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Line Gauthier Biography

WORKS SELF-PUBLISHED:

HAIGA: A Day In Halifax (24p); A Tour Of Ashby Lake (24p); Ageless Youth (24p); As Night Falls (24p); Banff (24p); Boardwalk (24p); Bridging The Gap (40p); Butterfly Kisses (24p); Butterfly Wings (66p); Chasing Dreams (40p); Day In The Park (24p); I Love Lilacs (94p); I Remember The Poppies (46p); Inner Peace (24p); Lilacs (24p,40p); Lily of the Valley (48p); Meadows (74p); Poppies (24p); Retro (24p); Spring Comes (24p); Sundown At Ashby Lake (24p); Sunrise At Ashby Lake (24p); Thru A Child's Eye (24p); Weeping Willows (24p,48p); Wild Roses (24p,40p,100p).

HAIBUN/PHOTOS: Ancestral Voices (80p); Primitive (24p).

POEM/PHOTOS: A Day In Sarnia (24p); A Mother'sHeart (40p); Across The Line (24p); After the Rain (64p); Afternoon At Pink Lake (24p); Bliss (24p); By Water's Edge (44p); Carpe Diem (24p); Diving In (24p,46p); Fall Fiesta (74p); Flying DownThe Highway (24p); Given Wings (24p); Going West (24p); Good Morning Sunshine (24p); Hanging Out (24p); Hello Butterfly (24p); I Dreamt (24p); I Wonder (24p); If Only (24p); In A Wink (24p); Koy Garden (24 p); Lessons Learned From Cat Sitting (22p); Merrickville (24p); Montreal Under Clouds (24p); New World (24p); New Year (24p); Outside My Window (46p); Peonies (24p); Rainy Mondays (24p); Rendezvous At Sundown (24p); Rolling Clouds (24p); Sunrise Meditation (24p,48p); Table For One (24p); The Road To My Father’s House (72p); Thru The Lens At Ashby Lake (24p); Waterlilies (24p); Waterlily Garden (42p); Wealth (24p); Winter Calm (76p); Zen Garden (24p); Zen Moments (24p).

MINI ANTHOLOGY/PHOTOS : A Child's World (24p); A Poem Born (24p); A Simple Man (24p); Always With Me (24p); Bygone Days Of Summer (24p); Caffeine Infusion (24p); Can't Imagine (24p); Censored (24p); Clouds Meander (24p); Covid 2020 (24p); Dark Clouds (24p); Gatekeeper (24p); Namaste (24p); Random Musings volumes 1,2,3,4 (24p each); Ribbons & Clouds (62p); Seeking Peace Of Mind (24p); Snow White (24p); Sunlit Ripples (24p); Sunsetting Whispers (24p); The Power Of Two (24p).

POEM/SKETCHES : Flash Memory Therapy (32p,92p); Play.Enjoy.Relax.Create. (24p); THE STORY OF DENNIS in four tomes (biographical prose/sketches 50/48/44/54p).

ABOUT ME : Late babyboomer Canadian born in the beautiful Eastern Townships of Quebec, and raised in Northern Ontario. Fell in love with Ottawa where I received my B.A. with a major in french literature. Still living in Ottawa, I'm finding out that oncoming golden years offer a very rich perspective on life and beauty.

The themes of my poetry are found in everyday life. I write mostly free verse but I'm also a member of Haiku Canada and have had haiku published in various anthologies.

Please visit often my growing collection of poems and I hope you find many will resonate with you. I'd love to hear your comments.

By the way, my name is pronounced Lynn, and my avatar is an ink painting I created on rice paper years ago. The symbol means PLAY - something I have finally learned to do in later years and poetry is definitely my favorite form of play.

MY 20 MOST DEFINING POEMS :

BIOGRAPHICAL :

https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/i_am_1247728

I Am - unveils the true me

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/armand_1934-2001_1159342

Armand (1934-2001) – tribute to my father, a significant role model in my formative years

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/flash_memory_therapy_1006627

Flash Memory Therapy – this was an innovative idea I had so I sketched over 400 sketches of my memories

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/how_could_i_not_remember_944854

How Could I Not Remember – tribute to my grand-mother, the first true love of my life

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/my_fondest_wishes_as_a_child_1038735

My Fondest Wishes As A Child – the innocent years before any of the disappointments of life

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/paradigm_shift_932565

Paradigm Shift – this is about an important life transforming moment in my life

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/welcome_to_my_avatar_1106649

Welcome to My Avatar – I was packing up my brushes disappointed and said I'll try one more ~ my avatar is the result of not giving up

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/what_i_remember_most_1164514

What I Remember Most – tribute to my mother, my role model in so many ways during my most impressionable years

FANTASY :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/photography_meraki_967433

