tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43960808008623875152024-03-05T13:52:51.712-08:00Walk Labyrinthsho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-56839585043353526472016-04-06T07:50:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.456-07:00Opening the Labyrinth<div style="text-align: center;"> <i>The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. </i>—Henry Van Dyke </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe54AwcQ58d68hgacgcQfFMpImmg09V2c5cJHYu27cIU-buYwJgtVCyhtc8MjZjcfLz9BmBxwiYgzpHAEs0FJmHZ_olLOLjvjevItaufUCEz4aWPUOhCTu5nuhMNEN9l-XY6cS6eMLeCg/s1600/heartcentre.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe54AwcQ58d68hgacgcQfFMpImmg09V2c5cJHYu27cIU-buYwJgtVCyhtc8MjZjcfLz9BmBxwiYgzpHAEs0FJmHZ_olLOLjvjevItaufUCEz4aWPUOhCTu5nuhMNEN9l-XY6cS6eMLeCg/s320/heartcentre.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Listen to your heart" Octagonal Labyrinth Mosaic (detail) by C. Hume</td></tr></tbody></table>My heart filled with joy the other day - to see the paths of the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth finally revealed as the snow has melted away and Spring is upon us. (I am choosing to ignore the fact that we may have another 15 cm of snow tomorrow!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We have a series of events planned throughout 2016 - and hope that you will be able to join in.<br /><br />And if you prefer to experience discovering and walking the labyrinth on your own - feel free to come and do a meditative walk any time. There is an informational sign that will guide you on your way! And you can also find some <a href="http://carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.ca/p/labyrinth-walking-tips-benefits.html">labyrinth walking tips here.</a><br /><br /><b>Earth Day Sunrise Walk </b>- at sunrise 6:00 a.m., Friday, April 22.<br /><br /><b>Saturday, May 7th - <a href="http://labyrinthsociety.org/world-labyrinth-day">World Labyrinth Day </a></b>- join us at 1:00 p.m. Annual global event celebrated each year on the first Saturday in May. You are invited to “Walk as One at 1” to effect a rolling wave of peaceful energy as the world turns.<br /><br /><b>Biweekly Walks - the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings, June through September</b>, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Labyrinth keeper on site.<br /><br /><b>Thursday, June 16th - “Finding Inner Peace on the Labyrinth” </b>Join us at 7:00 p.m. at the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth for an evening labyrinth walk, gather afterwards to collaboratively create a large collage mandala. You are welcome to picnic in the garden beforehand.<br /><br /><b>Tuesday, July 19th - full moon walk</b> at 8:00 p.m.<br /><br /><b>Friday, September 9th - "Light up the Labyrinth" </b>Gather at 6:30 p.m. to prepare and place luminaries, walk at 7:30 p.m. Bring or wear your lantern/light creations and be part of the fun!<br /><br /><b>Sunday, October 16th - full moon walk </b>at 8:00 p,m,<br /><br />Carleton Place Community Labyrinth is located at 267 Edmund Street, on the property behind the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum.<br /><br />For more information contact<br /><br />Debby Lytle 613-257-1014<br />dlytle@rogers.com<br /><br />Like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth/">Facebook</a>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-63900347979237320872015-10-03T05:31:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.478-07:00The Labyrinth was all Aglow!We want to thank everyone that came out to our recent "Light up the Labyrinth" event. It was definitely a case of many hands helping to create a magical space and a wonderful community gathering! Photos of the evening, taken by local photographer Robert McDonald, and comments from participants and our labyrinth committee members help to tell the story.<br /><br /><i>Here are some of the pictures I took at the event. The children were a great help in providing the 'painting with light' effect in some of the photos.</i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJo8JGLu__sIszgoA8nNgt3_uZHGij5C1pw3UnufjVtrgS2h1_LZ4FX_A8YFwhby6LVNLNmVOD0HEKAJrbRD-aW5TA5N7XMWlCykGqPn6eirc66d6Zm-OJDGLXp7S8Xbfpp453nNopD8Q/s1600/9512.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJo8JGLu__sIszgoA8nNgt3_uZHGij5C1pw3UnufjVtrgS2h1_LZ4FX_A8YFwhby6LVNLNmVOD0HEKAJrbRD-aW5TA5N7XMWlCykGqPn6eirc66d6Zm-OJDGLXp7S8Xbfpp453nNopD8Q/s400/9512.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It takes many hands to help light up the labyrinth</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><i>I wanted to congratulate & thank you and members of the Labyrinth committee on another successful Light up the Labyrinth Walk! Great evening and turn out of people and children, fun had by one and all—I am sure wakening up this morning you are so grateful the weather cooperated !</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi4Pxe3u-d6vslO22npTmhOlSes95_e5jDB2SqJIDvfl_NKqfSyY8WzzxOj_Cj73unfG5wkg9ieVKsDG9cE9pnvlL7d2n9S7Y_z99WX4ZW9Zx9IAbIgpqaS0mvSfqhrowgrcECaXpw050/s1600/9521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi4Pxe3u-d6vslO22npTmhOlSes95_e5jDB2SqJIDvfl_NKqfSyY8WzzxOj_Cj73unfG5wkg9ieVKsDG9cE9pnvlL7d2n9S7Y_z99WX4ZW9Zx9IAbIgpqaS0mvSfqhrowgrcECaXpw050/s400/9521.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerron Lamb, local musician, opens the labyrinth walk playing the didgeridoo.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><i>I love Kerron Lamb and her music!! Yes: I found myself singing or whistling along to her songs while walking in the labyrinth.</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJVRHBMgm-BK8IVXe0eFezG6Q_qcUk1dc0jkUw99NUs5veCmkPHUjHInWhBgOJ2MJPM6yS6B9gWagiZf_HQiqZg7ne1xGjkpZKcGPRZQW9EE943rUhoknYj9jx4VMJ8B_Di6ICEYs1BH3/s1600/9536.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJVRHBMgm-BK8IVXe0eFezG6Q_qcUk1dc0jkUw99NUs5veCmkPHUjHInWhBgOJ2MJPM6yS6B9gWagiZf_HQiqZg7ne1xGjkpZKcGPRZQW9EE943rUhoknYj9jx4VMJ8B_Di6ICEYs1BH3/s400/9536.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The labyrinth was all aglow and "painted with light".</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><i>Saw the pics of Light Up in the EMC- looks like it was just beautiful!!</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8WeGqGvpd7lm3Lm86HzCsVzJQpki7kkZA0JWKH8fTDH9IQ6eJ8JMHTnqIr5Vx42vMeFP6FDJYSn5jVJdqF3-JR2Z7NWgcHjcZ7UNcTHgdB6fV_rr8K09zRrOyrKgGBHrnoeFoaBw9qIz/s1600/9580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8WeGqGvpd7lm3Lm86HzCsVzJQpki7kkZA0JWKH8fTDH9IQ6eJ8JMHTnqIr5Vx42vMeFP6FDJYSn5jVJdqF3-JR2Z7NWgcHjcZ7UNcTHgdB6fV_rr8K09zRrOyrKgGBHrnoeFoaBw9qIz/s400/9580.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Glow in the dark" jugglers added a special dimension.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><i>It was just wonderful.....I'm still feeling the glow! </i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAIjNejgLMHh3ckN5A-5YD_ZbbQ51isdnnXJaurKJh4WSjUzTogn0HfdSpCwAEre26AlX2rZt8fvuuYwRrFxfJAAsw0H9bgLlr-oXPz0WRTNPJmmpBjO8FCnEZOdhTNNpU60NxOKHlRA/s1600/9582.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAIjNejgLMHh3ckN5A-5YD_ZbbQ51isdnnXJaurKJh4WSjUzTogn0HfdSpCwAEre26AlX2rZt8fvuuYwRrFxfJAAsw0H9bgLlr-oXPz0WRTNPJmmpBjO8FCnEZOdhTNNpU60NxOKHlRA/s400/9582.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The laughter of children filled the air, as they joyfully danced on the labyrinth.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><i>With thanks to the Carleton Place Labyrinth Committee for sharing ways to have a lighted labyrinth walk. </i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xFJMeieniLR8LJnUP3VQhojGSclxqTsnU8tMXvCRX5LtA8diU2knEBoJrE0uYliyZysZTIBnLpBakZyzK8iqgryYpLozJ2JCvdSSdFUXGVwTSk1KchwA6quUg7BDsTrtO6jqpDJDKvNl/s1600/9586.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xFJMeieniLR8LJnUP3VQhojGSclxqTsnU8tMXvCRX5LtA8diU2knEBoJrE0uYliyZysZTIBnLpBakZyzK8iqgryYpLozJ2JCvdSSdFUXGVwTSk1KchwA6quUg7BDsTrtO6jqpDJDKvNl/s400/9586.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful energy on the labyrinth tonight.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1">And finally, thanks again, to Jeff Mitchell, owner of CP Independent Grocer for the kind donation of 640 paper bags for the luminaries!</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">See you next year!</div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-55880368335184416222015-09-25T04:14:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.495-07:00A Feeling of AccomplishmentI first took my <a href="http://www.carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.ca/2010/05/lessons-learned-on-labyrinth.html">Veriditas Facilitator Training with Lauren Artress </a>at the Sacred Pattern, Sacred Path Workshop - May 2010 – Ottawa, ON. After taking the facilitator training, we had two years to gain more experience in working with the labyrinth, and to then prepare a report and apply to become fully certified.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4sxLXudqaqeBUlY9uFg4kEiDd_5jcqATgBfEfEdRr8_v5OtRnj68DbMuaFezZooB05stg2bJjPvP6J9g3AdPjfg8nvR1rZYMBkhlbqHEjEDuPgyd9cE3C_17W13RAo8M-Oj3aOsaErjS/s1600/labyrinthfacilitator.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4sxLXudqaqeBUlY9uFg4kEiDd_5jcqATgBfEfEdRr8_v5OtRnj68DbMuaFezZooB05stg2bJjPvP6J9g3AdPjfg8nvR1rZYMBkhlbqHEjEDuPgyd9cE3C_17W13RAo8M-Oj3aOsaErjS/s400/labyrinthfacilitator.png" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading a walk at the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth.</td></tr></tbody></table>I was fully immersed in being a volunteer with the <a href="http://carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.ca/">Carleton Place Community Labyrinth</a> and definitely was gaining the experience that I needed to become certified. BUT I just did not take the next step of preparing the report and the deadline came and went.<br /><br />Fast forward to late 2014 and an auspicious email arrived in my inbox from Veriditas. In honour of the <a href="http://veriditas.org/August2015eNews">20th anniversary of the organization - </a>they were offering a "Certification Amnesty Program" to anyone who had been trained and not yet completed the certification process. I realized that this was a great opportunity - and I took it! I now had 8 months to prepare my report. What a good feeling it was to take that first step to get started.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2V-JXlfi6BiBc_roWX3PJl0lcqoP5VOSPQUBJJgG0tq0yv8wEp_q6wvwtCDov1-8mPK92fb9R1QljuiIzUl7oYceg-ttvNE4hfqMMI44bW0qkiYnISpj86uKRKPAmpbHJ15QqSeI2hx4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-09-25+at+6.26.50+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2V-JXlfi6BiBc_roWX3PJl0lcqoP5VOSPQUBJJgG0tq0yv8wEp_q6wvwtCDov1-8mPK92fb9R1QljuiIzUl7oYceg-ttvNE4hfqMMI44bW0qkiYnISpj86uKRKPAmpbHJ15QqSeI2hx4/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-09-25+at+6.26.50+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I take the first step towards becoming certified!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The preparation of this Certification Report was a wonderful process. I actually started working on it in December – and spent many hours pulling all of my labyrinth files together, sorting through photos, reminding myself and reflecting on all of the interconnected events and activities that I have felt drawn to participate in since the early stirrings of my interest in the labyrinth. I was also very thankful that Gracie Amirault, a <a href="http://www.veriditas.org/veriditascouncil">Veriditas Council Member </a>checked in with me from time to time to see how I was progressing.<br /><br />And how rewarding to eventually receive this email (& certificate) notifying me of my certification!<br /><br /><i>Hello, Christine <br />I have had the privilege to read your certification app. I'm glad you decided to fulfill this process. Your passion for and commitment to the labyrinth certainly come through in your extensive materials presented for your application. You went above and beyond providing materials, but certainly gave much insight into your work and heart, and the development of the community project. <br /> </i><br /><i>I enjoyed visiting the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth website! An exciting project, for sure. There may be ways you can share your organizational and planning templates for others. <br /> </i><br /><i>I appreciated your aha! insight of holding and developing your creative expressions. We often can ignore that for all the other factors in our lives. As well as your recognition of your own growth since you began the work. May that continue. <br /> </i><br /><i>The office will be officially informing you of your certification. <br /><br />Best wishes in your work. I hope to visit your area at some point, and would enjoy visiting the site. I will be in Nova Scotia for a retreat/training in September, hosted by Gracie Amirault, your regional rep. <br /><br />Continued blessings on your work,<br />Kay<br />-- <br />Kay Mutert <br />Veriditas Master Teacher <br />kay@veriditas.org<br />Tuscaloosa AL<br /><a href="http://www.veriditas.org/">www.veriditas.org</a></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DTSgzdj1tO5-aKJs1AgeZ7WuzdkuoR14WJT-znCeWRH62EfCoUl4DnxOeK0XqNhGJoaSygghsce8XxwK9fjlg9us5iGjP91lLWBXnwZvFig_NwQTB6eDkTNm_-Vu4N2mVrnF8I5j_dWA/s1600/certification.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DTSgzdj1tO5-aKJs1AgeZ7WuzdkuoR14WJT-znCeWRH62EfCoUl4DnxOeK0XqNhGJoaSygghsce8XxwK9fjlg9us5iGjP91lLWBXnwZvFig_NwQTB6eDkTNm_-Vu4N2mVrnF8I5j_dWA/s400/certification.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an amazing journey this has been so far - I will be continuing to "trust the path".