so glad I saw you recently. with love and tenderness... marilyn

Thanks for creating this website. I started a blog at the suggestion of Cherie. I told her I was a writer who had not written a good word in a year, so she said... "Write about us, Melrose, the coffee shop, the characters." And so I did. I started on New Year's Day and made another entry, then the motorcycle accident. It took me three days to write my tribute to them, which is titled.."It Rains In Mudville" on my blog. I invite all who pass here to go to the web address below and feel free to leave a comment. You can see Cherie made a comment the first day. She called herself... "Our Lady of Latte." http://peege.blogs.com/ I love these women and hope we can remember the example they set for us to follow.

Cherie was a very alive person which makes her death even more of a loss.

I met Cherie and Cathleen at the first WWF. They were in the Kitchen brewing the world's best coffee and comfort food anyone could ask for. Cherie in her sarong, and Cathleen with a twinkle in her eye. Both of them with sage wisdom, laughter and full of life and love. They greeted everyone they met with open arms and open hearts. I'm glad that Take Me Places exists, and hope it will stay for a long time. So much of what these two wonderful women are, what they shared, dreamed and built up together is infused there. I can picture you both now, on Cherie's Harley, sarong, wings and all, riding through the streets of Heaven. Vroom, Vroom Girls! We'll miss you.

Dearest Cherie, I look up to you so much. You are the woman I dare to be. You just started talking to me as if you'd known me all your life, just like I do. We both had storage units at the same place in Encinitas. We both share intimately with everyone, immediately. You had no mask... the most truly authentic person ever. I promise to continue living that way, in your honor. ... to wear the least clothes possible, hang it all out, be bold, brash, and LOVE everyone, in a big LOUD way... because, shout it from the mountain's tops... you personified LOVE! Cathleen... I am honored to be in the Alliance of Divine Love ministerial program with you where we talked about ourselves as spiritual beings in a body, the greatest degree of love, and our role and purpose in life. What if one of your purposes was to get that guy off the road, thereby preventing the loss of his and more lives, and getting that road to be scrutinized? Knowing that you left your bodies simultaneously, while hugging each other... what a comfort.

Thank you both so much for creating a safe space for all kinds of people... Thank you for the faith you have always had in the future... Thank you for never hearing "no" but retaining your faith in the beauty and possibility of life... Thank you for your wild and beautiful hair... Thank you for giving presents to every single person at your 4-year anniversary party... I think that's metaphorical, for how you always operated. Always giving and giving and giving, opportunities and coffee and advice and smiles, to everyone, to me--people in this life get so used to being treated as a number, or as one of a crowd, and somehow we surrender our need to feel special and valued and part of a unique community... but it's vital, it really is. It makes us human instead of plastic. And no one was ever "part of the crowd" at Take Me Places. Everybody was special to you guys, every moment was a time for exploration. I can't believe that you both are really gone, that I will never see your faces again, except perhaps in the way the children of Narnia find all their lost comrades after the Last Battle. I can't believe that somehow I could walk into the cafe without your sunshiney faces. I don't know where you are now, but maybe you know how many people love you. I hope that if there's a god, that's a gift she gives you when you meet her. You two were one of my favorite things about living in Gainesville, and I want the coffee shop to live on.

Cherie & Cathy never met a stranger. They were such a lovely couple. I just wish I got to know them better. I always loved to visit with everyone at the coffee shop. It was such a welcome when you walk in the door. For being soul-mates I know they are in a better place, with all the other angels is where they belong. May they rest in peace. May they rest in peace.

Though I did not know Cherie or Cathleen, I did feel the amazing love through others who gathered at their coffee shop in Melrose. The loving and nurturing atmosphere was always spoken of in reverent manner by those who loved to hang out there. My first exposure to this love for a coffee shop and its owners was discovered at an open house with friends in Keystone Heights. The love Cherie and Cathleen shared rippled out into the Universe and even now it is affecting us all. May we love as well as they do. Thank you for sharing this sacred space for us to unveil our hearts.

