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Post by William the Bloody on Mar 8, 2006 18:53:10 GMT -5
Nan Dibble The Soul of Character Then Angel says, “Let’s go to work.”
The last words of the last episode of Angel, the Series.
The appeals and ads and letter writing came to nothing. However, there are Jossverse movies in our future--Firefly, at least, and perhaps Buffy/Angelverse vampire TV movies, as well.
Even if our only work is waiting and hoping, let’s go to work.
Nan Dibble 7/12/04 Acknowledgement: As always, I am indebted for the gladly shared insights, wit, and general snarkiness of my fellow S’cubies: the members of the Soulful Spike Society.Thus Nan ended her final ANGEL review for the website. She was as heartbroken as any fan for the close of the series. But, she had been through it before, with the loss of her other fantasy world, Beauty and the Beast. And she was reluctant to let her hopes rise again. She knew what losing a live show meant to a fandom; that it inevitably spells its doom to becoming a mausoleum. She knew that allowing yourself to hope meant that most likely you would get yourself dashed to little tiny pieces.
But, even with her first-hand knowledge of the inevitable pain that would follow, she also knew that you had to try. She understood as well as any of us the whole concept of "If nothing you do matters, then all that matters is what you do." So, she threw herself once more into the fray, assisted the Save ANGEL campaigns as best she could, and really... never gave up hope. Nan not only was a character, Nan had character.
I am glad that Nan had received words from Whedon himself that the Spike movie was a very much sought after project and that he confirmed in his own tight-lipped way that it would most likely happen. Because, for Nan, that had to come as recognition that there was always hope. As her quote of Julia said for so long on her signature line: "I do not know that there is reason for hope; all I know is there's room for hope." Nan had confirmation that there is indeed always room.
One can not help but wonder at the syncronicity of Nan's final avatar choice and quote:
Well, that's done. Wonder what's next?
We all wonder too, dear lady and friend. And no matter the particulars of any beliefs, I think we all hope that you are there waiting for us and watching us and will perhaps be one of the folks that finally imparts the wisdom of the ages upon us.
And thank you oh so very much for helping lead the way in the formation of this merry band of fans. What you did was great.
Vlad
_________________________
Please feel free to use this thread to share your thoughts and memories of Nan Dibble.
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Post by S'ewing S'cubie on Mar 8, 2006 18:58:08 GMT -5
Thank you for this thread, Vlad. I'm reposting this from the main thread. If anyone didn't see it, it's what I read at Patti's service and I think it's appropriate here, too.
The Next Room ~by: Canon Henry Scott Holland~Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. What ever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant, It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Amen
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Post by Matthew on Mar 8, 2006 19:00:34 GMT -5
Thank you, Mitchel. That's beautiful. More words later, maybe, when I can string them together.
God.
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 8, 2006 19:17:49 GMT -5
That is so beautiful and perfect, Vlad. Thanks for writing and sharing it.
Nan was a unique and lovely lady. I think I'm the zillionth person today to say she was the first one to welcome me to BtVS fandom - when I posted my first post, at ScoopMe. I was quite nervous about it, and made a comment about how I had been lurking for awhile, but had registered so I could share a thought about the ep under discussion (which was "Him" from Season 7 BtVS).
Nan was the first reponse I got, and it was warm and welcoming. She told me she had really liked my comment, and hoped I would post more. Which I did.
A few weeks later, one of the . . . not so nice posters on that board make a sarcastic and critical comment about Spike fans, sort of dismissing us and our opinions as the rantings of infatuated brains. Nan was offended and said something to the effect that she didn't feel comfortable posting there anymore, and said her good bye. I remember she was very gentle about it.
She immediately had several posters - including me - posting "come back! don't let one nasty poster drive you away!" And so she did come back.
I'm just glad I got to know her - especially to meet her face-to-face.