</td></tr></tbody></table><i><br /></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-89350234108721011412015-08-19T14:07:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.512-07:00Light up the Carleton Place Community LabyrinthLet's "Light up the Labyrinth" together - from 6:30 – 9:00 PM on September 11th, 2015. <br />On Friday September 11th, the warm glow of more than 600 candlelit luminaries will flicker along the path of Carleton Place's Community Labyrinth for this year's "Light up the Labyrinth" event. The labyrinth is located at the corner of George and Baines Streets beside the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum, 267 Edmund Street in Carleton Place. <br /><br />To make this event more collaborative - organizers are asking participants to gather at 6:30 PM at the labyrinth to prepare and place luminaries for a 7:30 PM candlelit walk.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdrsPiX8qwV_6UNl2Mva-pToIZvCthXos-oSulhw-EZ4-QGLFvGTkoVeL2QXqQ6zooMYlhkFOc_c9kZnOeMIuo1qhV5ONEyNI4mbfQiNEpIj2OmhqeRZB-7x-mIXh4TwDvb6SYv8uqqK5/s1600/luminary.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdrsPiX8qwV_6UNl2Mva-pToIZvCthXos-oSulhw-EZ4-QGLFvGTkoVeL2QXqQ6zooMYlhkFOc_c9kZnOeMIuo1qhV5ONEyNI4mbfQiNEpIj2OmhqeRZB-7x-mIXh4TwDvb6SYv8uqqK5/s400/luminary.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring out your lanterns, glow sticks or flashlights and join our evening walk.</td></tr></tbody></table>Debby Lytle, Chairperson for the Labyrinth Committee, explains: "<i>We are a very small committee and really need some extra hands to make this event happen. Join us at the labyrinth at 6:30 PM to help assemble and place the luminaries, then everyone will have a chance to be part of lighting up the labyrinth at 7:30 PM before the walk begins. If you have a BBQ lighter bring it along and if people are able to stay and assist with the dismantling of the luminaries at the end of the night, that would be a great help as well!</i>"<br /><br />The Labyrinth Committee of Carleton Place invites you to bring out your lanterns, glow sticks or flashlights and join our evening walk. This year, we are fortunate to once again have live guitar and didgeridoo music by local musician Kerron Lamb.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-KgqKKEaB4t1cqARsPXNJ9SiDheL9pRIN-4RVo4_zBi7Wje8Isf6CgFB9pU1Ia9ERWz-e1gCqE5gAhaHmvwV8GJHA8oYYM1uQTMm5Ln6a626eYLLKFsNslw5dGCZx7l_o9Pq7MZMsWcL/s1600/kerronlamb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-KgqKKEaB4t1cqARsPXNJ9SiDheL9pRIN-4RVo4_zBi7Wje8Isf6CgFB9pU1Ia9ERWz-e1gCqE5gAhaHmvwV8GJHA8oYYM1uQTMm5Ln6a626eYLLKFsNslw5dGCZx7l_o9Pq7MZMsWcL/s400/kerronlamb.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk accompanied by live Guitar and Didgeridoo music by local musician Kerron Lamb.</td></tr></tbody></table>Our candlelit labyrinth walks have become a popular fall event, as individuals and families from across the region bring along their festive lanterns, and enjoy an evening labyrinth walk. "<i>Children love this particular night-time event. It's a chance to bring along one of their own lantern creations</i>." says Julia Heathcote, a volunteer labyrinth keeper. <span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">To add to the after-dark fun, Carleton Place jugglers Michael and Kayla McNeely will be doing a “glow in the dark” juggling demonstration.</span></span></b></span></span><br /><br />For those who wish to relax and watch the candlelight, garden benches and a wheelchair-accessible contemplation ring encircle the labyrinth. If you would like to sit for a while and take in the candlelight glow, bring along a lawn chair too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU5Ntk4cEHflkKdzN6bAhfNof3Cyz9WmBwbnDLDhbMu-LayLOBRVAslo068S8xujNP8xFtPalcuCyqJyJzNoZHvGZVrE-VB0mRVfrRBueKkDYZLJxdHXTjeDVr9pqQ15FIFcM2hsT5zPi/s1600/2015+light+up+the+labyrinth+posterFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU5Ntk4cEHflkKdzN6bAhfNof3Cyz9WmBwbnDLDhbMu-LayLOBRVAslo068S8xujNP8xFtPalcuCyqJyJzNoZHvGZVrE-VB0mRVfrRBueKkDYZLJxdHXTjeDVr9pqQ15FIFcM2hsT5zPi/s640/2015+light+up+the+labyrinth+posterFINAL.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>Thanks to support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Town of Carleton Place and individuals and businesses within our community, this permanent labyrinth exists for people to use at any time. <br /><br />For more information or if you would like to help prepare the luminaries, <br />please contact Debby Lytle: 613-257-1014 or dlytle@rogers.com<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth">Facebook: /CarletonPlaceCommunityLabyrinth</a>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-91210183460678931472015-08-09T04:57:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.526-07:00New Split Rail Fence for the Community Labyrinth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Recently volunteers, Chris Hume and Debby Lytle (CP Community Labyrinth committee members), and Shelly Sammon (labyrinth neighbour) erected a mini Bunk-style split rail fence at the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth. <br /><br />Constructed with donated materials and under the expert guidance of <a href="http://www.rideautownshiphistory.org/Newsletters/RTHS%20April%202011.pdf">Eugene Fytche, local author of "400 Years of Log Fences"</a> (see article on pg. 3), the fence will help provide a bit more privacy for Labyrinth walkers.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXyJJEcKrbWe0zxraPliImfyC6nrYnwFxdnOz2xd5HI7eSQfnvj3fypl0G0xGGjeKDVNGqygj9QkE8AqqoePsxBxgzHx494X73CJ20alzzyHwjLP8S59kazBRptXcRsL8h6V1asiBghmK/s1600/fencematerials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXyJJEcKrbWe0zxraPliImfyC6nrYnwFxdnOz2xd5HI7eSQfnvj3fypl0G0xGGjeKDVNGqygj9QkE8AqqoePsxBxgzHx494X73CJ20alzzyHwjLP8S59kazBRptXcRsL8h6V1asiBghmK/s400/fencematerials.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: auto; outline: none; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; width: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The pieces of the split rail fence (kindly donated to the labyrinth) ready for assembly.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd-BgTrJqyh9385CsxYpLACwtf0lpWrG7jbGpWRt3Y5BXLsd5_ekWW6-mojnP4oRnq7lt6euSKp91KIvGluUr29BdzgVFJUCPfclkQw2VGClFV40B8Bluz2x5av77nIKsPRv7Tntrva3G/s1600/eugenemeasuring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd-BgTrJqyh9385CsxYpLACwtf0lpWrG7jbGpWRt3Y5BXLsd5_ekWW6-mojnP4oRnq7lt6euSKp91KIvGluUr29BdzgVFJUCPfclkQw2VGClFV40B8Bluz2x5av77nIKsPRv7Tntrva3G/s400/eugenemeasuring.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split rail fence expert, Eugene Fytche, measuring twice to make sure the fence is in the right location.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Pmz5lG8Xl_A0Qd1r6HUDezvivPkxvchewbbCro-UGiL4MSqnHAfYE0AGZ58U8I1UwjqO8nb6ag8kbGIZ7cdxwfWAkMQLZ4l-v-aCtPdp1FaPboVU74BFtfOlNpbA7SLVAc7QyfCQA5Hs/s1600/diggingholes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Pmz5lG8Xl_A0Qd1r6HUDezvivPkxvchewbbCro-UGiL4MSqnHAfYE0AGZ58U8I1UwjqO8nb6ag8kbGIZ7cdxwfWAkMQLZ4l-v-aCtPdp1FaPboVU74BFtfOlNpbA7SLVAc7QyfCQA5Hs/s400/diggingholes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tough job - digging the holes for the support posts.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGkYaYFcgy6dBnapIBOZrfiQl-xHRPk5tN0EgUqc1GnTdzuqO3l8mDa_RJChRezJlj6SzQyjYavDcp0YgjeH7fJX77EjQ-EDI-K2AN_048_a2ARQnqwk4ItjjOWQ3ithNiCSNHXYJwgv7/s1600/layingfencerails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGkYaYFcgy6dBnapIBOZrfiQl-xHRPk5tN0EgUqc1GnTdzuqO3l8mDa_RJChRezJlj6SzQyjYavDcp0YgjeH7fJX77EjQ-EDI-K2AN_048_a2ARQnqwk4ItjjOWQ3ithNiCSNHXYJwgv7/s400/layingfencerails.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debby and volunteer Shelly, laying the fence rails, narrow end first.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoBEkQjSWnhWMTkkUIKxxkZpCP4X1PJ0xzBhe_BhZ4EJHj2nkjXjk8BtgHZhXf6gDBnEz8yr3pfgY2gNws1DmzBwGWT45uUick9c-SY-eNH9oJDgZ87rf4IZ_BC_VIYXr4fTZ11nojusz/s1600/eugeneteaching.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoBEkQjSWnhWMTkkUIKxxkZpCP4X1PJ0xzBhe_BhZ4EJHj2nkjXjk8BtgHZhXf6gDBnEz8yr3pfgY2gNws1DmzBwGWT45uUick9c-SY-eNH9oJDgZ87rf4IZ_BC_VIYXr4fTZ11nojusz/s400/eugeneteaching.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final step - wiring the fence posts together. No fence wire wasted - by the master!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGn1E24OPb5mOKNKrIBYSdeRvilopueBWQJCFyIgcVhxBVmAEP7Q3u7VdlkM4LDWsvl9wHvinqt6pPynChEj_H4B-L-CX_E4dxXnpS404ghNnJERuIC5Ae7soiFc3PGaBO2SFb9qnCwiw/s1600/completedfence.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGn1E24OPb5mOKNKrIBYSdeRvilopueBWQJCFyIgcVhxBVmAEP7Q3u7VdlkM4LDWsvl9wHvinqt6pPynChEj_H4B-L-CX_E4dxXnpS404ghNnJERuIC5Ae7soiFc3PGaBO2SFb9qnCwiw/s400/completedfence.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished "mini-bunk" split rail fence. We have a new respect for the hard-working pioneers of Lanark County that built these fences back in the 1800's!</td></tr></tbody></table>The labyrinth is always open and is situated behind the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum on Edmund Street in Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada. We hope to meet you on the path sometime soon!sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-86827096705744343022015-07-27T04:59:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.544-07:00Stewart Park Community LabyrinthOur Carleton Place Community Labyrinth is providing inspiration to other communities! We are so happy to be able to report that Perth, Ontario now has it's own community labyrinth - and Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator - <a href="http://labyrinthed.com/about-vanessa/">Vanessa Compton</a> is leading the way to make this a reality. She has kindly agreed to having us publish the story here. <br /><br />It didn't happen overnight... here's the story. (By Vanessa Compton)<br /><br /><i>Year 2 of the Stewart Park Community Labyrinth.</i> <br />After the success of last summer’s Stewart Park Festival labyrinth, a one-day installation immortalized by Perth Community Police Officer Bird as “some seniors’ spray-paint graffiti vandalism,” I was encouraged by Stewart Park Festival workshop organizer Julie McIntyre and my fellow members of <a href="http://transitionperth.ca/">Transition Perth </a>to plan a more durable version for the summer of 2015.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKty1BYyVn_2QMWLkSJbXlpYOckzZvdbEambRj1_PNYpnP35HEjaFaWVHhfqEk7kQoUMPt_-4SoGhUwHMaW5yCsG7FwDYSgjr377sjHXPHuvX2xOkgKf4w65KqNBgl7DzflF227EVF1ohL/s1600/surveyorstape.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKty1BYyVn_2QMWLkSJbXlpYOckzZvdbEambRj1_PNYpnP35HEjaFaWVHhfqEk7kQoUMPt_-4SoGhUwHMaW5yCsG7FwDYSgjr377sjHXPHuvX2xOkgKf4w65KqNBgl7DzflF227EVF1ohL/s400/surveyorstape.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surveyor's tape - laying out the medieval 7-circuit labyrinth in Stewart Park.</td></tr></tbody></table>It would need to be easy and cheap to maintain, of minimal cost to the Town of Perth, and in harmony with the aesthetics and community guidelines of Stewart Park. With the help of the Town of Perth’s Karen Fox, Director of Special Events, Shellee Evans, Director of Community Services, Jim Niblock, Supervisor of Parks and Facilities, and Kari Clarke, Coordinator at <a href="http://downtownperthbia.weebly.com/">Downtown Heritage Perth BIA, </a>who helped steer the project through Council, we were put in contact with Kat Watson, Coordinator of the <a href="http://yakyouth.ca/">Youth Action Kommittee </a>(YAK) Skills Link program, and Rick Woods, the Parks and Facilities go-to guy and keeper of the keys to the lawnmower.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_cULybuucBBFRghq2OrCw587E7ZCxtVMsV0p8ldze9_Ss_vkxZScxJHBfl7WRybZ5HpI7_HcfEdxUCt_Cb7SrIGqm491yG6VT-3LtPLZt52lTxKM0Wv_sNPyoq5V_QUfiORcNFhMvbXx/s1600/lastteamstanding.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_cULybuucBBFRghq2OrCw587E7ZCxtVMsV0p8ldze9_Ss_vkxZScxJHBfl7WRybZ5HpI7_HcfEdxUCt_Cb7SrIGqm491yG6VT-3LtPLZt52lTxKM0Wv_sNPyoq5V_QUfiORcNFhMvbXx/s400/lastteamstanding.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enthusiastic YAK team members, help to make the Stewart Park Community Labyrinth a reality!</td></tr></tbody></table>Kat arranged for me to visit with the spring cohort of the YAK Skills Link program, to explain about labyrinths in the community, and what the project would involve. The young people were so enthusiastic about it, they were ready to haul stones and make a permanent masonry version that afternoon, and were annoyed to have to wait for Council approval. I had to laugh – they reminded me so much of my impatient younger self.<br /><br />On a cold sunny day at the end of April, a team from YAK helped lay it out using surveyor’s flags and tape, and fence staples, a generous donation from the <a href="http://www.homehardware.ca/en/index.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQjwrdetBRCJg92s44SB77IBEiQAEIWmVfjHlAJHpwxuhluCr4m7PV4_nX2o7qm-5x4-BhdOwcAaAr2M8P8HAQ">Perth Home Hardware store.</a> We had decided on a Medieval 7-circuit with x and y axes to make U-turns on the path. We made mistakes and laughed a lot and had to make emergency trips for more supplies, but finally the CAUTION tape went up and we waited for the grass to grow.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Vx8h1Hdw5MLNyC2o7u5o-B_EV2p7QJ9sPC3MvocFpXKPd1gB0EbWKgLhn2lONN8Rdj6O_C42kKJp0BBBoEN6_KkLiPPDyg0o82mcXt4mq9yE91CQ7c_VmKlWjtI_WNcG2O5fGpWpwVa/s1600/firstmowing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Vx8h1Hdw5MLNyC2o7u5o-B_EV2p7QJ9sPC3MvocFpXKPd1gB0EbWKgLhn2lONN8Rdj6O_C42kKJp0BBBoEN6_KkLiPPDyg0o82mcXt4mq9yE91CQ7c_VmKlWjtI_WNcG2O5fGpWpwVa/s400/firstmowing.jpeg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First mowing by Jordan Lye-Lee, a YAK member planning to start his own landscape business.