Photography Meraki – I let my whimsy loose to have fun expressing my passion for photography

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_elephant_and_the_ant_996862

The Elephant and the Ant – my personal whimsical favorite that combines my love for monorhymes and children’s literature

GRIEF :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/bagpipes_wail_1135902

Bagpipes Wail – picturing my own funeral ~ bagpipes make me very emotional

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/mooney_1022865

Mooney – my warmest bonding moment ever with a pet

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_c_bomb_1055797

The C Bomb – about my husband being diagnosed with cancer

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_caterpillar_who_refused_to_die_1070901

The Caterpillar Who Refused To Die – this is me not seeing the big picture, not realizing I am meant to become a butterfly

NATURE :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/land_of_mine_1053797

Land Of Mine – I felt very patriotic while writing this poem

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_road_to_my_fathers_house_1171466

The Road To My Father’s House – driving 'home' to visit, I always felt an awesome closeness to the countryside my father was deeply connected to

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/waterlily_alley_985984

Waterlily Alley – this poem marries my passion for whimsy, nature, canoeing and waterlilies

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/whale_songs_946382

Whale Songs – expresses my deep spiritual affinity to these gentle giants

ZEN :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/borrowed_bits_of_spirituality_998634

Borrowed Bits Of Spirituality – my heart is in this piece

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/sunrise_meditation_1114372

Sunrise Meditation – it felt surreal to dream up the only meditation piece in my portfolio

TIME :

www.poetrysoup.com/poem/slipping_away_1150248

Slipping Away – it’s an A to Z look at myself

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November 28, 2020 ~ in appreciation

Blog Posted by Line Gauthier: 11/29/2020 6:59:00 AM

We had the visitation service on Saturday afternoon by the Ottawa River. It was a lovely location, windy and cold but the sun came out in the end. You had to be bundled well for sure.

After it all, I was home feeling surprisingly calm. Probably because it went really well. It was wonderful that we were able to hook up many invitees to participate by zoom, including my mother, family members in Halifax/Montreal and other friends. Hooray for technology when it works.

It was a wonderful tribute and sendoff. I opened it up by reading the little speech below, then Dennis' daughter Jennifer spoke ~ we were surprised that we held it together, we're tougher than we give ourselves credit for. We had a reader kindly read the long list of all the wishes of condolences that had come in.

Many of my friends here on PoetrySoup were on that list and I thank you.

I'll share with you my little speech :

Today is November 28, 2020 ~
We pay tribute to my husband EDWARD DENNIS WICKS ~ the man, the legend ~ the funny guy with a million stories and the infectious laugh. His glass was never half empty, it was always full to the brim.

Some people might have thought that Dennis didn’t have a serious side. But Dennis was very serious about the people he loved. He loved his wife, he loved his children, he was crazy about his grandson Aaron, and he loved his many family and friends fiercely.

For years before Dennis’ cancer, we would semi-joke around about THIS day ~ he would always say that he wanted a big party with music, laughter and fun, NO TEARS and NO LONG FACES ~ just everyone remembering good times. Dennis would say that he wanted to be propped up by the bar. And I’d answer that I was going to pickle him and put him in my fridge.

So today is not a day for tears and long faces ~ there will be plenty of time for those. Today is about Dennis and how he touched people everywhere he went. I’ve never seen anyone make friends so easily.

I don’t know how I got so lucky to have him in my life as my adorable husband. I truly did hit the jackpot.

I’m not surprised that today is the 28th~ we used to say everything happened to us on the 28th:
- our first date
- moving into our condo
- the purchase of our home
- our four-day wedding
- and now, Dennis’ final farewell
For most of us though, it’s far from final. Dennis’ memory can never be erased.

In my heart, Dennis has given me enough love to last a lifetime. I feel him with me at all times. For me it hasn’t sunk in that he’s really gone and I hope it never does.

As we share in the loss of Dennis ~ my family is crushed : my mother Edith, my brothers Jean[Joanne] & Michel, my sisters Lucie[Larry] & Marie, our best man at our wedding Bob, our nieces Sarah, Amanda & Stephanie, our nephew Philippe.

My condolences go out to the big warm Wicks family who has become mine. A few of the family members are actually already up in the sky, joined by Dennis. These are all Dennis' siblings: Betty, Jim, Ruth & Ernie, Barbara & Greg, Patsy & Gordon, Chris & Ben, and he has many nieces & nephews.

My deepest condolences will be ongoing with Jennifer, Jeff, Paige and Aaron. As we grow together to face life WITHOUT a husband, a father and grandfather, we will be somewhat comforted when we realize that being together as a loving family, is how we will continue to honor Dennis’ life and legacy.

One big consolation is that there’s a long list of many loved ones already up in heaven that were eager to welcome Dennis. So have your party up there, honey ~ down here we’re still dealing with Covid.

