Dear BEA friends...
Since my first post I've not been able to visit this thread due to its overwhelming emotional effect. I now feel I can contribute further reflections upon our friend Zasha, but first want to say that, like others here, I have been deeply moved by the response from this community to the loss of our friend. There have been many touching tributes, none less than the one above by Chronic. I also want to acknowledge the artwork by Nimrod which is powerful in its tribute. And finally a huge thankyou to Imaginos, our fine webmaster, who has created something to be treasured in the Memorial page.
What further can be said about Zasha? In reflecting on someone who has touched our lives, we can only draw from our personal experiences and hopefully shed further light upon that one we now miss.
Firstly, for anyone who feels they did not know Zasha, go to the memorial page, then to her gallery and have a look at her 'personal profile'...it's ALL there! On one page you have a clear insight into the nature of her, into her diverse interests, her personality, her 'attitude', her intelligence, and her acknowledgement of others. Zasha had a great sense of humour and Zasha was FUN!
Zasha was not someone to hang about wondering what to say. She had opinions on most things and freely expressed them.
When feeling slighted or threatened, she could KICK BUTT!
She was also very supportive. She obviously had a HUGE impact on many people here at the BEA...more than I could have imagined.
I remember Zasha's first post...it was in the 'technical section' and contained a morph she had done: a photo of herself in a little black dress. She was small, very fit and exceptionally attractive. The morph was a modest effort, but showed she already knew what she was doing, and she asked for advise. I, along with others gave advise and encouragement, and a 'dialogue' began which flowered into 'full community membership'. She not only took active part in all the areas of BEA disussion, but developed her morphing skills to the point that she felt enthusiastic and confident in creating her own gallery. As far as I know Zasha was the only female morph-artist ever at the BEA, and certainly the only one to have her very own gallery. That alone says something about this woman that I often reflected upon.
When Zasha became increasingly active at the BEA, her posts covered the full spectrum of interests here, both 'on topic' and 'off topic'. I often thought 'what a fascinating individual'! I thought: "She does photo retouching work, she's an architect, and she has her own business. She is a committed 'fitness babe' to the point that she has entered and won amateur competitions. She's a dancer [in her words: 'not ballet', and 'I get nekkid sometimes on weekends']. She's a 'technical geek' taking pride in her titanium Mac, and the OS X system. She rejoices in a shared enthusiasm for cars and bikes, along with her husband. She's active, she's committed...where does she get the time and enthusiasm to hang out at the BEA..?" But 'hangout'she did: actively, engagingly, and made many friends in the process.
I think it's fair to say that Zasha carved out for herself a unique place here at the BEA in the hearts and minds of many of us.
Zasha's a great example. It seems to me she lived life fully, and without fear. She followed her interests with 'full-on' enthusiasm, and engaged in all she did passionionately. She took pride in what she did and strived for perfection. And she shared all this with others, even within the realms of cyberspace.
When we depart from this plane, this life, the most we can hope for is to have shared something of ourselves with others, and to have touched a few hearts.
Zasha did all this, and more...
with my deepest respect and sincere affection for our friend, Zasha.
jayjay