</td></tr></tbody></table>First mowing was May 8th. Jordan Lye-Lee, a YAK member planning to start his own landscape business, was our first volunteer. The lines are just starting to show!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFdRvfPePmqFFm3wBiaG4-WQ1fureFK9vffWB90XKZdnL3hV_8k9rg3iQzHg_2cyqbrBgOSUz7ojJ9hRsyp7j0ZMazfEqLSkZxaeMEBUis_aimqoyKJ3hYMtxjkRJgPbb-U_zJBTE3ZOE/s1600/mowinglabyrinth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFdRvfPePmqFFm3wBiaG4-WQ1fureFK9vffWB90XKZdnL3hV_8k9rg3iQzHg_2cyqbrBgOSUz7ojJ9hRsyp7j0ZMazfEqLSkZxaeMEBUis_aimqoyKJ3hYMtxjkRJgPbb-U_zJBTE3ZOE/s400/mowinglabyrinth.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perth Parks crew mow the labyrinth every Friday - the labyrinth starts to take shape!</td></tr></tbody></table>The mowing was scheduled for every Friday, when the Perth Parks crew would be on site. We alternated just mowing the path and mowing both the path and the lines at different heights. It was such a rainy spring and early summer that it sometimes took three passes to get the whole thing done.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR_tVX1e0WcAAgKKWcrme6D5FZeR5G1LvO-wSFD27gETflh-TFYMrQQLoAQdHb-YBHj514gDuyG_poMDBUhzjFiYa-N0YKirDsHAUvtNEXWpyNkobo2WlwfYKh3Le4cb9Fg5SgkGHxw4y/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR_tVX1e0WcAAgKKWcrme6D5FZeR5G1LvO-wSFD27gETflh-TFYMrQQLoAQdHb-YBHj514gDuyG_poMDBUhzjFiYa-N0YKirDsHAUvtNEXWpyNkobo2WlwfYKh3Le4cb9Fg5SgkGHxw4y/s400/IMG_3190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An information sign is installed at the entrance to the labyrinth.</td></tr></tbody></table>Thanks to Image Printing in Perth, an information sign was installed at the entrance to the labyrinth. By mid-July, we noticed that the path hardly needed mowing because it was getting beaten down from being used so much!<br /><br />Two weeks before Stewart Park Festival, YAK was between Skills Link cohorts, so “Sherpa” Mike Fletcher mowed the thick vegetation. It looked like a scalp job, but by Festival weekend, the grass had grown in and the labyrinth looked serene and lush.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SKVCebQLyTm0d2fSHEyHdloFt7uYd9kdQFLMsErPqHKg304okZtYH1uOCHlUvkwl2XpMScaGqXZXh-Orp1RJFLouVGy1PgYd-NSAsFQsSpdMVPYLkGlbIcnn69colZFprYs26sL5e2Ph/s1600/stewartparkcommunitylabyrinth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SKVCebQLyTm0d2fSHEyHdloFt7uYd9kdQFLMsErPqHKg304okZtYH1uOCHlUvkwl2XpMScaGqXZXh-Orp1RJFLouVGy1PgYd-NSAsFQsSpdMVPYLkGlbIcnn69colZFprYs26sL5e2Ph/s400/stewartparkcommunitylabyrinth.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Festival weekend, the grass had grown in and the labyrinth looked serene and lush.</td></tr></tbody></table>Festival weekend dawned – rainy and hot. By Saturday the weather had cleared, and the labyrinth provided a cool sanctuary for people of all ages, over 500 by one account. During the hot afternoons, the labyrinth was a magnet for kids and families whether playing make-up-your-own-games or taking a break from the crowds and noise. It was a pleasure to walk barefoot on the cool springy clover turf… or run races, reinvent hopscotch (one of the historical origins of the turf labyrinth), stand on your head… even check your FaceBook!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0WRM9B9M5Af9oaCHcuNowBtC6wy5YYwkZOTTr30NA1ehiGHarkHroe6vIhU1C8BE9HefG5eEYq4E-Sl0RgugIf-Jd8G5J-ON17EcqZDjI6tolii_HYVmkoc0ucVLqOlVl5lhE_VT8MDk/s1600/purejoy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0WRM9B9M5Af9oaCHcuNowBtC6wy5YYwkZOTTr30NA1ehiGHarkHroe6vIhU1C8BE9HefG5eEYq4E-Sl0RgugIf-Jd8G5J-ON17EcqZDjI6tolii_HYVmkoc0ucVLqOlVl5lhE_VT8MDk/s400/purejoy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the hot afternoons, the labyrinth was a magnet for kids and families.</td></tr></tbody></table>We’re looking forward to seeing the labyrinth through the fall, and experimenting with some judicious application of slow-release fertiliser. While the long term goal is to put a stone paver labyrinth in place eventually, mown turf labyrinths can last for decades, with a little maintenance. In the height of a hot summer day, there really is nothing more delightful than walking a fragrant clover labyrinth in your bare feet.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLzHcND0FvPr9TRu7gxDkdLiCUUEaR84q0dMbMFgBdFq9RZmgtoaqbLTinuj0VscsAmbJFptR1fm4c0kGr-0bupxK30prfFzHefnRPlFkbQhtS96twPzTC7fRqby5Y3Zt_UH18d2n-AGA/s1600/labyrinthinuse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLzHcND0FvPr9TRu7gxDkdLiCUUEaR84q0dMbMFgBdFq9RZmgtoaqbLTinuj0VscsAmbJFptR1fm4c0kGr-0bupxK30prfFzHefnRPlFkbQhtS96twPzTC7fRqby5Y3Zt_UH18d2n-AGA/s400/labyrinthinuse.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There really is nothing more delightful than walking a fragrant clover labyrinth in your bare feet!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-26139499199207677572015-07-17T03:41:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.246-07:00INTRODUCTION<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SEASON FINALES... LEAVING LIFE IN THE STYLE OF AUTUMN LEAVES</b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR3q0E8cLDemOpUG14en5Vbpx_vs-XbqXIZTj_EO_R3wqrhN86Z-hTKZkOPhU_JBUGiroKX-CuxaWfZS344CDhK8qgM6G75JjEno9pPtVkHOrJ04FQGuXaZ11bOescJjdYlfiza5UPxLg/s1600/SingLeafPubDomainPics.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR3q0E8cLDemOpUG14en5Vbpx_vs-XbqXIZTj_EO_R3wqrhN86Z-hTKZkOPhU_JBUGiroKX-CuxaWfZS344CDhK8qgM6G75JjEno9pPtVkHOrJ04FQGuXaZ11bOescJjdYlfiza5UPxLg/s1600/SingLeafPubDomainPics.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Beauteous As A Fallen Leaf</b></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">"Fare thee well" some day I'll say</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">When my moments on earth have withered away.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Let me depart in a blaze of glory,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Amid hallmark hues of my singular life story.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Forsake monotony and standardized drear,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Let variegation bring a measure of cheer.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">I want not like a barren branch to be,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Weathered, yet unremarkable to see.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Rather, like a lovely leaf I shall fall,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Pronounced by vivid color as I drift from it all.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">May others my brilliance at the end behold,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">So remnants of my being will still unfold.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Though gone from roots and the family tree</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">I'll be embedded forever in memory.</span><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; text-align: left;"><i>(by Mary Ellen Markant, All Rights Reserved</i>)</span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Gv0k2Ew3GWlBUUsMnW_kgWEIT9a84LRGdWFAkPipR7PnIYRSO_bhpEHFPW-mb1Z8ZvbG1TVfZVc5L6wEs20pJnqO6YlAACBSuaDoiuy4ilLRaxQNRXP5hJX8kZ6_1o7ZFjwljDl2FTnq/s1600/PubDomSingOak.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Gv0k2Ew3GWlBUUsMnW_kgWEIT9a84LRGdWFAkPipR7PnIYRSO_bhpEHFPW-mb1Z8ZvbG1TVfZVc5L6wEs20pJnqO6YlAACBSuaDoiuy4ilLRaxQNRXP5hJX8kZ6_1o7ZFjwljDl2FTnq/s1600/PubDomSingOak.gif" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The word <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>"leaves"</b> </span>relates to death in more than one relevant way:</span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #de1117; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Departures...</span> </b>the evolutionary absence engendered by relinquishing familiarity, discontinuing viability, and becoming part of history...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pages of books...</span></b> revealing personal stories of moments lived while experiencing, learning, and growing, only to reach a stage of passing on to others remnants of substance for their own narratives of life...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Foliated masterpieces of creation</b>...</span> which, for a while, grace living trees and flora upon earth, but in predictable synchrony, according to natural cycles, surrender their attachments and fade away when their season of life ends... </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nature dictates that, eventually, all living things must die and leave this earth. Some can only exit inconspicuously, while others have the potential to make a statement reflecting emblems of their existence. Like varied and vibrant leaves bursting with color when their life cycles are completed, human endings can be uniquely memorable.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As diverse creations, lives and leaves are recognized by their distinguishing characteristics. Each is defined in some way that renders individuality. Both have features that separate them from one another within their species. But at life's end, it is the leaves that have been most apt to make an exquisite final impression. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Let us be more like leaves, capturing the attention of onlookers. Let us inspire our life companions through special experiences that will enrich them with indelible recollections of their associations with us. Let the concluding synopses of our life stories mirror our distinctions. Let them be bold and beautiful. Let us leave in splendor.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: #bf9000;">Content from ponderingleaves.com </i></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000;"><i>Images from publicdomainpictures.net</i></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">__________________</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">______________________________________________</span></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-35880766526794556162015-07-16T18:40:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.302-07:00GRIEVING of YOUTH<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MENDING BROKEN TIES OF YOUNG LIVES</b></span><br /><br /><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Childhood and adolescent phases ordinarily present challenges specific to one’s age. A death in the family can potentially wreck the momentum of maturational growth. Without intervention, the added stress of coping with the demise of a parent, sibling, or other pivotal figure in a young person’s life can threaten stability and interfere with the progression from one developmental stage to the next. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A long time ago, when illness, death, and funeral proceedings all took place in home environments, children were on hand and part of what was going on, enabling them to interpret the end of life as a natural passage. At some point, though, as funeral homes became the central sites for final affairs, young people were shielded from direct contact with the realities of life endings. The general attitude was that they should be protected from the pain of loss. Their awareness of death was thwarted and their reactions intentionally minimized. Circumvention of attention to emotional manifestations was considered justifiable based on assurance that, as resilient children, the kids would be able to bounce back from any trauma they suffered due to it. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modern psychology has reversed that stance. Instead, a focus on childhood and adolescent grieving stems from a belief that they should have direct contact with matters of death and learn effective ways to cope with the loss it incurs. This contemporary viewpoint has led to a substantial array of resources to support young people in navigating through the emotions of separation they now can face head-on, under the supervision of trained professionals cognizant of varying needs characteristic of particular age groups. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The National Alliance for Grieving Children serves as a nationwide resource for providers and anyone seeking awareness of suggested support measures. Professionals can use it as a forum for sharing ideas and information for implementation in their respective communities. Online education is a core aspect, in addition to the network’s hosting of an annual symposium, maintenance of a national database of children's bereavement support programs, and promotion of endeavors to enhance public sensitivity to the issues impacting grieving children and teens. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a sign of the times, often funeral homes cater to the death-related imperatives of children belonging to the families they serve. Many have playrooms. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloMieC4FVodrgQMyali2jjOjEHofKNxqgcSCeNIqo3j-8XhUHMimwYPGLvXdY_y9_wybdDh5cRpM9m3i1l9r8xYvG0d42ZR7cVrR0f_PKm_JRV6zBMSzEU25Q9zz_xLnQdaIZA3sML2Ui/s1600/IMG_4888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloMieC4FVodrgQMyali2jjOjEHofKNxqgcSCeNIqo3j-8XhUHMimwYPGLvXdY_y9_wybdDh5cRpM9m3i1l9r8xYvG0d42ZR7cVrR0f_PKm_JRV6zBMSzEU25Q9zz_xLnQdaIZA3sML2Ui/s400/IMG_4888.