Cherie and Cathleen, I didn't know either of you, though I can see that you are both brilliant souls. With your adventurous and loving lives, you have served as a beautiful example for others.

I had to leave work early today. A friend and colleague from Gainesville sent me an Email saying that they read in the paper that the two women from "Take Me Places" had been killed. My first thought was "what a terrible joke to play on someone," but then I realized she couldn't be kidding. I called my husband & managed to blurt out between tears what had happened. We are both still stunned and dismayed. We only lived in the Melrose area for 3 years, but Cherie and Cathy really made the place feel like home for us. Our last day in Florida was spent with Cherie and Cathy and we feel blessed. We will always remember them with gratitude and love.

I didn't know Cherie or Cathleen, but all that is written here makes me wish I had. We all look for and strive for the love and friends like these wonderful women were, and many of you were blessed to have them in your lives. That is something you will always have, and can never be taken away. I hope to attend the memorial, Sunday, and pray that you will all have peace about losing them in body, but feel blessed to have them in memory and spirit. It would be a wonderful, blessed and fitting tribute, if their meeting place of friendship, laughter, kindness and love, "Take Me Places", could remain open, in their memory. May you all feel blessed to have known them, and may you continue to gather in their spirit of love.

Cherie, I will miss your open hearted exuberance for life and nurturing care you gave as a matter of course to everyone you met. It was not just a job for you to serve... it was your divine nature. Also, thank you for loving my music and playing it over and over in your coffee shop. I feel as if you created a magical vortex in that space that allowed peopled to really drop and be the divine souls they are. I hope someone can continue the energy and space and hold it as divinely as you did. I did not know Cath as well, but I am glad that you are a comfort to each other... that neither has to miss the other in this world. My blessings and comfort to all who will miss you. We Are One

Cheri and Cathy, we will miss you both until we see you again. I would share alot of philosophical moments with Cheri. She was very open to all kinds of thinking. As was mentioned in above letters, they would welcome you and introduce you to everybody. They were so proud to be there. Cheri would tell everybody to make sure to visit my ice cream shop. I made sure not to ever serve coffee, for they were so sweet and I didn't want them to think I was trying to take away any business. Of course, I couldn't even compare to their warmth and generousity. Cheri always wanted me to ride with them. Well, I was too busy then, but now I can't waite till I get to ride with them in the heavens. Cathy and Cheri made sure they always had cranberry and orange juice and a bagle for me, cuz I didn't drink coffee. The smiles and positive attitude will surely be missed by all. My wife always enjoyed the moca she got there, and wiil continue to. We love you both, and will see the great group of poeple there always, Bobby and Maddy

I love you both and my heart is in pain at the loss of your physical presence. I feel your essence and my memories are warm and loving. I know that your souls are together and know that this community misses you. I sure wish Cherie would have had more Turkey, dressing and gravy at our Christmas Dinner. Cathleen, I will think of you whenever I make Oatmeal cookies with chocolat chips and walnuts. Shine bright in the starlight and the Sun. We know you can hear us.

I love you Cathy.

Cherie & Cathleen will be greatly missed by many in our Melrose Community. Their untimley departure from this earth was so tragic. Our heart goes out to their families. My husband and I stop at the coffee shop every morning on our way to work for the best cup of coffee around. The 2 ladies were dedicated to helping people in our community. For example: During the hurricanes last year, their business remained open to provide piping hot coffee for those of us without power. We will miss their smiling faces at the card games (which we just joined last Saturday) and seeing them at the "Take me Places Coffee Shop", which has brought many people together in friendship. May Cherie & Cathleen rest in peace. I pray that Dale & all the many friends of Cherie & Cathleen will keep their lagacy, "Take Me Places," open for business.

