Some of you may remember Tama Blough, who blogged at CaFleureBon. She also commented here as Tama and was a regular member of the Now Smell This community for quite some time (the image above was her gravatar).
Tama now has terminal cancer. Nina Zolotow, who comments here as SuddenlyInexplicably, is coordinating a fundraiser to help cover Tama's living and health care expenses so she can remain at home as long as possible. If you can help, the details are at GiveForward.
Thanks so much for posting this, Robin! I got all choked up when I saw the image you chose. Because the reason I even met Tama and became friends with her—and connected up with a whole group of wonderful, real-life perfume friends—is because Tama commented here on your blog, and invited people to meet up in person in San Francisco.
I add my thanks for posting this. Tama was one of my first friends in the perfume community and I met her here at NST many moons ago.
Over the years Tama has contributed so much to the perfume community through her writing, her tireless efforts to coordinate fun perfume adventures in the San Francisco area, her humor , her photos and just her generally being a supportive friend to so many. And of course we all know about his royal highness, Buster, the furry, four-footed ruler of all he surveys. And thank you to Nina for being the driving force behind organizing some much needed help for Tama & Buster.
Nina & Daisy, it was such a shock to hear about Tama. She is lucky to have such great friends looking after her — I salute you both, and of course will keep Tama in my thoughts.
I, too, am keeping Tama in my thoughts and sending her wishes for comfort and peace. Although we’ve only met once, I saw right away that she’s a terrific person–funny, generous, and insightful–and I liked her instantly.
Thank you Robin, for posting this. Tama has been a very generous and kind friend to all of us in the perfume community.
I might add Robin, we (in the SF/Bay Area) have you to thank in thank, Tama and I initially met through Now Smell This.
I know Tama through her reviews at CaFleurebon and she’s always felt like a kindred spirit. I am so sorry to hear of this
Thank you, again, Robin, for posting this. I have never met Tama “IRL” as they say, but have always enjoyed her writing and comments online and through social media. She is obviously a well-loved person, as along with PayPal donations (which several people, including me, have made) and a scent auction, the donation total already in a few days is remarkable. Absolutely every bit will help and go to the support of a wonderful perfumista.
Erin, that’s how I paid too and should have mentioned it in case anyone else would prefer — you can contact Nina via the GiveForward page, or contact me and I will hook you up with Nina.
Robin, thank you so much for posting this. So many of us are heartbroken about Tama. I’ve been lucky enough to become close to and spend time with her in SF in the past few years. Count me among those who first got to know her and many other dear friends through the comments threads here at NST. There’s truly such a community and fellowship among so many groups of perfumistas and I feel enriched by those groups into which I’ve fallen.
Best to you.
[Ed. note: lmktacwa…I am sorry but I have removed the first part of your comment. This is not the time or place for health advice. You’re welcome to leave it again on a more general post here, like an open thread poll or something.]
Good luck and good health to Tama!
I was thinking a few days ago that I hadn’t seen comments from Tama for a while – so sad to know the cause. I always pricked up my ears to hear her favorites and suggestions.
I was saddened to hear that Tama passed away.Condolences to her family,and the rest of the perfume community who knew and loved her!