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Post by Becky H on Mar 8, 2006 20:05:57 GMT -5
Nan Dibble was a wise and welcoming and wonderful person.
Her wisdom was obvious yet she never, despite holding the office of Grammar Nazi, was overbearing. What can I say about her as a writer? Always a model of what can be achieved, always willing to share her experience, but never arrogant and never obnoxious.
Her welcoming words on ScoopMe were among the first to tell me that I had found the right place to discuss the Whedonverse with wit, soul, and intelligence.
She lived her life, especially when faced with hard times, with resilience and relish for the wonder of the ordinary. When she had to sell her car, she remembered to enjoy the wind in her face as she rode her scooter. When she was worried about her heating bill, she enjoyed the warmth of her cats. When she had a special epicurean treat, she made sure to share the recipe with all of us. I admired, and still do, her courage and fortitude.
She was a great lady and will be sorely missed.
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Post by Rhonda Collins on Mar 8, 2006 20:07:17 GMT -5
Nan Dibble The Soul of Character Then Angel says, “Let’s go to work.”
The last words of the last episode of Angel, the Series.
The appeals and ads and letter writing came to nothing. However, there are Jossverse movies in our future--Firefly, at least, and perhaps Buffy/Angelverse vampire TV movies, as well.
Even if our only work is waiting and hoping, let’s go to work.
Nan Dibble 7/12/04 Acknowledgement: As always, I am indebted for the gladly shared insights, wit, and general snarkiness of my fellow S’cubies: the members of the Soulful Spike Society.Thus Nan ended her final ANGEL review for the website. She was as heartbroken as any fan for the close of the series. But, she had been through it before, with the loss of her other fantasy world, Beauty and the Beast. And she was reluctant to let her hopes rise again. She knew what losing a live show meant to a fandom; that it inevitably spells its doom to becoming a mausoleum. She knew that allowing yourself to hope meant that most likely you would get yourself dashed to little tiny pieces.
But, even with her first-hand knowledge of the inevitable pain that would follow, she also knew that you had to try. She understood as well as any of us the whole concept of "If nothing you do matters, then all that matters is what you do." So, she threw herself once more into the fray, assisted the Save ANGEL campaigns as best she could, and really... never gave up hope. Nan not only was a character, Nan had character.
I am glad that Nan had received words from Whedon himself that the Spike movie was a very much sought after project and that he confirmed in his own tight-lipped way that it would most likely happen. Because, for Nan, that had to come as recognition that there was always hope. As her quote of Julia said for so long on her signature line: "I do not know that there is reason for hope; all I know is there's room for hope." Nan had confirmation that there is indeed always room.
One can not help but wonder at the syncronicity of Nan's final avatar choice and quote:
Well, that's done. Wonder what's next?
We all wonder too, dear lady and friend. And no matter the particulars of any beliefs, I think we all hope that you are there waiting for us and watching us and will perhaps be one of the folks that finally imparts the wisdom of the ages upon us.
And thank you oh so very much for helping lead the way in the formation of this merry band of fans. What you did was great.
Vlad
_________________________
Please feel free to use this thread to share your thoughts and memories of Nan Dibble. I've been concerned for Nan for some time, and any time I couldn't reach her, I always knew I could find out what she was up to by reading posts here. I am so glad that in her last few years she had this board and all of you, and more than anything, I'm glad that in this part of her life she was inspired and writing. She never really felt alive unless she was writing. Nan has always been very much a loner, and the internet was good for her and to her. Fandom has been good for her, and good to her as well. But mostly, she was good for fandom, and good to us. There are no words in my vocabulary that can possibly express the depth of sorrow I feel at her loss. She was friend, mentor and editor...and big sister. I loved her dearly. Thank you all for holding her in your hearts. Love, Rhonda
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Alexandra
S'cubie
Founder
"You never had it so good as me. Never."