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo Site: Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, St. Petersburg, FL</i></span></div><br /></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Designated staff members may be trained to fulfill roles geared toward helping youngsters understand death while enabling them to be active participants during proceedings, in </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">age-appropriate ways. Sometimes funeral directors offer tours of their facilities for groups of children; the objective is to demystify death through exposure to the setting while enabling absorption of factual information in the absence of emotional entanglement. </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the nation there are initiatives tailored to meet the needs of bereaved young people and to help keep them on an even keel developmentally. Effective approaches are promulgated through books, articles, presentations, and other means of communicating insights chronicled by way of empirical data and scientific studies. Often schools are involved as liaisons, where staff glean competence via presentations and other tools. A focus on remedial measures to help grief-stricken young people has become a specialty. Training programs for personnel, participating adult volunteers, and peer support groups provide an educational backbone for these helpers’ engagement.</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children and teens confronted by personal losses come together in a variety of settings where they have the benefit of integrating with others in similar situations. In contrast to peer interaction within school environments, here in safe havens they are free to talk openly about death without feeling self-conscious or distancing themselves from classmates aversive to the topic. The potential for a sense of isolation is offset through the camaraderie of social synergy with one another amid interactive activities. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An impressive array of programs and facilities includes weekend or full-time grief camps as well as dedicated physical centers. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes animal assisted therapy is employed, forging therapeutic partnerships with pets or other animals to enable more spontaneous communication.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an alternative to traditional counseling sessions, equine therapy affords hands-on contact with horses through various programs around the country. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Possibly more so than ever, the unique needs of bereaved youth are being recognized and addressed these days. Under the guidance of compassionate comrades, those who have encountered a life-changing loss are being handled with care. Through insightful interventions, they journey from the darkness of death toward restitution and fundamental reabsorption in accustomed lifestyles, yet ones that will never be quite the same. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time will tell if such restorative regimens for today’s young folks will impact their attitudes toward death as adults. Maybe in this “death-phobic” society they will be better equipped to confront matters of mortality more comfortably than the current population of adults – including those who may have experienced deaths of significant others during their childhoods. If that turns out to be the case, then even in the absence of loss, perhaps death education initiatives for all children and adolescents could help generate attitudes of acceptance. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nationalallianceforgrievingchildren.org/">National Alliance for Grieving Children</a></span></span></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">____________________________________________________________________</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-54341059793005108932015-07-12T15:07:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.322-07:00CHURCH COLUMBARIUM<div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>JOURNEY JOURNAL... Poway, California</b></i></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HEIGHTENED ACCESSIBILITY</b></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For hundreds of years, columbaria have been located inside churches, on their properties, or on the grounds of cemeteries they own. Nowadays, they have become all the more prolific as cremation rates have increased and people seek meaningful places for final disposition of cremated remains. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though contemporary styles abound, the notion of columbaria connected to religious sites is far from new. S</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ince ancient eras of Buddhism, for instance, cremated remains have been placed in urns sheltered within columbaria – sometimes as part of Buddhist temples.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> During more recent times, the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Catholic Church has joined the legion of religions where they have materialized. Since 1963, the Vatican has permitted cremation as a practical alternative to bodily burial... as long as reverence and respect for the physical substance of a deceased individual is maintained according to mandates. Scattering cremated remains or retaining them at home are not allowed, but columbarium niches are acceptable. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="p2"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These days, parishioners from the gamut of sects see the value of having columbaria within their immediate church environments. Years ago, churchgoers were routinely buried in plots adjacent to church edifices, so the current trend toward columbarium construction somewhat mirrors that historical practice. Accessibility, affordability, and relevance in accord with religious dogmas are factors that support desirability. This type of station can be incorporated into existing dimensions or built as separate entities on small parcels of land. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diversity of modern architectural designs makes it possible to embed niches in walls, around statues, and against windows, or configure as separate units within established buildings. Outdoors, exterior walls or garden settings may be utilized for such projects, with all kinds of options for design elements and supplemental appointments. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span class="s1"></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">California’s oft-undulating terrain can afford diversionary settings for this manner of final resting in peace. Since 1993, an elevated section on the property of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church has served that purpose. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone is familiar with the metaphorical concept of a climb to heaven after death. Reference is made to an upward trajectory, often via a stairway to heaven that accommodates the process of ascension. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this case, though, anyone who wants to commune with spirits of deceased life companions in close proximity to their physical residuals must, likewise, do a bit of ascending. Actually, as one courses upward by way of a long ramp with incremental turns at acute angles, there is a tantalizing tendency to note the metaphorical significance of the layout. It’s not often that a cement trail of this nature sends one’s mind into orbit, endowing a pathway with figurative meaning that incites denotation. Access to this church’s columbarium is different than the norm, rendering an added ethereal element of interest to the complex at the top of the hill. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Susan S. Cashmore Memorial Columbarium, made possible through the donation of a former church member's family, is described as a Christian burial site for urns. Five hundred wall niches within several structures can accommodate cremated remains of either one or two individuals. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp-28Xp_acbySC5jqg3tDOL6Kply0CYgOsJgBFa4PGybdNejPMgMbG3xePIpccIuGyXzXArHosL-KaT_7sXdm2fs2QBkGd5buSbVK60ZqlM_cheTaJXU4JGGa47e5KysnXrrikF4nhZZU/s1600/IMG_2538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp-28Xp_acbySC5jqg3tDOL6Kply0CYgOsJgBFa4PGybdNejPMgMbG3xePIpccIuGyXzXArHosL-KaT_7sXdm2fs2QBkGd5buSbVK60ZqlM_cheTaJXU4JGGa47e5KysnXrrikF4nhZZU/s400/IMG_2538.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span id="goog_33464374"></span></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garden plots for burial of urns are available as well. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6obvrNhhrZ8NSElA61dbTc9EZiKPYpG_hqzbrrU1Qta4HOKzhUAw8nmkxjy46BhlBs6u6vKlilWkjPUVz56dTFuoSZ8FGJwBhzrvwtIeohDI1NZ3Y10oYf01xO15wcKB1bWji5u9ejp4/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6obvrNhhrZ8NSElA61dbTc9EZiKPYpG_hqzbrrU1Qta4HOKzhUAw8nmkxjy46BhlBs6u6vKlilWkjPUVz56dTFuoSZ8FGJwBhzrvwtIeohDI1NZ3Y10oYf01xO15wcKB1bWji5u9ejp4/s400/IMG_2536.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protruding platforms at the base of the structures entreat placement of memorial flowers and potted plants.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFCrTgNwLGj731GuYKCFRnNLUsWcDb0H10bryNkz8xR6lBotXLNoB_lJA5tZ7iwHOl4RDsWWzkFZ0iaFoyEgx2EsZfAh69T4JoduwPwkkfC6m-0oGQgLvUdy_8eVGFYuvLj8ZkYr-iwYY/s1600/IMG_2537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFCrTgNwLGj731GuYKCFRnNLUsWcDb0H10bryNkz8xR6lBotXLNoB_lJA5tZ7iwHOl4RDsWWzkFZ0iaFoyEgx2EsZfAh69T4JoduwPwkkfC6m-0oGQgLvUdy_8eVGFYuvLj8ZkYr-iwYY/s400/IMG_2537.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clergy are available to conduct committal services or commemorative proceedings here. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The enveloping configuration of successive identical formations and the opposite wall of niches comprise a space suggestive of seclusion. Benches inviting repose under the shade of a tree defy intrusion of sights and sounds from the life going on at street level below. It is a place of quietude… a place of peaceful rest. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlkWB8lCNIg6ILCM68R65KdUqVLYxz81oPpLLUhc_Yu86lJBya-9tBIuMf72V09MOJMkw9rcHN_uaA1BfdsD0jWjTndqxGxvrvSheL3HUN7PyU-KDCtLS8Z3vPjvxpIcY1_cXAsKmCWJc/s1600/IMG_2533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlkWB8lCNIg6ILCM68R65KdUqVLYxz81oPpLLUhc_Yu86lJBya-9tBIuMf72V09MOJMkw9rcHN_uaA1BfdsD0jWjTndqxGxvrvSheL3HUN7PyU-KDCtLS8Z3vPjvxpIcY1_cXAsKmCWJc/s400/IMG_2533.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exploration on premises of religious organizations around the country is apt to reveal a surprising number of columbaria on their respective properties. Though, typically, a niche is a niche is a niche, the settings in which these cookie-cutter compartments are integrated can leave lasting impressions of novel distinctions. A stroll to the heights of a heavenly haven may be all that it takes to come to that conclusion. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– </span></span></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-65639183590796481022015-07-09T07:11:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.401-07:00NATURAL BURIAL GROUND<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Journey Journal... Fultonville, New York</b></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>A NEW BEGINNING AT THE END OF THE ROAD</b></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The word “cloistered” might aptly describe the Fultonville Cemetery and Natural Burial Ground. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though not really isolated from the mainstream world, at least it feels sequestered within a haven of established trees and wooded borders.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> stone’s throw away from the cacophony of highway sounds emanating from the New York State Thruway, access to it is less than a two-mile drive.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet within this shelter of seclusion, only bird songs and rustling leaves are audible amid the shaded, late afternoon splendor.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though a housing development adjacent to the property hints of potential visual and auditory intrusion, there is a sense of insulated separateness. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nwwCGuMPKLS6DM8JvwXFvu2mHj9Vp26Jjh-Ua5bCqP9R_-cbay-kKQK6lQXyVSbvMhYwH8oVw3rIM1CUah3vgmEf3G1dFyE5l7X7FxSsua8jYiwJ7c_S_dZW6SIXaDEBsUbrW9oEUfwx/s1600/FultonvilleCem.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nwwCGuMPKLS6DM8JvwXFvu2mHj9Vp26Jjh-Ua5bCqP9R_-cbay-kKQK6lQXyVSbvMhYwH8oVw3rIM1CUah3vgmEf3G1dFyE5l7X7FxSsua8jYiwJ7c_S_dZW6SIXaDEBsUbrW9oEUfwx/s400/FultonvilleCem.png" width="297" /></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Source: Fultonville Cemetery Facebook Page</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Founded in 1848 when purchased from the Protestant Dutch Church for conversion to a public cemetery, it bespeaks historical significance as well as present-day progress. Among notable figures interred here were two United States Congressman from the 1800s era as well as veterans who served in various wars. </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In recent years this municipal asset has garnered interest because of its status as the first nonsectarian cemetery to offer natural burials in New York’s Capital district. Conception of the idea took place in the mind of a high school student who came across an Internet article about green burials three years before the option materialized here. Ryan Weitz, having been a student of a teacher who was also the town’s mayor and knew of his interest in matters of the past, had been appointed by the village Board as town historian – the youngest in the state. For him, probably the cemetery was a major focal point of his attention. He suggested that two wooded acres next to the established cemetery would be ideal as a site for natural burials. The village Board unanimously approved his proposal. