Fiesta Friday

Food + Friends = Fun

By

A Special Fiesta Friday Tribute to Selma

Selma badge


Some of you have heard of the unbearable news. Nonetheless to the rest who haven’t, it’s no less painful for us to be the bearers of the sad news of a dear friend’s passing. Selma of Selma’s Table, whom we have the honor of calling a sister in spirit, passed away on Saturday July 4th, after losing her battle with cancer.

In losing Selma, we at Fiesta Friday have lost an encouraging supporter and co-host, a loyal advocate, and a true friend who was generous with her time and knowledge.

Selma touched many lives. We know you share the same sentiments about her. We understand that you, too, want to show your appreciation for all that Selma had brought to our community as a whole and to your blogging experience personally.

So amidst our collective grief, but with love and deep admiration, we would like to dedicate a special Fiesta Friday in her honor. We are celebrating Selma, her life and her talents as a writer, a cook, a photographer, and a stylist in a Special Fiesta Friday.

GUIDELINES

WHAT? It’s a Selma Fiesta. Create a post with Selma in mind.

  • Your post can be an anecdote, a poem, or story about or related to Selma.
  • Your post can also be about a dish or two that you create using Selma’s recipes.
  • Your post can be about a dish/recipe that you create and dedicate to Selma.
  • You can link as many posts as you like, as long as they’re all Selma-themed and dedicated in her memory.
  • All posts must be linked to Selma’s blog, Selma’s Table.

WHEN? It starts now and it will stay open until everyone has the chance to participate and honor Selma.

WHERE? Fiesta Friday Tribute to Selma is hosted here on this blog, FiestaFriday.net, as well as foodbod, The Not So Creative Cook, and birgerbird. There will be a link prompt on all 4 blogs.

*****

Link your tribute to Selma. Share with us how or what you do to honor her. To link your post, click on the blue “Add Your Link” prompt below. Thank you all for sharing!

[inlinkz_linkup id=545149 mode=1]

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Comments

  1. I’m speechless… I didn’t know that Selma was struggling against cancer. I had checked her blog out a couple of weeks ago, I thought she was just very busy…. I’m very sorry, she was a super cute person, thanks a lot Angie for letting us know….

    • yes and you two had something in common in that you were both Food52 recipe contest winners! Glad to see you here.

      • Selma encouraged me to join Food52 as well, but I did not figure out how it works. She will be remembered in so many ways.

  3. Angie – I was planning to post a new recipe using my sourdough starter Rosebud who is a daughter of her Twinkle starter she so generously sent me earlier this year. I think of her often when I make sourdough bread, pancakes (already posted) and now maybe a dessert. I feel it really is a part of her and what she was. Is this okay?

  4. There is so much to say…almost too much for me to bear xxx

    This is a perfect way to honour and thank our wonderful friend for everything she shared with us xx

    • Hi Dini, you are one of the most prolific Fiesta Friday participants and so I know you must have had plenty of kudos from Selma. Good to see you here.

    • I know Claudia. We miss her so much. I think having this permanent record devoted to her with lots of photos and recipes and comments is so moving and appropriate.

  8. I’m so saddened and shocked to hear this news, she was such a bright and supportive blogger – one of the first blogging friends I made in fact.

    Selma Fiesta is such a lovely idea, it just goes to show what a supportive and loving community you’ve created here Angie – and Selma was, of course, a huge part of building it -so it seems like the perfect tribute we could pay her.
    I’m going to get thinking about how I’m going to honour her for it now. x

    • I called Selma my “right-hand man” when it comes to Fiesta Friday. She had co-hosted more than anybody else. She did more than I could ever ask for. I will truly miss her.

    • Michelle, thank you. You are also such an awesome presence in our food blogging community and I really look forward to seeing what piece of magnificence you are going to prepare!

  10. I don’t know what to say, Angie, or where to start. There are more to say that I don’t even know how to begin. 🙁

  13. A wonderful tribute Angie and great idea Elaine. I cooked her spicy chicken last Friday so shall add this to a post. I still feel she is here watching us all. Still smiling. I feel for all of those that lost her esp her family namely her son it is heartbreaking x

  14. Oh Angie, so saddened to learn of Selma’s death. I did not know she had been ill. I was a huge fan of her blog and was inspired by her photography and creative kitchen offerings. Selma reached out to me when I first came to FF and sent me a long, detailed personal email to teach me how to do link ups. I saved her email instructions and always think of her when I do a link up. She was also the one who gently taught me FF manners in thanking the hosts. She held my blogging hand more than once and I am indebted to her. One of my favorite recipes was her harissa and herb stuffed lamb. I am traveliing out of the country this week but will annotated the lamb post and repost it as a tribute to Selma. So tragic and sad to lose our Selma. Thank you for letting us know.