It is with great grief and wrenching of our souls, this tragic news of our friends deaths. They both touched our childrens hearts with their spirt as they touched ours. They will continue to walk as the light of our journey. We will always remember, always. Lynda, Carole, Shera, Melody, Matthew, Zachary, Jasmine... The Twin Oaks Krew

I never got the chance to meet them, but after reading all the messages - I miss them. I am so very sad such beautiful, wonderful and kind women are now gone, but to see how many lives they touched and changed without even really realizing is beautiful in itself. They must have been angels.

i had the priviledge of meeting these women several times at their friends cate and kirsten's house. always so cheerful, friendly, full of life and always available for a conversation at the coffee shop. they will be missed.

I'd stop by with my daughter when I was visiting, Karyn was a regular. It was hard to pay for the coffee "&" when we did stop by. I've always regretted not writing down the address to send a postcard from my vacations. Cherie would have loved that.

We stop by every morning for our daily dose of caffine and will miss that smiling face. May god help to heal you during this terrible time. Bless you.

I always stopped by for coffee on my way to St. Augustine from Gainesville (or back) just to say hi. Really nice ladies, they will be missed.

Cherie and Cathy knew no stranger. After knowing me for just a short time, they opened their home to me when I had no place to go. They did it in a way that was not self serving, but to help as always. I will never forget. Thank You Girls.

I wrote this for Cherie when she first opened the coffee shop. It was a special place from the day the doors opened, and remains so now for all of us who knew and loved these two very special people.

TAKE ME PLACES

Its just a little hole in the wall kinda place
Nothing much to look at from the street
But what it holds inside cant be replaced
The warmth, the kindness, the friendly faces.

A smile, a warm hello is always there to greet you
Come in, sit down and visit for awhile
Take a short escape into the kinder world
Of this little coffee shop called Take Me Places

Cynthia Oller Carrion

Words will never fully express all that Cherie and Cathleen meant to those of us who knew them. I was honored to have been there from the very beginning when Cherie first opened Take Me Places. Cherie always made sure everyone knew everyone that walked in, if only for that moment. When you walked into her shop, it was 'Welcome, I'm Cherie and your name?' She would then proceed to introduce them to everyone that was in the coffee shop. Needless to say there were some very surprised and sometimes ackward looks from these new people as Cherie proceed to introduce them to all there by name. For she knew everyone that ever came into her 'home' by name. And to those that only made it there the one time, she still knew your name and would have welcomed you by it had you ever returned. She was unbelievable. And she and Cathleen were magic together. They have know me and helped me through bad times and as well as good, and even introduced me to my husband. Which Cherie was always proud of. She was ever the match maker. I will miss her beaming smile and her all engulfing hugs, Cathleen's hey beautiful woman and the sparkle in her eyes. And you always left with blessings following you out the door. Lou and I will miss riding with you, playing poker and just sitting around the coffee shop, especially when we would come in late after everyone else had left and just sit around and talk. I had to laugh out loud when I read one of the other pieces, where they were talking about Cherie riding her Harley in her sarong, it was so Cherie, I actually had the mental image. There is the saying they would give the shirt off their backs, well Cherie would give the sarong too! I can remember telling her on more than one occasion, Cherie if you don't learn how to tie that thing, you're going to get us all arrested! Cathleen would have that adorable grin on her face, her eyes would roll and she would look at Cherie and say 'what am I going to do with her?' And I say now, 'What are we going to do without you both? We know our grief is selfish, we grieve for what we have lost, in our hearts we know that the two of you are ok, you are with each other, how you were always meant to be. And Lou and I are so honored to have known you. We send you forward with all the love that you showed us, and to all of our mutual friends met and unmet, Cherie and Cathleen always wished peace and blessings as you left, so in the spirit of Cherie and Cathleen I will close wishing you all peace and blessings.

Melrose is an extraordinary place, more of a large family than a town. So, my family, I grieve with you, and for you. We have lost two members, but our spirit is undiminished - for once you are family - you stay with us forever. Rest peacefully, for you are safe in our hearts.

I would drive by every morning and see one or the other out front smiling and waving at people. I hope the shop remains open in their memory. It was a great place to stop by. The atmosphere was always warm and welcoming.