Posts: 108
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Post by Alexandra on Mar 8, 2006 22:15:49 GMT -5
I knew Nan wasn't feeling well, but I didn't realize her illness was life-threatening. When Vlad emailed me I was totally shocked. Nan was one of the original posters on the precursor to this web site. She was thought-provoking, amusing, witty, and often trenchant with her posts. Nothing wishy-washy in her writing! A lot of the original posters counted on Nan as an expert in grammar and punctuation for their fan fiction and she was very gracious in helping out.
I am very sorry to lose her and am so glad I got to meet her in person last September at the Scubiefest.
Alexandra
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Post by Queen E on Mar 8, 2006 22:40:22 GMT -5
I don't quite know what to say yet, but thank you for a lovely tribute, Vlad.
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Post by makd on Mar 9, 2006 0:33:48 GMT -5
Thank you, Vlad.
That was wonderful. Nan was one of the first folks I met online, and she was welcoming, warm, generous, and funny.
She was one of the souls of the Scubieboard, and she will be missed and talked about and loved for a long, long, long, long, time.
Her loss is like an earthquake throughout the fandom. Out in LJ-land, the tributes are pouring out from readers and friends in a tsunami of grief, love, and loss.
Can't speak for anyone else, but I'm a bit numb, still, about it.
My prayers and hope and hugs and warmth to all Nan's friends and family here in Scubieland, and in the Real World, as well.
thanks again, Vlad. It's good to know that you're there, solid, true, supportive, and all those good things. Once again, I thank you.
makd
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Post by Wendy on Mar 9, 2006 1:06:23 GMT -5
Nan Dibble The Soul of Character Then Angel says, “Let’s go to work.”
The last words of the last episode of Angel, the Series.
The appeals and ads and letter writing came to nothing. However, there are Jossverse movies in our future--Firefly, at least, and perhaps Buffy/Angelverse vampire TV movies, as well.
Even if our only work is waiting and hoping, let’s go to work.
Nan Dibble 7/12/04 Acknowledgement: As always, I am indebted for the gladly shared insights, wit, and general snarkiness of my fellow S’cubies: the members of the Soulful Spike Society.Thus Nan ended her final ANGEL review for the website. She was as heartbroken as any fan for the close of the series. But, she had been through it before, with the loss of her other fantasy world, Beauty and the Beast. And she was reluctant to let her hopes rise again. She knew what losing a live show meant to a fandom; that it inevitably spells its doom to becoming a mausoleum. She knew that allowing yourself to hope meant that most likely you would get yourself dashed to little tiny pieces.
But, even with her first-hand knowledge of the inevitable pain that would follow, she also knew that you had to try. She understood as well as any of us the whole concept of "If nothing you do matters, then all that matters is what you do." So, she threw herself once more into the fray, assisted the Save ANGEL campaigns as best she could, and really... never gave up hope. Nan not only was a character, Nan had character.
I am glad that Nan had received words from Whedon himself that the Spike movie was a very much sought after project and that he confirmed in his own tight-lipped way that it would most likely happen. Because, for Nan, that had to come as recognition that there was always hope. As her quote of Julia said for so long on her signature line: "I do not know that there is reason for hope; all I know is there's room for hope." Nan had confirmation that there is indeed always room.
One can not help but wonder at the syncronicity of Nan's final avatar choice and quote:
Well, that's done. Wonder what's next?
We all wonder too, dear lady and friend. And no matter the particulars of any beliefs, I think we all hope that you are there waiting for us and watching us and will perhaps be one of the folks that finally imparts the wisdom of the ages upon us.
And thank you oh so very much for helping lead the way in the formation of this merry band of fans. What you did was great.
Vlad
_________________________
Please feel free to use this thread to share your thoughts and memories of Nan Dibble. Vlad, thank you for these lovely words.
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Post by Matthew on Mar 9, 2006 1:48:45 GMT -5
Nan Dibble The Soul of Character Vlad... wow. She'd have loved this: surrounded by the two characters that shaped her life for so long. Thank you.
