Re: Subject: [Harp-L] SPAH picture lady, Grace Fischette RIP

[David Brown <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxx>]

Among all the discussions about technical mechanics,harmonica instruments
of choice, discussions of playing techniques. favorite players,
conventions, concerts, arguments and other aspects of a (mostly) virtual
community that is Harp-L....there are sometimes posts that remind us of the
one thing that connects us all: the ability to let music into our hearts
and souls, our ability to enjoy music and feel....passion. Elizabeth's post
reminded me of all that. it is a well heartfelt exclamation of how lives
drawn together through music have an essential impact on all involved.

I have never been to SPAH, and I never met Grace, but I "felt" who Grace
was through Elizabeth's post. She sounds like someone who knew how to
appreciate music and life. She even felt it through her photography.

I taught basic photography courses many years ago and was often asked what
great beauty was at the "core" of the medium. I always answered that great
photography, like many artistic mediums, strives to reflect the "profound
infinite"... in measured moments. From Elizabeth's post I can imagine Grace
lived a life appreciating, and enjoying many rich moments.  I am also
certain that, for those who met or knew her, she provided many of those
moments as well.


On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 1:34 AM, <EGS1217@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> Message: 9
> Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 22:50:41 -0400
> From: Dennis  Fischette <dmfischette@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] SPAH picture  lady, Grace Fischette RIP
> To: Harp-l Harp-l  <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
>
> The lady that was always taking pictures at  SPAH, at all the shows and in
> the Joe Filisco jam circle has passed away after a  long battle with lung
> disease and Parkinsons. She was a wonderful lady and loved  by all that
> knew
> her. I miss her dearly.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Oh Dennis...I am so, so sad for you, and us--her SPAH family. Grace was
> the exemplification of her name. Her generosity of spirit and unflagging
> warmth  and cheerfulness despite her physical pain and difficulties
> endeared her
> to  everyone who ever knew her.
>
>
>  She will forever epitomize SPAH for me personally. The first time  I ever
> found the temerity to get up at an Open Mic, Grace found out (after  coming
> across me shaking with fear in a hallway corner)...and, with her  usual
> warmth and concern took my hand, hugged me and assured me that I'd be fine
> because she'd make sure to be 'front row and center' so that I wasn't
> alone. She
>  told me to focus on and to play to her and when the time came after  I'd
> nearly backed out playing onstage with Smokey and Wally several times  in
> abject fear, she was one of only 4 people I remembered being in the
>  audience.
> You and Val & Phil were the others.
>
>
> You don't know this--but ever since, the only photo I've used to denote  my
> harmonica playing is one she took that day. I've been asked many times  why
> I don't update it--but it was Grace's photograph and I treasure it  as I
> treasure another I have where we photographed each other across a crowded
> night-time Blues jam at exactly the same moment--she with an impish grin
> on her
>  face as she laughingly pointed at me. How much fun she had with her
> camera!
>
>
> Always--you're there, either playing in the circle as she quietly shot
> photo after photo of everyone present--or by her side. You're a good man,
> Dennis--and as you were so fortunate to have Grace, she was lucky to have
> you
> too. SPAH for me could never be quite the same without the Fischettes and
> Grace's donated (and extraordinary) photographs. I  remember when someone
> asked her why she so generously gave people the photos she took of
> them--often
> album cover quality close-ups (when other photographers present charged for
>  theirs), and she simply shrugged and said she loved to do it. It was her
> hobby  and her fun.
>
>
> We all impatiently awaited the results after the first year--knowing  her
> photos would be wonderful--and would capture SPAH moments very few  would
> think to shoot. I know she took thousands of shots--once attempting to
>  show me
> how her camera worked when I asked...which sailed right over my head.  She
> was so much more than some people realized: funny as heck, a great judge of
> people and an absolute sweetheart.
>
>
> I'll treasure the times we spent together because she was so very  special.
> My heart aches for you and your family. Thank you so much for taking  the
> time to let us know.
>
> We love you both,
> Elizabeth
>
>