May you find as much happiness on the other side as you did here. May people and things be as lucky as we were to have you among them. I will never forget your smiles.

Cathy and Cherie will be sorely missed... they touched so many lives with their goodness and sweetness. They were in St Louis recently and stayed with my daughter and son in law. They called me and we had a brief chat on the phone. I had not met Cherie in person but she made me feel as tho I had always known her by her kind insightful words on the phone that day. I was so thankful that she had come into Cathy's life and that they were in a good place; both of them so happy. Cherie had just helped both Lori and Greg with her needles and her kind heart. The world lost two very special souls when Cherie and Cathy were taken from us in such a harsh, brutal manner. Their spirits will remain in the hearts of everyone fortunate to ever have come into contact with them. They were so unique, so very special, and you could not help but be aware that they were the very essence of goodness and kindness here on earth. My heart aches for all the pain my daughter, Lori, is feeling right now over this great loss. This is a beautiful memorial site to both Cathy and Cherie... it is easy to see what a loving and accepting and kind community they lived in during their stay here with us... Love to you each in their memory...

These women will be sorely missed by so many people in the community.! They truly insired, plus gave all to all of us, and to so many people. My heart goes out to their friends and loved ones. Bless to all of you!!!!

We are very sad to hear of this tragedy.and to think that he should of never been on the road. May GOD bless the familise and friends

Cherie was such a strong presence that she will never leave us. It is shocking that someone so powerful and alive can be so quickly gone. As always with such events it reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of embracing it while we are alive. It was such a testament to her own embracing of life in what she created with the coffeeshop---- a true haven for so many, a welcoming light in our community. No one can replace her but to take this pain and loss we feel and channel it into love and energy for life... would be the greatest way to honor her memory. Cherie is now the Angel of Melrose. In whatever demension in which she now exists... I imagine she is watching and warmed to see all the lives that she touched and affected. She certainly affected mine, I was inspired by her and sadly she probably never knew!

These ladies started out each day doing what was necessary, then did what was possible and then suddenenly what was thought impossible happened. May God bless them, their families, and their truly great friends.

Melrose is more than a community, we are a family and we have lost two very important members. It is hard to believe that we wont see you riding your Harley anymore. Wind in your hair, just free as a bird. Or driving down the road in that big white car, packed full of smiling laughing faces. The Xmas parade will never be the same without you dancing down the street yelling HO! You brought a smile to many faces and love to many hearts. Thank you for all you brought to Melrose. We will miss you both.

I didn't know either of the ladies, but I am truelly sorry for their untimely death and the circumstances surrounding the accident. I pray for both of them and their families. I'm sorry that there are such unresponsible people that cause unneeded deaths. Please accept my sympathies. My prayers go out to all that are affected by this tragedy.

My brother was killed by a drunk driver in 1996. He was 25. Taken way too soon, just like these two beautiful souls. I know your pain, and want to say, I will pray for those that mourn this loss, I truly will. There are no word that can explain the tradgedy of all this. Just know and believe, time and faith in our Lord will help you somehow get through this time.

A tattoo that my son has on his arm says it all: Gone But Not Forgotten. Cherie and Cathleen will NEVER be forgotten. And to be quite honest they are not truly gone completely. They surround us in spirit, love and gentle guiding peace. Heaven has 2 new angels and they are singing and brightening it up already. They were always abrightening and uplifting presence here on earth and I am sure they will be there also. Like I was saying at the shop last night Cherie and Cathleen was like the yin and the yang meeting and also they were like 2 chi's meeting and melding and out of that melding arose the most beautiful butterfly ever created. I wish I could have someone draw that picture for me. I love them both with my whole heart because that is what they loved me with and every one else that they drew into themselves and their circle of friends; of which I am honored to be one. And also I am going to stop talking about them in the past tensde because they are still very much present in all our lives that were priviledged and blessed enough to have known them. God speed to you both as you fly free as the butterfly.

