starter death

When I was making my last sponge, I was so absorbed in its creation that I forgot to feed my starter.  By the next afternoon, it was moldy on the top and smelled unpleasant.  I was tempted to just scoop the green off, but that was too gross even for someone who would consider eating questionable foods.  I tossed out all my starter and was saddened.  Good thing I also maintain a starter at my boyfriend's house.