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the course of a few months, public information sessions and hearings as well as open houses preceded the dedication ceremony that took place on October 5, 2013. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzC30Mym6AVKcWJsmc_7H0Zeex2wZAS9jAU_TTiVYyLnJqFWE4KULoModsKJG6_1LGy7cKppFFlIXkhqroB33rphcuBLRC-nk4jvvYvhnWyx0LGFxsJt7T8jK-ZWGiyvNUIzbf8uOiz4L/s1600/Oct.5%252C%252713.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzC30Mym6AVKcWJsmc_7H0Zeex2wZAS9jAU_TTiVYyLnJqFWE4KULoModsKJG6_1LGy7cKppFFlIXkhqroB33rphcuBLRC-nk4jvvYvhnWyx0LGFxsJt7T8jK-ZWGiyvNUIzbf8uOiz4L/s320/Oct.5%252C%252713.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGi8_BDz88R6X8RGzPFts841MPZ7Bovg7WETmYVz3y3iQzIj7BLA_0xMbCrqeeWxfGmfaZ3BZJnK9NgQ5K6wVN5L447b9_4LNStyE3BGsjH9ldtZycRDlRgCZ1cnsiyreI8DLWGQJCFTP/s1600/FultonvilleNatBurDedication10-%252713.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGi8_BDz88R6X8RGzPFts841MPZ7Bovg7WETmYVz3y3iQzIj7BLA_0xMbCrqeeWxfGmfaZ3BZJnK9NgQ5K6wVN5L447b9_4LNStyE3BGsjH9ldtZycRDlRgCZ1cnsiyreI8DLWGQJCFTP/s400/FultonvilleNatBurDedication10-%252713.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos Source: Fultonville Cemetery Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As historian and originator of the project, Ryan Weitz led the proceedings, during which he referenced the words of Aldo Leopold, an ecologist and educator who was a key figure in promoting environmental ethics and wilderness conservation. His germane encapsulation of organic processes spoke to the underlying principle of natural burials: </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> "A rock decays and forms soil. </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> In the soil forms an oak, </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> which bears an acorn, </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> which feeds a squirrel, </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> which feeds an Indian, </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> who ultimately lays down to his </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">last sleep </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> in the great tomb of man to grow another oak.”</span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Public officials were in attendance at this event in addition to Mark Harris, author of the book<i>, Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial, </i>which sheds light on the worthiness of green burials. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY1c1UjX8-buzzwssU0A90F1NMVA7FDOrKssrBKQar7Wbbh0f_Dh-DeoNGvx0y1_dzC3vxKjotChyphenhyphenTUuYxr_Xfj6eOb-9i2mspKOFmGuRMIE-DgmZsby2eRds2Ek8f3k8OOxFidd01rCz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-09+at+10.37.36+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY1c1UjX8-buzzwssU0A90F1NMVA7FDOrKssrBKQar7Wbbh0f_Dh-DeoNGvx0y1_dzC3vxKjotChyphenhyphenTUuYxr_Xfj6eOb-9i2mspKOFmGuRMIE-DgmZsby2eRds2Ek8f3k8OOxFidd01rCz/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-09+at+10.37.36+AM.png" width="247" /></a></span><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Source: Fultonville Cemetery Facebook Page</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The renowned proponent of the reincarnated practice declared a belief that even more than its positive effect on the environment and its affordability is the fact that a green burial “perpetuates life.” Within such a framework, then, this type of burial ground is a place of life rather than death. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This new offering, ostensibly of the modern era, may spark interest among travelers along New York’s well-traveled byway. Easy accessibility adds to its allure as an alternative to the redundancy of cookie-cutter rest stops. A turn off of a main thoroughfare and another quick turn shortly thereafter takes a visitor to this place of tranquil respite.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coursing upward along a gradual hill, images of traditional stone monuments come into view, rendering familiarity of convention. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBQPaBVXVUPZupOyM5aAz_566sUANyY6p2GeqMYNfTAJ0jxv_QH3s_jd2JeKz3z2-dCfQ4uOesPlvOdEMLxfAwB3CT83pUgH1a2-A7NONMoQI0cZXBPIEkdv_iy567VyLiTJVpcbAHb9u/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBQPaBVXVUPZupOyM5aAz_566sUANyY6p2GeqMYNfTAJ0jxv_QH3s_jd2JeKz3z2-dCfQ4uOesPlvOdEMLxfAwB3CT83pUgH1a2-A7NONMoQI0cZXBPIEkdv_iy567VyLiTJVpcbAHb9u/s400/IMG_1687.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But an unusual element interrupts an interpretation of sameness. Rocking chairs alongside a few grave sites invite repose – a novelty of note. </span></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPKWY7-jNlpJzOeTtOdTwUoifM5fp2JX0d7ghbhhFre67rm8IcYxNpFgLhS2AZUY1RoDiw_7SwN-4vOuf7zGxmr5RHioQvgOVHK0KyBy-T59EjwJCg6vYcc9nRN83ipH7gALlqTqSUHhV/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPKWY7-jNlpJzOeTtOdTwUoifM5fp2JX0d7ghbhhFre67rm8IcYxNpFgLhS2AZUY1RoDiw_7SwN-4vOuf7zGxmr5RHioQvgOVHK0KyBy-T59EjwJCg6vYcc9nRN83ipH7gALlqTqSUHhV/s400/IMG_1686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The journey continues along a dirt road until reaching the end of it by an open field of interment sites. Yet after scanning the property’s layout, a primary mission to find the latest ecologically friendly addition to the cemetery may not necessarily be accomplished. Exploration on foot, likewise, might be futile. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-iyUE80YZFfqC0W08ECCKNLgfE4lxJq_sxxaplAnskp6r41JICvNBmb2AbRUBqXzqC0gtnE_6MLngmkb4fg96r4IOZxmaVp6VAfpBgv-lsXjRf45aiwIe0neL_L2b9NoQZ-qUxpFbbvr/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-iyUE80YZFfqC0W08ECCKNLgfE4lxJq_sxxaplAnskp6r41JICvNBmb2AbRUBqXzqC0gtnE_6MLngmkb4fg96r4IOZxmaVp6VAfpBgv-lsXjRf45aiwIe0neL_L2b9NoQZ-qUxpFbbvr/s400/IMG_1676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Foiled by the absence of a sign marking the natural burial section, a palpable sense of defeat could threaten… that is, until spotting another rocking chair. This one in a nakedly wooded area off to the side of the common burial grounds is bound to ignite conjecture that the pursuit has not been in vain.</span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU1gZoneaV2jq3GStSTy1aBYnRrZQUNW1bgIqwd_I_7Q2YZlP6eLHbbBKE37VhfUFYOQ_qHQGAPpoA1GtQdP6a0fW0o0pXamfjFHPAxcOeDln3zew7Y6t3iPYoa8QyyolO7aYCJicX8G9/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU1gZoneaV2jq3GStSTy1aBYnRrZQUNW1bgIqwd_I_7Q2YZlP6eLHbbBKE37VhfUFYOQ_qHQGAPpoA1GtQdP6a0fW0o0pXamfjFHPAxcOeDln3zew7Y6t3iPYoa8QyyolO7aYCJicX8G9/s400/IMG_1681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time of inauguration, ten-foot by ten-foot burial plots here cost $500. for Montgomery County residents and $700. for non-residents. Pre-need purchases afford interment rights only, without designation of a specific location. According to a practice of sequential burials, interments take place in order of occurrence, within space that is available at the time. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpWrHRgzZQXJWpQlNIKZADqU5_xe_0WyFKl3ebGT2tKL6_KFr3qXaPyKRIWXYqwxbG-5RoTA3HWNUPBnt2GCTA3RCoOmbQbEIruFWNV1DAME8dtpEX4FiQAECXgg6lzz2Ct6EH2PRJMnu/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpWrHRgzZQXJWpQlNIKZADqU5_xe_0WyFKl3ebGT2tKL6_KFr3qXaPyKRIWXYqwxbG-5RoTA3HWNUPBnt2GCTA3RCoOmbQbEIruFWNV1DAME8dtpEX4FiQAECXgg6lzz2Ct6EH2PRJMnu/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imperatives reflect stipulations common to natural burials in general, namely, proscriptions that preclude infusions of chemical preservation, the use of concrete or steel vaults and liners, cut, machined, or polished memorial stones in any form, alterations to existing vegetation, and artificial flowers or other types of decorations. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bodily clothing or wrappings must be made of natural fibers and containment must be in biodegradable receptacles. Anything deposited in the ground in conjunction with a burial is necessarily biodegradable. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Native natural stones may be used as grave markers and may be engraved or carved. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BpkXDVXiWOqmoCjLtFbKfToxl2XUyD743mklAj-0F26AP3K02aX2qWM7CRnvi7SmE84FlnW4JQbe0lW53Jkv7LEb7qEyIjoqKVyYnaKc4aA_MxV4raLaCXYw8h_uPngBD5hthPd51Lvy/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BpkXDVXiWOqmoCjLtFbKfToxl2XUyD743mklAj-0F26AP3K02aX2qWM7CRnvi7SmE84FlnW4JQbe0lW53Jkv7LEb7qEyIjoqKVyYnaKc4aA_MxV4raLaCXYw8h_uPngBD5hthPd51Lvy/s400/IMG_1682.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfinished wooden memorial structures are acceptable also.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyxGmLqNfcvQw2jx_yt3cziqVbFsHzHfmL76uVOD15tOrQaURsdruczPmXcXguzoKobBOSyjNRElooePw30HrHGI9gHsH0yoMu8ISYIBpnCMcPxwWw0rF6bzhlh6eeL2u1BJLXL1XMBbi/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyxGmLqNfcvQw2jx_yt3cziqVbFsHzHfmL76uVOD15tOrQaURsdruczPmXcXguzoKobBOSyjNRElooePw30HrHGI9gHsH0yoMu8ISYIBpnCMcPxwWw0rF6bzhlh6eeL2u1BJLXL1XMBbi/s400/IMG_1680.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Native plants and grasses except for trees may be planted over a grave as a memorial. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A list of approved plants is available. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcvgh9mgAJiH4jaSvHUdOuehnN1JSSR0tm8WCFgui6pR45wSlA4JVDFaM2uYExShqc1MPokQV9aQO_UuKmTgZoCwoSL3BfqR81dnsIWXrK9tx8dicOlHTzIyHb8iM9kJiVUJtyGDUwju2/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcvgh9mgAJiH4jaSvHUdOuehnN1JSSR0tm8WCFgui6pR45wSlA4JVDFaM2uYExShqc1MPokQV9aQO_UuKmTgZoCwoSL3BfqR81dnsIWXrK9tx8dicOlHTzIyHb8iM9kJiVUJtyGDUwju2/s400/IMG_1684.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6NF4401ZVtDyeM7KkooHyBrnS5ET4LqqNvuE8F_r7jhYfeOuP7DpX39lkV02BWcIqrSnU13ZjITJFzd7bUsZAYLkxEcqVC4O4LD_JOWb5RDAotUw5SmR8LIItX0Bmm4MLeEvlwnqgUPF/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6NF4401ZVtDyeM7KkooHyBrnS5ET4LqqNvuE8F_r7jhYfeOuP7DpX39lkV02BWcIqrSnU13ZjITJFzd7bUsZAYLkxEcqVC4O4LD_JOWb5RDAotUw5SmR8LIItX0Bmm4MLeEvlwnqgUPF/s400/IMG_1685.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live flowers on a grave are also acceptable.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During growing season, the entire cemetery is bedecked with floral adornment. Evidence of involvement and community pride is apparent through Facebook posts, where pictures of donated potted plants and flowers abound and availability of memorial plantings is announced. Beyond the blossoms, a pronouncement alerts followers that among the assortment of wild strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries, a certain species of them is ready for picking. A suggestion to stop by for a stroll to enjoy the latest blooms complements a separate notation that this is a perfect place for a man and his dog to spend an afternoon. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this quaint, off-the-beaten-track village of fewer than a thousand residents (named for Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat), here lies a cemetery of significance. An Old World, traditional flavor honors the past amid a contemporary, burgeoning trend toward ecological sustenance in the future. The participation of local folks in the cemetery’s maintenance, their concerted efforts, donations of embellishments, and homespun touches render this a welcoming milieu that truly embodies a reference to death as “going home.”</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fultonvillecemetery">Fultonville Cemetery Facebook Page</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.leaderherald.com/page/content.detail/id/559211/Natural-burial-ground-is-region-s-first.html?nav=5011">"Natural burial ground is region's first"</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://fultonville.org/historian/">"Fultonville teen historian tackles cemetery"</a></span><br />_________________________________________________________________________</div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-46890320324770148192015-07-01T06:20:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.564-07:00Finding Labyrinths Along the WayWhile walking the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth early last Friday morning - it occurred to me that I should try to find labyrinths to walk along the way - while on my upcoming journey to the <a href="http://flemingcollege.ca/school/haliburton-school-of-the-arts">Haliburton School of the Arts</a> to take a course on <a href="http://www.soulcollage.com/">Soul Collage</a><span style="background-color: #fffffd; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.5px;">®.</span><br /><br />I checked both the Labyrinth Society's <a href="http://labyrinthlocator.com/">Worldwide Labyrinth Locator</a> and the <a href="http://www.labyrinthnetwork.ca/ontario-labyrinth-locator/">Ontario Labyrinth Locator</a> for some possibilities. Of course - I only did this on the morning of the day I was leaving. <br /><br />And here are the labyrinths that I found and some notes and photos about my experience.<br /><br /><b>Between Friends </b>- 730 Inglis Rd., Renfrew, ON. <i>Private, outdoor, always open, Chartres design. Wild flowers.</i><br /><br />I sent an email and tried to call ahead - but could not connect with the owner - so did not get to walk this labyrinth.<i> </i><br /><br /><b>Rocky Bear Labyrinth </b>- located at the <a href="http://www.teddybearbandb.com/">Teddy Bear B&B</a> in L'Amable, ON. <i>Public, outdoor, Cretan design. 7-circuit, 50 foot diameter. Pebbles and quarry rock.</i><br /><br />I called and spoke to Diane (one of the owners of the bed & breakfast) - and it was no problem to walk the labyrinth. Diane was very warm and welcoming on the phone. I saw a sign for the Teddy Bear B&B as I was getting closer to Bancroft - and was delighted to find it quite easily. I knocked on the door - but no one was home - so I explored the labyrinth path on my own.