My boyfriend and I stopped by the Coffee Shop in Melrose on our way to St. Augustine almost every weekend this past year. We loved that little place... It was always filled with people and conversation and great coffee. We called it our place. We remember Cherie mostly. She was always so friendly, happy and interested in all that was going on. We will miss them...

"OUR LADIES" WILL SO MUCH BE MISSED. They are together still in love. many things can be said about the both of them, but one thing is for sure, Cherie loved life and Cathleen was eloquant and was learning the adventerous life by being with her lady. I came to this town 3 yrs. ago and Take Me Places was where i met my neighbors and friends. We MISS you and will for a long long while.

My baby Cathy and her soul mate Cherie were here in St. Louis to stay with me for two nights in November this year. This is the first time I met Cherie in person. I had talked with her many times over the year,... but never met her face to face. We were so at ease with each other. Cathy or Cathleen as I called her all those years ago, was happier than I have EVER seen her. She found a wondeful being, Cherie and this made all the difference in her short life. I am having such difficulty dealing. The pain in my soul howls. Nature is what I crave right now. They were nature lovers and nature lives on. I love reading all the entries ones have made here on this site. It is helpful to read them all. I just adore the photos of my girls. I so needed to see this site. I want to be with all who loved them at the coffee shop. That is where all the love is... I need to hear the stories and be with those who loved my baby and opened their arms, lives, souls to her. Cathy moved to Forida in August of 2002. She and Cherie met soon after. It was the BEST thing to ever happen to Cathy. I am glad all of you in Florida got to meet my girl. She was my baby, my daughter, my friend and my soul mate. She understood me completetly. She loved my husband Greg. Cherie stuck needles in me while she visited. I was always scared of needles. She said, let me have your arm... and I did. I must admit the needles were much smaller than the ones they jab you with at the doctors office. Cherie and Cathy and me (Lori) and Greg, went to dinner at "The King and I". Tai food. We had a wonderful time. Cherie introduced me to coconut soup. Very tasty and spicey. Very Cherie. She taught me much in a short time. They were/are so good together. God, help us through this... I cannot begin to accept yet. I must, in order to heal. Perhaps theirs souls will come to me in dreams or waking moments and help me along. I just know they are soaring high. PEACE OUT.

What these women brought to the community and their friends will be sorely missed! They truly were the light that so many people seek! My heart goes out to their friends and loved ones.

I did not know these two women, but my prayers are with the families. Keep looking to the hills from which come your help, it comes from the Lord. I know you will miss them and love them, but God loves them best. Be bless. (*>*)

Dear One Cathleen, When you walked into the room the room was brighter. When you spoke, people listend to your gentle words. When you smiled everyone wanted to smile with you. We know you were a spiritual being having a physical experience. We are saddened that we can no longer share that physical experience with you but we still feel your beautiful spirit and love. In our ministerial class we will leave your seat available for you, to join us at every class meeting and at the ordination, inviting you to join us when ever you choose.

As A COURSE IN MIRACLES says,

All your past except its beauty is gone,
And nothing is left but blessings.

All your kindnesses and every loving thought
You ever had, have been saved.
In their full band of beautiful light,
They have been kept for you
In their own perfect radiance.
They are beyond destruction
And beyond the earthy plane.
They came from the essence of God,
That is, and has always been, within you,
And we know what the Infinite creates is eternal.

You indeed depart in peace because
You have loved and you have been loved.
You go with the blessing of the Angels.
The peace of God was placed in your heart
and in your hands, to hold and share.
Your heart was pure to hold it,
And your hands were strong to give it.

Your hands and heart are now Gods,
In Whose Heart and Hands
you now have your being.
His quiet children are the blessed ones.
The Love of God (and all of us) go with you.

OH, how so very sad. I read the article in today's Sun and just thought I would visit the website. I read the other comments and had tears in my eyes. Now, I'm a straight nearly retired male and probably am very far removed from Cathleen and Cherie's lifestyle. However, I certainly can identify with the warmth, the love, the community and the spirit of these women. It's really impossible to express how I feel, but I know that those who knew them were touched by these qualities. I hope they experience the same happiness of spirit as they showed here on earth.