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Post by Cal on Mar 9, 2006 3:48:55 GMT -5
Thank you, Vlad. I can't find the words to say anything else right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Post by Lola m on Mar 9, 2006 8:20:05 GMT -5
Nan Dibble The Soul of Character Then Angel says, “Let’s go to work.”
The last words of the last episode of Angel, the Series.
The appeals and ads and letter writing came to nothing. However, there are Jossverse movies in our future--Firefly, at least, and perhaps Buffy/Angelverse vampire TV movies, as well.
Even if our only work is waiting and hoping, let’s go to work.
Nan Dibble 7/12/04 Acknowledgement: As always, I am indebted for the gladly shared insights, wit, and general snarkiness of my fellow S’cubies: the members of the Soulful Spike Society.Thus Nan ended her final ANGEL review for the website. She was as heartbroken as any fan for the close of the series. But, she had been through it before, with the loss of her other fantasy world, Beauty and the Beast. And she was reluctant to let her hopes rise again. She knew what losing a live show meant to a fandom; that it inevitably spells its doom to becoming a mausoleum. She knew that allowing yourself to hope meant that most likely you would get yourself dashed to little tiny pieces.
But, even with her first-hand knowledge of the inevitable pain that would follow, she also knew that you had to try. She understood as well as any of us the whole concept of "If nothing you do matters, then all that matters is what you do." So, she threw herself once more into the fray, assisted the Save ANGEL campaigns as best she could, and really... never gave up hope. Nan not only was a character, Nan had character.
I am glad that Nan had received words from Whedon himself that the Spike movie was a very much sought after project and that he confirmed in his own tight-lipped way that it would most likely happen. Because, for Nan, that had to come as recognition that there was always hope. As her quote of Julia said for so long on her signature line: "I do not know that there is reason for hope; all I know is there's room for hope." Nan had confirmation that there is indeed always room.
One can not help but wonder at the syncronicity of Nan's final avatar choice and quote:
Well, that's done. Wonder what's next?
We all wonder too, dear lady and friend. And no matter the particulars of any beliefs, I think we all hope that you are there waiting for us and watching us and will perhaps be one of the folks that finally imparts the wisdom of the ages upon us.
And thank you oh so very much for helping lead the way in the formation of this merry band of fans. What you did was great.
Vlad
_________________________
Please feel free to use this thread to share your thoughts and memories of Nan Dibble. The picture is perfect - wonderfully perfectly perfect. Flanked by Vincent and Spike and looking quintessentially Nan. It's so really really hard to write something. Because Nan would have written something beautiful and simple yet elegant and real. And I'm not a writer. I was so starstruck by Nan. Kind of "oh my gosh that's really Nan Dibble, she's talking to me", you know? What a smart, kind, gracious, giving, hardworking, talented, amazing person and writer she was! So I'm really glad I met her and had a chance to learn that.
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Post by Pixi on Mar 9, 2006 9:00:50 GMT -5
Vlad- that was a lovely tribute to Nan and a perfect picture. Thank you for taking the time to write such a touching, lovely tribute. I didn't know Nan as well as everyone else - posts in passing, correspondence over Beauty and the Beast but I have always been impressed with her spirit in adversity and the flame of her personality which seemed to burn quietly but fiercely. She would have felt so comfortable in the underground world of B&B and seemed to move as a quiet anchor in the background of the S'cubie board. I love the thought expressed yesterday that Nan and Patti are catching up and sharing joy in bodies that no longer are plagued by all the limitations they faced before. I picture them happy. I picture them serene. I share my comfort for all those hurting so much right now and I share my joy that Nan will live on in your memories, her printed words and the friendships she formed. I bow in tribute. We'll miss you on the board Nan. Thanks for touching my life before you moved on.
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Mar 9, 2006 9:34:08 GMT -5
A beautiful tribute, Vlad, and I love the picture.
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