Mourning Letters

I just received word that someone I knew and loved had passed away. While numbly surfing the web with memories and loss entering me like a dense fog, I decided to see how this was reflected years ago in letters.

Believe it or not, yes, there was such a thing as a "Mourning Letters" and had a certain look to them. Quite beautiful:

http://www.victorianweb.org/technology/letters/condolence.html

http://www.19thcenturypost.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=25153586

http://www.earsathome.com/webgil/gpmduty7.html

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2090495@N23/pool/ravenrain80/?view=lg

and here is a new take on it

http://www.feltandwire.com/2010/08/11/a-new-morning-for-mourning-stationery/

BUT, what threw me was how similar this stationary is to the last works of my favorite artist,
Mark Rothko done just before he committed suicide at age 70. Please note the borders on the paintings:

http://thefineartdiner.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-is-art-is-interpretation-possible.html

http://www.nga.gov/feature/rothko/late6.shtm


Fare thee well, Mama Menzel. Your love and belief kept one of the most beautiful flowers within the garden of my life alive.