My husband has lived in Melrose all his life. I have been here for 23 years. Cherie and Cathleen drove by our house on the Harley all the time. Although we don't really know them personally they and their free loving spirit will be missed greatly. Melrose is a wonderful place to live but, has now lost two of it's best residents. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cherie, Cathleen and all that were fortunate enough to have known them.

I have spent much of my life making music in and around Melrose, a precious place. I have been too often saddened at losing friends in traffic accidents on the long, two lane roads that lead in and out of the lake region. Those roads bring us unparalleled beauty, but we I have seen too many tragic accidents on them. I hope that hope that all local citizens will urge law enforcement to take a greater, proactive role to identify problem drivers to keep the roads clear of such "clear and present danger." We, as a community, should work to keep drunk drivers off of our roads and urge law enforcement to lock them up if they don't. Lives, as we see here, are at stake. My prayers are with the Melrose community.

I am saddened by this tragedy. I did not know these two women but wish I had. My thoughts will be with you on Sunday. I will also make a trip to the coffee shop when I can. May you be comforted in your hours of grief.

Cathleen, you were a complete joy to round out our motorcycle trip up to Tennessee last summer. you were the quiet one, so relaxed and "go with the flow"... a fabulous passenger packing behind me as we leaned into the corners along the Cherohala Skyway. truely a fluid and magic time the three of us had that week. i will never forget the fun, the waterfall, the rain, the laughs, cheap motels, mountains and emerald coast. it is fitting you and Cherie sailed together into the Light. it was an honor to have been a friend. thank you! godspeed, my friend. indeed.

"just ride - the wind is free" Cherie said to me when i was going through a rough time. so now grrrrl, i say it to you. now you know the wind. you have taught me a lot. ride forever, my sister.

Cherie and Cathleen made us feel welcome, cared for, supported and special. Always there with a hug, a joke, a back rub, wonderful goodies to feed the body and the spirit. They especially touched our family by opening their hearts to my daughter Maya, who worked for them at the festivals and the coffee shop. With healing hugs and acupuncture, she was restored to her happy self and made to feel special once again. The trust and love they offered with be treasured always. This place and our hearts will be missing them terribly. We remember the good times, and are grateful for having known them both..

My memories of Cherie are simply full of this beautiful smiling vivacious Lioness Energy. I met Cherie and Cathleen at my first Wise Woman Festival two years ago. Being one of the few straight women there, sometimes I was feeling like I didn't fit in or felt awkward at times. Cherie was always sweet kind and bubbly - and then she called me over to her kitchen window, and without the least hesitation she reached out, grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me on the lips (much to my surprise) and calmly pointed across the room and said... "Give that to my girlfriend over there will you... " pointing to Cathleen. So, I just took a deep breath and went right over there and gave her the kiss, and thought "well that was interesting." Later that day I saw her on her Harley in a bright yellow and orange surong riding around the fields with it flying wide open and she in all her glory smiling and laughing, just riding that bike - and I looked on in amazement and said "Wow, What a Woman!" That was a sight to behold. I saw her agan the next year at the WWF and she knew who I was, though I hadn't seen her for a year and again was welcoming, caring, nurturing, and just so bright and sunshiny. I remember fussing with my hair and she just rolling her eyes and telling me it was wonderful. Both Cheri and Cathleen really made me feel welcome and part of the Whole at the WWF. I am blessed to have known them both. Cathleen didn't talk much, she was just sweet. Like brown sugar or something. They fit together well, like brown sugar toping oozing on top of an amazing icecream sundae with the most outrageous nuts and sprinkles all over. And to add to this. Today I was visiting with a dear friend, Ed, who has since left the area. He performed in the Christmas Carol out there in Melrose a couple of years ago. Cherie and Cathleen had attended one of the performances and invited Ed to the coffee shop. He remembered them well and is a natural story teller and described this wonderful little coffee shop that "felt like my grandmother's living room. I came in and she (Cherie) introduced me to everyone in the room while there was someone handing coffee to people on the road at the same time." I can't quote all the things he said, but the warm tone was very indicative of the feeling of welcome he received when he went to Take Me Places. I honestly was in the same physical space with Cherie and Cathleen 3 times in my life... and I was totally, totally touched by them both. I will surely miss them, and always hold these images in my heart. You two lovely ladies, while you have departed this plane, for the next leg of your journeys, you have left us with an indellible mark of love, laughter and life. Thank You! Blessed Be - Amber Dancing Deer