    • Everything you’ve said is true and I think we all found her just so helpful and thoughtful. And obviously knowledgeable. Thank you for joining us, Johanne.

  15. She was such a kind and supportive woman that many of us didn’t even realize she was ill. My heart is breaking for her family. I keep calling her sourdough starter sparkle when Judi pointed out that it was twinkle. I also gifted with some twinkle and plan a post with “Phoenix” as well. Thank you all for allowing a platform for us to show our support during this tough time.

  16. I am so incredibly shocked and saddened by this. I had no idea- which I guess shows what a kind sweet spirit she had despite her battle. Thank you to the hosts for this Special Fiesta Friday.

    • Her kindness was unmatched. I’ve truly never met anyone so gracious and generous. The tribute is the least we can do to honor her. Thank you for your kind comment. Take care, Tracy XOXO

    • I believe Selma had a vey positive outlook in life that there was no space for anything that can make people sad or upset. I think that was her reason of not telling us anything. She was such an amazing person.

    • I know Tracy, I had no idea either. You are another awesome gal in our little blogging community and we’re happy you joined us.

  17. What a beautiful way to come together and honor Selma’s life. This will be a great tribute, thanks Angie, Elaine and Jhuls. My heart grieves, but know that she is not suffering anymore. I am out of the country at the moment, but before I left, I did prepare one of her dishes, so I have that. Ready to go…..I just need to get my thoughts in order when I get home. You were loved, admired and respected Selma, the blogging community and FF will not be the same. Rest in peace angel.

    • Can’t say it any better myself, Loretta. And you and Selma shared so much in common, you could have been sisters. Well, you were sisters in a way. We’re all are, aren’t we? Bonded by common interests. I’m going to prepare one of her recipes, too. So many to choose from. Stay safe and have fun wherever you are XOXO

    • I couldn’t agree more – the community and FF will never be the same knowing that Selma, one of our sisters with a beautiful soul left us. But she is indeed happier now as she is not suffering anymore. Thanks for being here, Loretta. I agree with Angie that you and Selma share so much in common.

    • Loretta, thanks for your words. We are happy to be hosting this tribute in Selma’s honor and look forward to seeing your post. Stay well.

  18. I want to think that right now, Selma is looking down and reading this post carefully. I can almost guess what she would have replied to all these comments….with her kindness, of course.

    I’ve never thought that I would shed a tear for someone I have never met in person, but I was quite wrong. For the past days, ever since I have known about the news, whenever I thought I would never receive any kind comment from Selma ever again, I had tears in my eyes. I really do miss her.

    I might not be able to meet her in person, but I will remember her fondly, always.

    • Yes Pang, I feel the same way, as I did not meet her in person and have definitely shed some tears since July 4. But also held many fond and warm memories. Wonderful to see you here.

    • That’s what I thought, too – I did not know that I would feel such pain due to a loss of someone I didn’t meet. I feel your pain, Pang. We all do. We will all miss Selma’s long and encouraging comments. Thank you for being here.

  19. I was so shocked and saddened to read this yesterday, but also felt this such a wonderful tribute I got thinking on what I wanted to share in memory to her rather than writing anything here. Then this morning I read Elaine’s lovely post that had me in tears, as did reading through all the other comments here. It’s so clear she touched so many in such a lovely way – it was actually her blog I found in about my first or second week of blogging that led me to Fiesta Friday that has become one of the best parts for me about blogging in terms of community etc. Like many others, I never met her nor knew of her illness, but felt her warmth through her comments and loved her amazing recipes. A sad loss, but as I said a lovely way to pay tribute.

    • It’s amazing how many lives she touched. Goes to show what a phenomenal individual she was. Selma lived her life in a way we all need to strive to do. Truly it’s a huge loss for our Fiesta Friday Family, Caroline. I’m so glad you like the little tribute we put together in her honor.

    • I’m so glad you like the tribute, Selma was so much a part of FF and loved community and the sharing side of blogworld, I think your memories of her say everything xx

    • Selma is such an amazing person. She had invited and had led so many people to Fiesta Friday. I am glad to know that you liked the tribute, Caroline. Thanks for being here.

  20. This is so very tragic to hear. I never interacted extensively with Selma and I didn’t know her anywhere near as well as most, so it isn’t really my place to say anything. She was one of the first FF blogs I started following after joining as a relative latecomer. So what I did know was that her posts were written with such an engaging, conversational tone, and that she responded to my occasional comments very thoughtfully, kindly and sometimes humourously. I’ve read through the tribute posts and they are each so sweet and heartbreaking. I really regret that I never came to know her better and will only be trying to do so now–and for that, being able to read other bloggers’ memories of Selma, this special FF tribute is perfect.