REST IN PEACE, DENNIS.
I LOVE YOU
AND ALWAYS ALWAYS WILL

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Suzanne Delaney

December 3, 2020 at 5:08 AM

Dear Line: Such a wonderful tribute and what courage it must have taken to not have tears. My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband and friend. Words fail at this point. SuZ

Line Gauthier

December 3, 2020 at 6:38 PM

Thank you so much, SuZ. My Mom was on the live feed, that gave me the strength I needed to pull it together.

William Kelii Kekaula

December 2, 2020 at 3:17 AM

Our sincerest sympathy, Line, for your loss of Dennis, a wondrous man that you have beautifully memorialized. May Our loving Father in Heaven comfort you and your loved ones, Grace be unto you now and forever, Aloha.

Line Gauthier

December 2, 2020 at 7:52 AM

Thank you very much, William. Most appreciated ~

Andrea Dietrich

November 30, 2020 at 2:40 PM

Your eulogy for him was outstanding and so filled with love, Line. How interesting about the number 28 for you guys. You may know (or not) that I am really into numbers. 28 is actually ONE in numerology. 2 plus 8 is 10 and 10 reduces down to 1 plus 0 or ONE. So it's a very appropriate number for FIRSTS with you guys! Keep being strong and know that your Soup family is here for you. Hugs!

Andrea Dietrich

December 1, 2020 at 7:38 AM

God bless you, Line!

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:17 AM

That certainly is interesting about the number 28. Thank you so much for your visit and comment, Andrea ~

Krish Radhakrishna

November 30, 2020 at 1:57 PM

Line Our condolences again and may God give you the strength to bear this loss. This is a lovely farewell speech and it is very touching. You have given us a quick insight into Dennis’s personality. With warm regards Krish

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:18 AM

Thanks, Krish ~ most appreciated

Ann Gilmour

November 30, 2020 at 8:14 AM

Dearest Line this is such a wonderful tribute to dear Dennis and I am so happy that you found this day so cathartic ~ for of course Dennis was right there by your side with the biggest smile... Bless you both my friend. With kindest thoughts and love and hugs from Ann xx

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:19 AM

Absolutely, Ann. The sun came out in all its glory. Dennis was there for sure ~ it was appropriate that it was by a river. Freedom was the theme ~ we were setting him free

Beata Agustin

November 30, 2020 at 5:43 AM

Thanks for sharing this with us. You are in my prayers. God bless you.

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:19 AM

Thank you so much, Beata. So kind ~

Edward Ibeh

November 30, 2020 at 4:28 AM

Such a beautiful tribute that brought tears to my eyes, Line. I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. God bless...{Hugs}

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:20 AM

Thanks for your support, Edward ~

Eve Roper

November 30, 2020 at 1:06 AM

Truly wonderful tribute to a man that loved and enjoyed life with a loving and caring lady that spent it with him. He will always hold your hand. Blessings

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:20 AM

Thank you so much, Eve. I certainly am a lucky lady to have had Dennis in my life.

Constance La France

November 29, 2020 at 6:02 PM

Line, oh this truly touched my heart, you are so strong to take care of Dennis through his cancer and now at his farewell, he will always be in that special place in your heart, you are starting a new chapter in your life now and Dennis will be the wings beneath your feet, God Bless _Constance

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:21 AM

Absolutely, Constance. Thank you for your lovely comment ~

Sam Kauffman

November 29, 2020 at 5:00 PM

What a beautiful celebration of a precious life, Line! He left an incredible legacy. Love the picture. What a smile. Think of you often. You and your family remain in my thoughts and my prayers.

Line Gauthier

December 1, 2020 at 6:21 AM

Thank you so much, Sam. most appreciated ~

Besma Riabi Dziri

November 29, 2020 at 1:27 PM

I'm happy to read such heartfelt words of love and gratitude.. I feel serenity and contentment.. Family and loved ones are blessings from God, they share our bliss and grief.. relish in the beauty of their souls, their love and warmth.. all the sweet memories and love of your precious husband, May he rest in peace, are a boon to your heart and life.. Stay always happy and blessed, dear Line. Love and hugs.

Line Gauthier

November 29, 2020 at 4:45 PM

Thank you so much for your heartfelt words, Besma ~

John Watt

November 29, 2020 at 12:06 PM

Line, you couldn't have said it better. Dennis must have felt very lucky to have been your soulmate, even as you "hit the jackpot" with him. I'm glad all went well and that you could celebrate his life with your loved ones in this way. Thank you ever so much for sharing this with your Soup community. ~ John

Line Gauthier

November 29, 2020 at 12:42 PM

Thanks, John. I've had so much support, I simply had to share this update ~