To Cherie; today I am thinking about when you first came to Melrose from somewhere like the Keys... one of those more populated and hipper places. I thought to myself: nay, she won't stay... she is too expansive and full of curiousity about so many things. This little place could never satisfy her needs... Then I watched as she started to create, everywhere she went... the lee house, her little apartment with the beautiful furniture, then driving to Jax in that little while car to go to accupuncture school, then finishing, opening the coffeeshop and continuing to make that happen during school, finding Cathleen, buying the lake house, the big white car... on and on... ever expanding... always creating... making things happen, bringing people together, creating a universe around you. I am and always will be in awe of you. I suppose for some people who suffer I would ask they they rest in peace. For you, I can only sense there must be another place that calls you, to go to create and teach through example, maybe another place that needs you more, that needs your energy and love. I pray that Cathleen will be able to join you there. Thank you for making a place, for all the giving, and for the lessons in embracing life with love and vitality. You will not be forgotten. I get hope you get to see Wind, the greatest dog ever.

Dear Cathleen ~ If there were an editing option here, I would simply add these words to my original message, as I feel compelled to say them. I must, however, add a new message to do so. Cherie and you were each so luminous and brilliant in your way, as Leslie has so aptly described you both. It's so-near impossible to compare you two, as you were both so rich in your Beings, offering and giving so much of all that you were. In my personal way, however, I felt a measure closer to you, as you emanated a warm and quiet, a steady and supportive, kind of love, radiantly laced with a leveling seriousness and intelligence. Radiating those beams, you reached out to me whenever I saw you. I felt a special kind of genuine friendship with you, and never more, wholeheartedly welcome. As I read all of these words about you and Cherie, two, phenomenal women, I want to express that, even though you may be the lesser known between the two of you, what you gave to Cherie and what you gave to the world, was every bit as visible. I know that Cherie appreciated that, deep in her heart, the same as you appreciated her. I find comfort in Leslie's words, as I believe in life after death, and reincarnation. The images that her words create bring hope and trust that all of this is not as incomprehensible, to you and Cherie, as it is to me. Imagining you both sailing toward the source of Light is a beautiful image, and one I want to hold on to. Thank you both for your lives on earth and in the spiritual realms. Love, Elizabeth Bacon-Smith

It still doesn't feel quite real that so vivid and vibrant a presence as Cherie's has gone. Her heart was so alive and welcoming, her energy so embracing and supportive, personally but also so far beyond the personal that her sudden departure makes me think of tsunamis, of all those forces of nature that reverberate to remind us that not one moment of life can be taken for granted. Cherie and Cathleen, I see you still sailing, beyond that brief and final journey, toward the source of Light that you so luminously, brilliantly embodied. Thank you, from deep in my heart, for being with us as long as you were.