    • Everything you have said about your experience of Selma epitomises her completely: thoughtful, kind and humourous. Thank you for being a part of this tribute, it is such a sad loss, but Selma is with us in every comment and post xx

    • I agree – Selma can be humorous sometimes. Ugh! My tears are slowly falling again. Thanks for being here, Laurie.

  21. Thanks, Angie, for this tribute for Selma, who was such a major part of Fiesta Friday! Her energy and enthusiasm always inspired me. I’ll miss her every week.

  23. Selma was a lovely person who encouraged and supported all of us. She will be missed. Sending all you girlies hugs xo

  24. This is so unbelievable and I am shocked by such news. It shows you have fragile a thing life is, but at least we can remember her for all of the amazing things she has contributed to all of us. I think this tribute to her is wonderful.

  25. Angie, Sue, Elaine, and Jhuls, what a beautiful idea. I’m so sad to hear this news, but I learned so much from Selma in the little bit of time I got to know her through her blog. All the posts in the tribute so far have done a wonderful job at honoring Selma. I’m going to miss her, and thank you for sharing the news with us as well.

  26. What a wonderful tribute to Selma. I did not have the privilege of interacting with her but I see how Selma’s spirit, kindness and encouragement resonates with you and so many bloggers.

  27. I am so saddened to hear this news Angie …although I did not know her well, just a few comments here and there on each others post for Fiesta Friday, I thought of her warmly. She reminded me of a favorite Aunt. She will definitely be missed here at Fiesta Friday as well as in the hearts of many more I am sure. Great idea for this tribute! I will be posting something shortly …in the meantime I will look at all the other wonderful tributes already posting. Thanks so much for letting us know and all you do to make Fiesta Friday a success! <3

    • Thank you, Arlene. We’re looking forward to your post. Selma did touch many people in her unmatched kindness and grace. I’m not surprised you thought of her so highly since you yourself are so kind and gracious. <3

  28. My goodness Angie! I had no idea that Selma had been sick and about her passing! Thanks for posting this tribute to Selma. I had the pleasure of co-hosting FF once with Selma! OMG! I can’t believe this and actually my week couldn’t have got worse. I also got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis this week and still a little bit in shock with that and so this news about selma’s passing away just makes me so sad. Life is so not fair!

    • So sorry, Indu. Didn’t mean to make your week any worse. It does seem like when it rains it pours. I myself was sent to ER just a couple weeks ago, but I’m feeling completely healthy now. Selma’s passing was shocking and sad to many, myself included. The tribute brings some comfort. I hope you’ll have the chance to participate. It doesn’t have any closing date. Take care now! XOXO

  29. Oh Angie, this news is just so sad. As I was saying to Elaine earlier today, I only just learned of Selma’s passing today and was so shocked by it. I have always thought of her as a beautifully sophisticated blogger; someone I look up to and whose talent I strive toward. She has been in my thoughts all day. Her passing is a great loss to our blogging community.
    I am in the process of a complicated move and have not had time to cook or blog for a week now. I won’t have the space to cook for a few months, but I will go through her recipes and plan what I will cook as a tribute to her. My post may not appear for a few months, but I will do it.
    Thanks so much to you, Jhuls, Sue and Elaine for doing this tribute. I am sure that Selma would be so touched by the kindness of her blogging community. <3

    • Selma would be missed a lot by so many. She was just beyond amazing woman. I guess Selma would love if you look out for me in the future Fiesta Fridays, Chef Julianna. Thanks for being here.

  30. Many thanks to all of you for hosting this lovely tribute to Selma. I’m not even a food blogger but she never missed my Fiesta Friday posts and was free with her praise. What an amazing woman, a true inspiration to anyone who dares to put her/his thoughts on a blog. It’s clear that she was well loved.
    Be well,
    Tracey

    • Thanks for the kind words, Tracey. I’m so glad to hear you and Selma had the chance to “meet” and converse. She was a remarkable person. Take care. XOXO

  31. It made me so incredibly sad to hear about Selma. I always read her lovely blog and I interacted with her so many times. I am so glad you, Elaine, Sue and Juhls are doing this and getting us all together sharing our sadness and celebrating a friend who will be missed so much.

    • Selma loved your blog and recipes, Petra. She selected many of your posts. So glad you had the chance to get to know her, even just virtually. We’re all so sad but it’s a comfort knowing we’re not alone. XOXO

  32. I am so, so sad to hear of this news.. My heart breaks for her family. Selma left one of the very first comments on my blog, and was always a warm and wonderful source of encouragement. Though I’ve been on a bit of a blogging hiatus recently, I will always treasure my Fiesta Friday community. Prayers from Virginia…

    • Thank you so much, MB, for your kind words. It doesn’t surprise me that she left you one of the first comments. She was very friendly and supportive. It is truly a huge loss for us at Fiesta Friday. Take care. XOXO

Trackbacks