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM2dpmIF0ZevLkHEDnFF8tnTzZDdZ8pl81YAAmLxed3_rMz_KuZwygZ-Gq2tsLXzsIUu57_eTf7f_Mnm9XnH47500imODTvy9ROgnxHHT8n-QHb3T3cDQhYgQutBbxwVTIubAPo75eEJD/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM2dpmIF0ZevLkHEDnFF8tnTzZDdZ8pl81YAAmLxed3_rMz_KuZwygZ-Gq2tsLXzsIUu57_eTf7f_Mnm9XnH47500imODTvy9ROgnxHHT8n-QHb3T3cDQhYgQutBbxwVTIubAPo75eEJD/s400/IMG_3082.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a very peace-filled walk at the Rocky Bear Labyrinth, located right beside a wee lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><a href="http://www.grailsprings.com/labyrinth">Grail Springs Labyrinth </a>- Bancroft. </b>Please call in advance if you would like to visit and walk the labyrinth. Also inquire about our Sacred Labyrinth Sacred Life retreats. <i>Private, medieval, inner 5 circuits of the Chartres design, 33 feet diameter, rock, garden, hemlock. </i><br /><br />Unfortunately - I was not able to make arrangements to walk this labyrinth.<br /><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hello Chris,<br />Grail Spring is a private retreat centre. There is a small window of opportunity for you to meet with Barb Shaw at 6:30 at the front desk. Without an escort it would not be possible. Please answer if this is okay for you and I will inform Barb who will be glad to meet you.<br />Kind regards,<br />Grail Services team</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hello Chris,<br />Sorry I skipped over the answer for Saturdays... Saturdays are not possible because guests would and could very likely be using the labyrinth.<br />Kind regards,<br />Guest Services</span></i><br /><br /><b>Haliburton Highlands Tranquility Trail </b>- a labyrinth healing park located at Haliburton Highlands Health Care Facility. <i>Public, outdoor, wheelchair accessible, Cretan design, 5-circuit, 30 foot diameter. Crushed stone path & perennial sedum.</i><br /><br />Sadly - this labyrinth has been removed (possibly because it was neglected and needed tending?) - and has not yet been rebuilt. However I was able to find out about the Minden Hills labyrinth from a staff member at the Health Care Facility.<i> </i><br /><br /><b>Minden Hills Labyrinth - Minden - </b><i>Public, outdoor, shaded by trees, 7-circuit. 42 foot diameter. Gravel pathway. More than 1000 stones mark the walls.</i> Tree stump shaped into a stool in centre for restful contemplation. Peace pole, “May Peace Prevail on Earth", in English, Finnish, German, French & Spanish. Located across the Gull River bridge on grounds of Minden Hills Museum.<br /><br />We drove to Minden one evening looking for this labyrinth. We stopped at the Cultural Centre and I went through to the library. There I was directed to find George at the <a href="http://mindenhills.ca/art-gallery/">Agnes Jamieson Gallery </a>who would be able to tell us more about the labyrinth. Another sad story about a lonely labyrinth. The stones are being removed, in effect the labyrinth is being dismantled, again because it seems there is no one to tend it. However, we could still find the path, and George made an exception and unlocked the gate close to the labyrinth so we could come in to walk it.<br /><br />Some lessons from the labyrinth: he/she loves me; remember to make an exception; can still find and follow the path despite perceived difficulties; let there be light - shimmering through a crystal!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj51saN4T0wTwTPciu3AnKw0iPlgrKTucH7motx_XSY31oEG8qrNOnJVEPdpLbNhjSXFNoPKr9ApEQJ_8Q1Fb18OzgUTNYJAts-DKHnY3hqkMzgZzlzlbw0xTnxpUjLjO2gOS4iMyMXZo/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj51saN4T0wTwTPciu3AnKw0iPlgrKTucH7motx_XSY31oEG8qrNOnJVEPdpLbNhjSXFNoPKr9ApEQJ_8Q1Fb18OzgUTNYJAts-DKHnY3hqkMzgZzlzlbw0xTnxpUjLjO2gOS4iMyMXZo/s400/IMG_3107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely location for a labyrinth - on the grounds of the Minden Cultural Centre.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrP1r_02JI3k6BvK5mvMm4dgydlsoiFZ4Mam9bdDlJo_2C0m3SnO0HM5sTfNBDa7DY5H9Jv0sjInS9GUr1qPJPMbkU1pncACW_84_ot07H3LQOND_DqjFmPbzT3NtlPFa-LgvLZLtedTj/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrP1r_02JI3k6BvK5mvMm4dgydlsoiFZ4Mam9bdDlJo_2C0m3SnO0HM5sTfNBDa7DY5H9Jv0sjInS9GUr1qPJPMbkU1pncACW_84_ot07H3LQOND_DqjFmPbzT3NtlPFa-LgvLZLtedTj/s400/IMG_3108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pause and find a crystal along the path.</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Labyrinth at Kennisis Lake - Haliburton - </b><i>Private, appointments can be made via email to Belinda Beer, Petite Chartres, 7-circuit, 24 foot diameter.</i><br /><br />When I sent the email to Belinda inquiring about walking her labyrinth - I heard back within minutes!<br />And synchronistically, we were even taking the same course. A group of eight of us ended up having a wonderful evening at this labyrinth while we were in Haliburton. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Hi Belinda: I am about to leave Almonte – and will be travelling to Haliburton to take a one week course (on Soul Collage</i><span style="background-color: #fffffd; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5px;">®</span><i> at the Haliburton School of Arts. I am hoping to walk a labyrinth or two while on my journey. Would it be OK to make an appointment to walk your labyrinth at some point while I am in Haliburton? I look forward to your reply. Thanks Chris</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just left you a voice mail. I'm on that course too. You are welcome to walk whenever you would like. Belinda</span></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj944uest7ryjwVzo8i-khgeK_5hzdmPSeK3oeziY5dTi00_r8o7Juj7_JyQs84MfbNQCSkPY9S40YPWhn64kA_zDvk0wfZ6tDqctzNsrpxr3rfQQj5uYDhGx9YrzPoLizf8nkn5maG0B5/s1600/BelindaBeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj944uest7ryjwVzo8i-khgeK_5hzdmPSeK3oeziY5dTi00_r8o7Juj7_JyQs84MfbNQCSkPY9S40YPWhn64kA_zDvk0wfZ6tDqctzNsrpxr3rfQQj5uYDhGx9YrzPoLizf8nkn5maG0B5/s320/BelindaBeer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are so fortunate to visit this sacred space, called Cathedral in the Woods</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOnt0XcfrSUGe1TbiWZEhr8TIpo0fB8jqF6pPVDJEj4bfF-bFjMgfBBBQEvgD4G_sdZtbhpCkU3YI55OqkXUKyZF5edey5Ey-xBj0nZrdzhRXLaJln60v6PCQOWtnX-QCUzrobUNU6SCq/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOnt0XcfrSUGe1TbiWZEhr8TIpo0fB8jqF6pPVDJEj4bfF-bFjMgfBBBQEvgD4G_sdZtbhpCkU3YI55OqkXUKyZF5edey5Ey-xBj0nZrdzhRXLaJln60v6PCQOWtnX-QCUzrobUNU6SCq/s400/IMG_3102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We place our Soul Collage<span style="background-color: #fffffd; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: left;">® </span>cards on the labyrinth - what a powerful combination.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDIRTHG98kMoqd5_mBOk5pEi5V37JgdX3ON_RdmIziUQW3hBokUYZlZIrGpldHqQsc4_3J711AroJ_MBXP7P5RUuuzSg7SVu0Rg_aLa9MT0g_gdT3Dhs8-Eb3Cxb-rj1B4h_wGWwr7d4D/s400/IMG_3105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beauty and energy of the forest surrounds us.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i><i> </i>And the labyrinth journey continues. </div><div style="text-align: center;">What a special gift to walk this labyrinth in the woods today. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Lessons learned:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Believe and receive all that you need.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trust your path (supported by our newly created Soul Collage<span style="background-color: #fffffd; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: left;">® </span>cards).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Continue to step inside the Circle - and step up to new opportunities that present themselves.</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Listen to your heart"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Help me find and keep my humble self"</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel supported by the labyrinth and the group of soul sisters that are here - in this moment!</div><br /><br /><i><br /></i><br /><br /><i><br /></i><i> </i><br /><br /><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-22492432782204022112015-06-21T05:35:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.581-07:00Finding Peace Within Ourselves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thanks to all who joined us at the Walk in Peace & Native Teachings event at the labyrinth on Thursday June 18th. These special photos were taken by Kay McKay, and truly capture the spirit and feeling of the event. Interspersed with the photos are comments from our labyrinth committee members and some of the people who attended.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_jUllWiWdAXQ6c5pwmXhX2f887t-2qPgWxlBFvSGfgD2Z18qevum57ATMnBPmWyVA92wHiRNZ6Cbgkhm-55jN5PLiSpw9tIQBQeWgL2Gxy6rOEDqaBF46lX9a8_OTcPz2b22nIHUt6Nn/s1600/smudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_jUllWiWdAXQ6c5pwmXhX2f887t-2qPgWxlBFvSGfgD2Z18qevum57ATMnBPmWyVA92wHiRNZ6Cbgkhm-55jN5PLiSpw9tIQBQeWgL2Gxy6rOEDqaBF46lX9a8_OTcPz2b22nIHUt6Nn/s400/smudge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smudging clears any negative energy and is healing for the mind, body and spirit!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7XruL0-IJ7mmFmdndLMDPNqN0J26N9dEBTjNCicRcuyEr1Cg5tk0MSb-_cbu-H1xBmK84fYdFxTgduwngf2r5E9LU9fyfSdob08a7nENuEziDKA7CTFFgnJjnn837uC1MkpVXGcxeOdk/s1600/beadedsunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7XruL0-IJ7mmFmdndLMDPNqN0J26N9dEBTjNCicRcuyEr1Cg5tk0MSb-_cbu-H1xBmK84fYdFxTgduwngf2r5E9LU9fyfSdob08a7nENuEziDKA7CTFFgnJjnn837uC1MkpVXGcxeOdk/s400/beadedsunflower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francine Desjardins, Sunflower, Watching Woman of the Bear Clan, shared teachings on peace and the medicine wheel.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MavVPbz4IQYhUzf6snHp-hrwIV4qq0lNHGWZo74AOQv6U84BOPnaSMcqRaW95LL8uqS8NrPwi7GExolzpR5bIgBw4MvcNTTwi-lZLKposWnCEN17JLfhdBSSK9p35A52vlFBw4ilihmQ/s1600/poemofgratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MavVPbz4IQYhUzf6snHp-hrwIV4qq0lNHGWZo74AOQv6U84BOPnaSMcqRaW95LL8uqS8NrPwi7GExolzpR5bIgBw4MvcNTTwi-lZLKposWnCEN17JLfhdBSSK9p35A52vlFBw4ilihmQ/s400/poemofgratitude.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are reminded to find peace within ourselves, as a way of bringing to the rest of the world.</td></tr></tbody></table><i>"What a wonderful gathering in the gardens and at the labyrinth last night! And at the impromptu Circle gathering in the Museum afterwards – during the rain storm…</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I was able to finally walk the labyrinth first thing this morning. It was so beautiful to be able to watch the dreamcatcher moving in the breeze as I was walking – and to see the details of the items added – once I got to the centre."</i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBca7ERaDbgufQ2FKdLYq8ZwU4AASzuI9eS-ybejvHE1CHDmPuRHFfh0n_8s5yQPJZos7Scyo-PzCYfQwQy2BMMTQ5WAzaWf4N0j2x-5_laU7ykCaAd81-O8j6QXEnU3r55HnUkqzXA1P/s1600/peacewalkwelcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBca7ERaDbgufQ2FKdLYq8ZwU4AASzuI9eS-ybejvHE1CHDmPuRHFfh0n_8s5yQPJZos7Scyo-PzCYfQwQy2BMMTQ5WAzaWf4N0j2x-5_laU7ykCaAd81-O8j6QXEnU3r55HnUkqzXA1P/s400/peacewalkwelcome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debby Lytle tells the story and teachings of the dreamcatcher.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi86tCbulPYJkdrEA9H11HkajkLp0a8AnNWbugHim0uAL6sdDoIc-_k1XrZIpt8mHOtJe3oAiAGsofDIBh7uTshveU20bTSzXwgBhlPrcjZlMhhqZN_9RvysRazM38WV4JoTGbzlQSKS0j/s1600/makingdreamcatchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi86tCbulPYJkdrEA9H11HkajkLp0a8AnNWbugHim0uAL6sdDoIc-_k1XrZIpt8mHOtJe3oAiAGsofDIBh7uTshveU20bTSzXwgBhlPrcjZlMhhqZN_9RvysRazM38WV4JoTGbzlQSKS0j/s400/makingdreamcatchers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all participate in creating a peacewalk dreamcatcher.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT2yuguSqZEiG4Dsu2JTSKMJIlTuZGQP_GBs1lQM3tI6b97OoGhCmkYjPTMUoQClyy2CUBJVVupNRN4iJx5bnB19RvvWiP4thQyt7WRVpn6ySP0UI-jIvvcjndPmhx7DrAo_a6DeXReU3/s1600/largedreamcatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT2yuguSqZEiG4Dsu2JTSKMJIlTuZGQP_GBs1lQM3tI6b97OoGhCmkYjPTMUoQClyy2CUBJVVupNRN4iJx5bnB19RvvWiP4thQyt7WRVpn6ySP0UI-jIvvcjndPmhx7DrAo_a6DeXReU3/s400/largedreamcatcher.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immersed in the creative process!</td></tr></tbody></table><i>"Wonderful event. Everyone really enjoyed doing the communal dreamcatcher."</i><br /><br /><i> "What a lovely picture of the Dream Catcher, it is certainly a great memory of a wonderful walk."</i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJP72UjgO6KiRpm8O2c_gE2d_S-6oyVLN-nu1-ajDH7KG51ffsJ3cAB_tY6yCRchVGxrhivj8sU-uKecPemqiKFOJJCtA61erHbYgzgFoZKpGr4n0Sicw0AVLiVTOZ9wv76kpelH3QHwl/s1600/peacewalkbegins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJP72UjgO6KiRpm8O2c_gE2d_S-6oyVLN-nu1-ajDH7KG51ffsJ3cAB_tY6yCRchVGxrhivj8sU-uKecPemqiKFOJJCtA61erHbYgzgFoZKpGr4n0Sicw0AVLiVTOZ9wv76kpelH3QHwl/s400/peacewalkbegins.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Hume tells the story of the labyrinth and how to get the most out of your walk.</td></tr></tbody></table><i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO8pLH-obi51ddgJJct2CVBY-fbRdiCdjeFycfPbLSLrlxKWrTjOrbgcTXb2ig7KuzvdLy3mbOCW1RtRvNMGfv98vRIax4Llq2ee_50y2CvRVhGGEqUWlsiyNhGG9yjAw7Pz4rI2j1iPE/s1600/cedarbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO8pLH-obi51ddgJJct2CVBY-fbRdiCdjeFycfPbLSLrlxKWrTjOrbgcTXb2ig7KuzvdLy3mbOCW1RtRvNMGfv98vRIax4Llq2ee_50y2CvRVhGGEqUWlsiyNhGG9yjAw7Pz4rI2j1iPE/s400/cedarbasket.