Dear Cherie and Cathleen ~ Tears are my only companion, at this moment, as I write prayerfully to you both, in disbelief that you're no longer here. I have only just learned of your deaths, and I am grateful for this page. Your welcoming and embracing spirits, smiles, laughter, hugs, and conversation ~ these singularly or together, as the situation allowed ~ made seeing either of you, as I walked through the door of Take Me Places, or saw you anywhere else, a loving and affirming connection. The brilliance of Being that you each brought to this world shone brightly and clearly like prisms of light cast through crystals. Together, you magnified. In some almost unidentifiable way, I had a very special connection with each of you. I will always treasure the tender feelings of closeness and friendship that we shared. Dear Cherie ~ Your entrance into this community of Melrose, Gainesville, and other surrounding areas, turned central Melrose into the most beautiful of lotus blossoms. You brought the town and multiple causes together through your support of all things living and everyone's dreams. Your support of the artist, writer, and performance communities ~ and of the children ~ was unequalled. I never dreamed I would have to say goodbye to you so soon, or in such a final way. Dear Cathleen ~ The sparkle in your eyes and of your spirit brought so much happiness to Cherie and the world around you. I never dreamed I would have to say goodbye to you so soon, or in such a final way. In death as in life, you are forever together now. I feel deeply and immensely grateful to have known each and both of you, singly and together. For all who knew you, and even for those who didn't, your lives made a difference beyond measure. My feelings of missing you are simply indescribable. All my love to both of you, Your eternal friend, Elizabeth Bacon-Smith 4 January 2005

... Joy and I have been blessed by the love, guidance, joy, healing and LIFE that our sisters shared with us (AND SO MANY OTHERS). This physical world desparately needs more of such beings here. Cherie, you reminded me that we are sisters; and of the intense, soul binding love that we share and I will keep all of this treasure forever in my heart and mind... to share with others. My healing continues, thanx to you... Cathleen: I have the seeds of your favorite tree and am planting them today... Our deep talks and tears have healed me and touched you too... I will not forget... The legacy of you, MY BELOVED SISTERS, will go on. We promise you that...

I had only met Cherie one time this past summer at the Take Me Places Cafe. She and Flash sang together and I saw this beautiful woman who was so full of love and life who sang with complete confidence and radiance. Surely her passing along with Cathleen's will leave a deep loss for their family, friends, and the whole community. May they be remembered always with love and thankfulness for having touched our lives. Amen.

I didn't know Cherie well, but I witnessed her love and exuberance for her extended family at the cozy Take Me Places Cafe, where she seemed so at home welcoming everyone that entered through those doors. She was sweet, charming, and full of life. Thank you Great Spirit for blessing us with her presence! To Cherie's and Cathleen's close friends and family, REJOICE! Their lives have fulfilled their ultimate purpose here on earth and touched each of us with grace and beauty. May they ride the crest of Light forever!

This is such sad news and I am wondering how to tell the girls (Steph and Erin) as we all had such love in our hearts for Cheri and her partner Cathleen. So unique and special, full of energy and life, such fond memories. I know they are off onto another wild adventure in a different form and place, but we will miss them in their physical form and place here on earth. Thinking of you all in Melrose and sending our love.

I am so stunned by this news. Cherie and Cathleen are such wonderful people. They welcomed me and made me feel a part of the community at the festival. I shall always remember them for their smiles, laughter and giving hearts. May Goddess bless them now, and comfort all those mourning our great loss of two fabulous women, sisters, friends and role models. I shall miss you Cherie and Cathleen.

I cannot forget the book that was at Take me places with all the thoughts of people passing in that place... Cherie made me smile only looking at her face... she told me to write something on that book and I did... it's still there, a thought from an italian who happened to be in FL in june 2003... sorry I'm so sad I cannot believe this happened. I send love to all their friends and hug those who are suffering this terrible loss. Flora

I loved Cherie so very much. She was always so happy and so full of life. I was just getting to know Cathleen and she was a wonderful and caring person. The animals lost a good friend in Cherie and Kathleen and all of us at the EARS Sanctuary will miss them and think about them everyday. I would like for anyone that is interested and would like to be a part of putting a special place at EARS for Cherie and Cathleen to please contact me. We could build a special garden and put an engraved stone in their honor. We could make it beautiful with a small waterfall and it would be a part of EARS forever. I have the perfect place among the bamboo next to Jumanji's pen. I think that he was one of Cherie's favorite. He is such a massive but gentle lion. Cherie and Cathleen, I love you both and I will miss you more than words can say. Jaye