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar is<i> </i>one of the four sacred medicines given to the First Nations people as a means of communicating with the Creator. Those who wish to<i>, </i>carry a piece of Cedar with them on their labyrinth walk.</td></tr></tbody></table></i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMmHWaiTXHukJJ9H7zhMeK9ybSiCKnFI4zMbBDVNQ9l-_1Hpf2arXFwuuY3MIpwJcbkbsa7Z9I8RgR_8lHwBsjuemQEDh908dk0-2VRqI5Xmdi-CAXxKTaWMCiyjukmIPSi9SVfD7DekZ/s400/nativeflutemusic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad Clifford, Blueberry Mountain Flutes (maker) plays his native-style flute during the labyrinth walk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC5d5qwZfINKFgZLtD9Ah2UzLDwx0p3OtkmA_3CYfSY2CeLfvr5Pa9m2fmJemSb5LhwnyJ3DQOOa9ExISEOqSmf4ewe05i6uArCQrl9G2kFQEnQWUjQNYqwOByNTvqi3U8mO2udIzVSLH/s1600/peacewalk2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC5d5qwZfINKFgZLtD9Ah2UzLDwx0p3OtkmA_3CYfSY2CeLfvr5Pa9m2fmJemSb5LhwnyJ3DQOOa9ExISEOqSmf4ewe05i6uArCQrl9G2kFQEnQWUjQNYqwOByNTvqi3U8mO2udIzVSLH/s400/peacewalk2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going with the flow on the labyrinth - just before the storm.</td></tr></tbody></table><i>"I enjoyed walking the labyrinth during the rain storm. Great circle of flute playing in the museum afterwards!"</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"I ended up getting to the car just as it really started raining, and then sat for a while. I really wanted to thank you and your fellow Committee members for another memorable labyrinth event! You had gone to a lot of trouble to make it a success and I loved being able to add to the dreamcatcher, plus I really appreciated the talk, drumming and singing by Francine. Doing the walk to the flutes with the dark clouds looming was very atmospheric. All in all, a special day."</i><br /><br /><i></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieo7tLlprW-FtpD2jlSsWeETm9IPyBFMPklwyUaL9KiIbWmUjlk1ginA3-dRbu0HWnKstTudK23cJ-Vh0mSBt3DtTQd0SKv-e6Dc2cS2c8WUoegXtQ0slZS2-sgXX4BLRTSPe1bEj9kcR_/s1600/beautifulwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieo7tLlprW-FtpD2jlSsWeETm9IPyBFMPklwyUaL9KiIbWmUjlk1ginA3-dRbu0HWnKstTudK23cJ-Vh0mSBt3DtTQd0SKv-e6Dc2cS2c8WUoegXtQ0slZS2-sgXX4BLRTSPe1bEj9kcR_/s400/beautifulwood.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Rattle and tapping sticks, part of the Drum Circle tradition.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i></i></div><i> </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-78264560608978338312015-06-15T10:21:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.421-07:00NATURAL BURIAL CASKETS and MORE<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Journey Journal... Arlington, MA</i></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">A TISKET, A CASKET... A </span><span style="color: #38761d;">GREEN</span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YELLOW</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> BASKET</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All caskets available through the Mourning Dove Studio are “green” because of their biodegradability and suitability for natural burials. But the actual colors and styles can reflect a broad spectrum of possibilities. A pivotal feature of this enterprise is its adaptability and responsiveness to personal visions. The sky’s the limit for individually created versions destined for underground repose, as long as construction materials and decorative applications mesh with principled stipulations for ecologically-friendly burials. </span><br /><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Mourning Dove venture, though, encompasses far more than the sale of burial containment. Its two co-founder visionaries conceptualized an inclusive palate of offerings. Through their direct support, customers have been able to immerse themselves in details of design as well as dialogues about death. Backgrounds in human service instinctively marry these originators with a sensitivity to emotional needs generated by ramifications of current and future loss. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although sales of burial receptacles represent the most tangible backbone of their activities, nothing within the realm of related services is boxed in by prescribed structure. The dynamic nature of shared details and interactive exchanges engages customers under novel circumstances, promoting personal touches and camaraderie typically foreign to conventional retail settings. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth Faas and Sue Cross are the prime movers who have nurtured this initiative toward its realization. Both had been peripheral observers of matters within the death arena prior to plunging into it themselves. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observations of her uncle’s funeral home operations may have set the stage for Ruth, but a reaction to her mother’s casket innervated thoughts of alternatives. Clinical ministrations as an occupational therapist led to graduate studies in sociology and a role as a teaching assistant for a Death and Dying class. Currently, she is a member of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Eastern Massachusetts. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides a background in mental health, an appreciation of cultural diversity and a passion for art have contributed to Sue’s involvement in death-related services. While serving as a bereavement counselor for adolescents, she is also developing a film series about death, dying, and grieving for a local church. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These inspired women have fulfilled roles as enablers by guiding folks beyond the darkness of finality and into the light of expressive possibilities for handling it. Until recently, customers had been able to visit a multi-functional, spacious studio where caskets were on display, but also, other activities were underway. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Individual art projects and workshops were conducted in the larger of two rooms. Bereavement groups could be accommodated. For a nominal fee, basic cardboard caskets or pine boxes could be decorated according to individualized inspirations and aspirations. Guidance was available from the co-founder who has a penchant for art, buoyed by four years of classes and membership in a cooperative art studio, and imbued with a special interest in the art and rituals her Hungarian ancestors had practiced in response to deaths. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyJJ5dzL7Z4phue1ozDdEowYumZfVluaC-cILUs8rDLXveFYK8yO_uVnxU0APWCZMWqeZ20ldRNJIFAtc3-dbnQt3Z2Li-L6m5hFhyphenhyphenMxmChm693RR3ENoUfT9zurinCGr6MlknP_2e_Of/s1600/MournDoveHungarianDesign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyJJ5dzL7Z4phue1ozDdEowYumZfVluaC-cILUs8rDLXveFYK8yO_uVnxU0APWCZMWqeZ20ldRNJIFAtc3-dbnQt3Z2Li-L6m5hFhyphenhyphenMxmChm693RR3ENoUfT9zurinCGr6MlknP_2e_Of/s400/MournDoveHungarianDesign.png" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos Source: Mourning Dove Studio Website</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCxFDQXV_ZiCEzjNo0znh1FK1oTyA9Dtf1CO1fXSJ1wNefZKbhX4VELQNI-InBbsSN-zW8q-a-V1H_JuJ07uClbhWtpKNtrAPZ6X_VaPJVn_TlD3qG0lB3BswjutkpGol4GOtcnATO5h-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-15+at+9.05.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCxFDQXV_ZiCEzjNo0znh1FK1oTyA9Dtf1CO1fXSJ1wNefZKbhX4VELQNI-InBbsSN-zW8q-a-V1H_JuJ07uClbhWtpKNtrAPZ6X_VaPJVn_TlD3qG0lB3BswjutkpGol4GOtcnATO5h-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-15+at+9.05.22+AM.png" /></a></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A smaller resource room served as a hub for access to relevant literature about matters of mortality, including alternative modes of death management. There, folks could sit and read to glean insights on their journeys toward end-of-life wisdom. Some tapped material addressing grief to bolster steps toward recovery. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps a germane slogan for this venture that pertains to death would be, “Never Say Die.” Operations could readily have come to a demised termination were it not for motivational resilience. As with life itself, an insurmountable obstacle was encountered that rendered a numbing blow. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The storefront space on Massachusetts Avenue that had been headquarters for this establishment since its origination in December of 2009 had to be unexpectedly abandoned in 2014. A quintessential “we regret to inform you” notice was the dagger that could have inflicted mortal wounds. The announcement of a monthly rent increase of $1000. was potentially paralyzing. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the imposed absence of expanse did not mark the end of this life-enriching cause. Now, sales are conducted and information is dispensed from the owner’s home. Caskets are on display in the basement, along with some biodegradable urns and reference materials. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xZyw7GveNNedh_4ChuAijL8z3ll6Yf4D7E4vCNWxj0BdiTZvnY-s_Evw9swztxIDhgP8K9dFBhxigMsmWxJiMylxIbW9J1r8yCZYvpxSyKryTWnOgLbcjEo_b9PRKWkPFy-TYqZfwzmM/s1600/IMG_1792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xZyw7GveNNedh_4ChuAijL8z3ll6Yf4D7E4vCNWxj0BdiTZvnY-s_Evw9swztxIDhgP8K9dFBhxigMsmWxJiMylxIbW9J1r8yCZYvpxSyKryTWnOgLbcjEo_b9PRKWkPFy-TYqZfwzmM/s400/IMG_1792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rather than unceremoniously placing an order, sometimes folks who are experiencing the turmoil of loss or terminal circumstances may want to immerse themselves in the process of development through hands-on involvement. As an evocative tool for expression of feelings, such activities can be an antidote to their festering imprisonment. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given enough preemptive time, clients may even choose to construct a casket themselves, with direct assistance. Or plain, unadorned boxes that are already made can awaken ideas, prompting applications of paint or anything the heart desires. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM14OpZdb5cmooNL3GjoErNPFxSG4rUyoJUw-QLcvjB1GlL5eAsY-T0ATsPq1IkkcD3urvcbqMzIHkjuk_T3Lg04xeLNbPyGthuEkYux0701D-nYpWZSUslYyWYu8HbX4LWDl-MJZc5rkp/s1600/IMG_1790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM14OpZdb5cmooNL3GjoErNPFxSG4rUyoJUw-QLcvjB1GlL5eAsY-T0ATsPq1IkkcD3urvcbqMzIHkjuk_T3Lg04xeLNbPyGthuEkYux0701D-nYpWZSUslYyWYu8HbX4LWDl-MJZc5rkp/s400/IMG_1790.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6VOZnIWXOut5V5gZm0J49vbdAEo-jI3120XFAt6jh4QwzYJkrImYy5LJ0p4h9KOsuotgsRFMh70rhmWWDqIhBTuBefOesgwvOHvNYkrYqjTXOPkDy1fwq1a4b5aYKleRppeEM-jT_8bX/s1600/MournDovePlain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6VOZnIWXOut5V5gZm0J49vbdAEo-jI3120XFAt6jh4QwzYJkrImYy5LJ0p4h9KOsuotgsRFMh70rhmWWDqIhBTuBefOesgwvOHvNYkrYqjTXOPkDy1fwq1a4b5aYKleRppeEM-jT_8bX/s400/MournDovePlain.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo Source: Mourning Dove Studio Website</span></i></div></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Encyclopedia pages meaningfully lined the interior of a rudimentary receptacle that would be apropos for a teacher or avid learner. The decoupage technique is often employed. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6TJyyaUOwBz4ur8xyYV51TE7Pm10rix38IgCHh0_sIISdx7IS7cxGiOcDVBgjAI6ulzgFSk87gx3MTfbDPcPtTVcmy4lUGG-M8dnF8FCYKmyzXiYv6bIkkEU46NiNn8nmu11Cvj_FrOM/s1600/IMG_1791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6TJyyaUOwBz4ur8xyYV51TE7Pm10rix38IgCHh0_sIISdx7IS7cxGiOcDVBgjAI6ulzgFSk87gx3MTfbDPcPtTVcmy4lUGG-M8dnF8FCYKmyzXiYv6bIkkEU46NiNn8nmu11Cvj_FrOM/s400/IMG_1791.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inserts may be covered by family photos, images that signify a decedent’s characteristics, or ornamentation of a different nature. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptgk6JVFvbiNvh0nri3O6VkDxZfg-iMuHVLSGup6DpuMEFY3FkOJJ7LfAmwCZ694xjCUnCSFSgvta1PJo0HkEa7ZTFo0yoFbLpS8lC-kmwlCzRz8Qyfc2ON5oa_j8iutqpoti5a6re5H5/s1600/IMG_1787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptgk6JVFvbiNvh0nri3O6VkDxZfg-iMuHVLSGup6DpuMEFY3FkOJJ7LfAmwCZ694xjCUnCSFSgvta1PJo0HkEa7ZTFo0yoFbLpS8lC-kmwlCzRz8Qyfc2ON5oa_j8iutqpoti5a6re5H5/s400/IMG_1787.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even mere post-it notes might be affixed to recognize a decedent’s persona or as a means for conveying messages as part of a send-off. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY4N8C1Aet53hlmciDXUQHS4j7RIcRvnZGrDAaoqDMkACYJmKR6sbOrim30DE3qOZGLsXPcuPy2ukxQwbFs1NRNeyD77tRl7Cg112TL6Qnn7C4o8fxfi6YbajfQ2QFLZtRJgmpYzbdZHe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-16+at+1.04.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY4N8C1Aet53hlmciDXUQHS4j7RIcRvnZGrDAaoqDMkACYJmKR6sbOrim30DE3qOZGLsXPcuPy2ukxQwbFs1NRNeyD77tRl7Cg112TL6Qnn7C4o8fxfi6YbajfQ2QFLZtRJgmpYzbdZHe/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-16+at+1.04.59+PM.png" width="449" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an alternative to a do-it-yourself casket-making project or securing one that’s locally constructed, models from other retail sources can be ordered. Basket-type receptacles made from natural fibers have become popular commodities for green burials in Europe and, increasingly, in the United States as well. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKAZNs9ojYAK-jydCDbr1Vxa1qh-GXEYvi-gWu5FeVplpWiDcKN3gNgZjAwNa5iOFV18tyNySEngq0A2eK66iAx9xouZImvLvO2e4sJVasVgF9_Yr4r0LKRwb2ZhKP5IRtN4IrmJnoIuR/s1600/IMG_1789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKAZNs9ojYAK-jydCDbr1Vxa1qh-GXEYvi-gWu5FeVplpWiDcKN3gNgZjAwNa5iOFV18tyNySEngq0A2eK66iAx9xouZImvLvO2e4sJVasVgF9_Yr4r0LKRwb2ZhKP5IRtN4IrmJnoIuR/s400/IMG_1789.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stylistic Ecopod was introduced to the world as a distinctive, molded configuration that simulates a seed pod. It is hand made using recycled newspapers and finished with paper from mulberry pulp. Colors and imprinted designs are variable. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVpgLC41qFqigW3H70EgfnN5RrMrlzKs2IVH8tba8rsksXWvPDOUJr8s3X2F0moLSAc2xDq8Il96l3MFoSuQhFHe2-Z_5orB5Eqt4ncQ9iBCBawI_a-rO6lIdnrmtylNF6vHAHhKdRwnB/s1600/IMG_1786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVpgLC41qFqigW3H70EgfnN5RrMrlzKs2IVH8tba8rsksXWvPDOUJr8s3X2F0moLSAc2xDq8Il96l3MFoSuQhFHe2-Z_5orB5Eqt4ncQ9iBCBawI_a-rO6lIdnrmtylNF6vHAHhKdRwnB/s400/IMG_1786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caskets with designs prepared through the application of biodegradable paints are available. One of a cadre of local artists can be commissioned to do the work. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2QepaLTBuDeKHIXxYVMpp3wDciol7hGleZdg3R3qz25uesO0lST4MpT7uAmNhf06JNO8UBx6g_sMBJm8ZzUvWuJc6vFq_93ZD8HRnkRx6uwm2TU_Bc0Q05ENhGjZ17ZaJZZsMQa1dnP7/s1600/MournDoveSmFlowers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2QepaLTBuDeKHIXxYVMpp3wDciol7hGleZdg3R3qz25uesO0lST4MpT7uAmNhf06JNO8UBx6g_sMBJm8ZzUvWuJc6vFq_93ZD8HRnkRx6uwm2TU_Bc0Q05ENhGjZ17ZaJZZsMQa1dnP7/s400/MournDoveSmFlowers.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo Source: Mourning Dove Studio Website</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a shroud is preferred, it can be acquired from one of a few nationwide sources. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For discussions with the Mourning Dove owner, interested individuals are invited to sit around a table in her spacious country kitchen that evokes images of neighborhood coffee klatches. The homey environment begets a sense of homespun attention. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like a sumptuous meal, the scoop about options for products and services is doled out generously. Contacts may be facilitated by referring people to a host of providers. Among them are funeral homes and cemeteries that support ecological practices, celebrants who conduct commemorative services, grief therapists, deathbed choirs, and artists who create memorial items. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The website for this venture also serves as a channel for input. Besides having access to pertinent blog articles, readers are apprised of opportunities to attend a series of writing workshops or yoga classes to address the impact of loss. Home gatherings for exploration and discussions can be arranged. One page on the website is a repository for a listing of resources and the sharing of commemorative ideas submitted by individuals. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part of the mission to spread the word about natural burials is implemented through community presentations and exhibits at events, such as the 2014 Graves In the Garden green burial fair at Mount Auburn Cemetery. In a vendor milieu, a few of the caskets were on display there.</span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaP5G7ZSY22mZRdti07AobbkyUlcW8uGE625Be2FbovY2pudk9jt-8uj44ymmjCUs6ulQJkpRiYvqa1orwxFZua3PuEyljMnWoDHBvxDp44GBws4QFbZL9WlPxIaytpnH2otVejo4t8ay/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaP5G7ZSY22mZRdti07AobbkyUlcW8uGE625Be2FbovY2pudk9jt-8uj44ymmjCUs6ulQJkpRiYvqa1orwxFZua3PuEyljMnWoDHBvxDp44GBws4QFbZL9WlPxIaytpnH2otVejo4t8ay/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnSSIrnY6Q5AJ5bN-sIj2Q2TLlPVYK11FGzBHEePTRY95230T4ArP05JktYnAlhqboCjqOV1Vy8MEoKp8TT5ArGLOL29Rd-uMfzU2rAN7HNgIl-x6fXT_2nnWCb4gDOj6WBnH_BJC47l9/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnSSIrnY6Q5AJ5bN-sIj2Q2TLlPVYK11FGzBHEePTRY95230T4ArP05JktYnAlhqboCjqOV1Vy8MEoKp8TT5ArGLOL29Rd-uMfzU2rAN7HNgIl-x6fXT_2nnWCb4gDOj6WBnH_BJC47l9/s400/IMG_1919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">A commitment to promote the concept of environmentally sustainable end-of-life practices is at the core of this undertaking. It is readily apparent that individualized support and a goal of enlightenment</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s1">serve as the underlying foundation for devoted engagement. These authentic helpers want to help people. Casket sales seem secondary to that objective. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As noted on their website, they “want to help dying people and their loved ones openly discuss these topics, utilize art and creativity as tools for leaving a legacy of love, create meaningful, personalized end-of-life ceremonies, have more access to eco-friendly options, honor and grieve our connections and losses.”</span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their recognition of a need for earthly preservation has motivated involvement in this ecologically conscientious endeavor. Everything they do and everything they provide is down to earth, whether it be a burial receptacle or a suggestion. Under their auspices, customized creativity reigns. Their efforts epitomize a manner of personalization that is meaningful and devoid of commercialism. They are mavericks in these ever-growing funerary fields of green. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mourningdovestudio.com/">Mourning Dove Studio</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Going green"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/03/01/going_green/?page=full">boston.com Article</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Mourning goes green in Arlington"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20120301/News/303019798">WICKEDLOCAL..com Article</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-90496790478661403792015-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.466-07:00NATURAL BURIAL FAIR at MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY<i style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOURNEY JOURNAL... Cambridge, MA</b></i><br /><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BECOMING EARTH... "LEAVES" of GREEN</b><br /><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In spite of high humidity and a whisper of rain showers, spirits at the Mount Auburn Cemetery were not at all dampened. On the contrary, folks who attended the June 14th, 2014 “Graves In the Garden” green burial fair engaged themselves enthusiastically in opportunities to learn about the natural burial concept. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The afternoon schedule of activities enabled people to experience the verdant environment of these venerated burial grounds. It was all about “green” in a setting that exudes it. It was about a matter of death in a leafy arboretum rife with life. Blanketed by an abundance of trees, shrubs, and flowers, the terrain served as an ideal theater for an affair addressing earthly sustenance. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The concept of green burials that has been growing like wildflowers around the country had been embraced by Mount Auburn Cemetery, where that type of elemental burial is now available. Plots for this purpose are scattered throughout the grounds and integrated among traditional sites rather than in a designated, homogeneous section. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In one instance, an area in front of a field of headstones has been framed according to a husband and wife’s wishes, in readiness for their future deaths and natural burials. As a reflection of their joint ownership of a Boston area retreat that features many art pieces, stones native to western Massachusetts represent their legacy of a lifetime appreciation of outdoor art. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8ReqRfHi8h0qRdt90oFdWsFdyllXVwp4eKkyzBVz206pCoAq5uCJCQDDG1qWXDNyWjdfod1MUOIU1guVao5aIHu47BJXimlfK_KRAJM7UYtpZ4AWijJsfvpDPkxKTzFb5z5EtsKTmL9u/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8ReqRfHi8h0qRdt90oFdWsFdyllXVwp4eKkyzBVz206pCoAq5uCJCQDDG1qWXDNyWjdfod1MUOIU1guVao5aIHu47BJXimlfK_KRAJM7UYtpZ4AWijJsfvpDPkxKTzFb5z5EtsKTmL9u/s400/IMG_1781.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This special event at the cemetery was geared not only toward pre-planners like that couple whose gravesite preemptively graces the grounds, but also for anyone who was interested in becoming enlightened about the natural burial concept in general. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the onset, individuals strolled along a hilly road to reach the Bigelow Chapel, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">named for Dr. Jacob Bigelow, who had been instrumental in acquiring seventy acres as a foundation for establishment of the cemetery in 1831. </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6IRmxcFRjaQPlususfIYp7UM1stMjK6EOsmWai70pweC_ioqHu0RHVEKsdwegBz9PmyOymdJBKnUqTdVNmKUlMmkyrF5FH853LVYBFzUcJcMu0v756Ox8_q3JzJrtCPGG3Kmn6-DGDof/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6IRmxcFRjaQPlususfIYp7UM1stMjK6EOsmWai70pweC_ioqHu0RHVEKsdwegBz9PmyOymdJBKnUqTdVNmKUlMmkyrF5FH853LVYBFzUcJcMu0v756Ox8_q3JzJrtCPGG3Kmn6-DGDof/s400/IMG_1936.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Bigelow also was responsible for the erection of a stone statue as a memorial to victims of the Civil War. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAh3VBQ598VIi_q5kvP5wuay78qkHpXhYB8SaDxvFKHAKRx-Mr6wPoZEa_UA_kb-vzXr3WY7KSekE7ubIKQdnWuv1XLQdd8Px73gCxHP9Srt0YRFMM9cHW-nlu_uUhX9zSpJdgBJR9n1Q/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAh3VBQ598VIi_q5kvP5wuay78qkHpXhYB8SaDxvFKHAKRx-Mr6wPoZEa_UA_kb-vzXr3WY7KSekE7ubIKQdnWuv1XLQdd8Px73gCxHP9Srt0YRFMM9cHW-nlu_uUhX9zSpJdgBJR9n1Q/s400/IMG_1916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lion with a human head and a pharoah's headdress sits vigilantly across from the chapel's entrance.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIDS8-oInDtA8cPGA1FBOpQFw1BkeQXGyzUC6Jj2rnH_yYdhF6ZumYpF_JIBkZWqxHaolW2g2lrLfqwiZd1D2YxZPMLs_ou27DnadmESnaYOHl3QZ8Kgnl8xfW8cWOKZQb8TlIP1uhWev/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIDS8-oInDtA8cPGA1FBOpQFw1BkeQXGyzUC6Jj2rnH_yYdhF6ZumYpF_JIBkZWqxHaolW2g2lrLfqwiZd1D2YxZPMLs_ou27DnadmESnaYOHl3QZ8Kgnl8xfW8cWOKZQb8TlIP1uhWev/s400/IMG_1917.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spokespeople from relevant organizations and vendors manned tables with literature and posters explaining the essence of their services and missions. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Representatives included the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Western Massachusetts, providers who are part of the National Home Funeral Alliance, the Eternal Blessings Cremation Service, and the My Exit Strategy Internet storage depot for end-of-life wishes. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDwbqOMJm-iVnn2W4Oro0vH0g72BtpO7E7QiQN098ytJMfvKCvSMUi22l-FmYU8C1BnTcYb__46Y_0SP9DdHxZ-cQoAldaUZTSd9RPPe8k7KUNsQHP15gIKQLRQVdCiz4xp_DHtTFRDQ5/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDwbqOMJm-iVnn2W4Oro0vH0g72BtpO7E7QiQN098ytJMfvKCvSMUi22l-FmYU8C1BnTcYb__46Y_0SP9DdHxZ-cQoAldaUZTSd9RPPe8k7KUNsQHP15gIKQLRQVdCiz4xp_DHtTFRDQ5/s400/IMG_1932.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depictions of family directed home funerals were displayed on a photo board.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhSEUCFgaj-vvOVgxgprFKQHXdJxG-OMAl6tF6cSWKN-oTKye1eSUPFatfSmz8YqoskL6qrwiwTZT8YfBZGDKgHLsFl5geql1OXZy2fS5dSS77rfRpmXqSouBwHsT6f0E8odtnL0rdSZ_/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhSEUCFgaj-vvOVgxgprFKQHXdJxG-OMAl6tF6cSWKN-oTKye1eSUPFatfSmz8YqoskL6qrwiwTZT8YfBZGDKgHLsFl5geql1OXZy2fS5dSS77rfRpmXqSouBwHsT6f0E8odtnL0rdSZ_/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biodegradable caskets appropriate for natural burials were exhibited as well. These are available through Mourning Dove Studio, a treasure trove for varied types of ecologically friendly burial containment, often embellished with meaningful appointments and artistry. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeP9Lw8v1AmsBKtPpgapcM1wcWPxla8ShsUrnUfCUS7wNc96DVpp1IgrgVElzo18F5T67k08ApFPO_6J2s01gz3DEqepcO3DgSRFlxx_nXqJ7hdrXjyjGan5HaMWNGnHpPgty2M6iohr/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeP9Lw8v1AmsBKtPpgapcM1wcWPxla8ShsUrnUfCUS7wNc96DVpp1IgrgVElzo18F5T67k08ApFPO_6J2s01gz3DEqepcO3DgSRFlxx_nXqJ7hdrXjyjGan5HaMWNGnHpPgty2M6iohr/s400/IMG_1919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP4y0TT0hZvgq2Pg2hkdYI4rpFDauJlLwY06uRyXrPlk-d6fC5cQkNNbcpnmLdmZALmjDl6sjzmEbW6WLhxlbwc0UPZ_9T1hfrOsOP_qCZ4XNXCnA4wsQ_KyfpJfBqNlZdVwcEOak6mHH/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP4y0TT0hZvgq2Pg2hkdYI4rpFDauJlLwY06uRyXrPlk-d6fC5cQkNNbcpnmLdmZALmjDl6sjzmEbW6WLhxlbwc0UPZ_9T1hfrOsOP_qCZ4XNXCnA4wsQ_KyfpJfBqNlZdVwcEOak6mHH/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU6unQuW3y9EdMS5PRw0VFjfN1UpWDA7FbcK1x1Q-QJk5dHNK8wKgDpJXPa1807i5_Ie682iF8RztaGF5TZm3xIHJsQol8ayBBUHTIMkVw-cqDXCGEmG5D7OJv4x3Z4NpHWd35muyuc-I/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU6unQuW3y9EdMS5PRw0VFjfN1UpWDA7FbcK1x1Q-QJk5dHNK8wKgDpJXPa1807i5_Ie682iF8RztaGF5TZm3xIHJsQol8ayBBUHTIMkVw-cqDXCGEmG5D7OJv4x3Z4NpHWd35muyuc-I/s400/IMG_1934.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, as guests milled around the premises, a “pseudo-someone” lay motionless, undisturbed by the enlivening chatter while awaiting its “pseudo-burial” scheduled for later in the afternoon. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEYjFItsXrvaDqTYxoZEKuNsHdKyC5jI23bM0F_j_4J7cHPe-UZsSgsku-OEEHMFBDgs3Z1ul1zgPUovUElQ5MCbKvWP-wXssGZO_J27s2XcsaVi67UUiHnKiAeXM3ZIrVx1_gBG7v9xT/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEYjFItsXrvaDqTYxoZEKuNsHdKyC5jI23bM0F_j_4J7cHPe-UZsSgsku-OEEHMFBDgs3Z1ul1zgPUovUElQ5MCbKvWP-wXssGZO_J27s2XcsaVi67UUiHnKiAeXM3ZIrVx1_gBG7v9xT/s400/IMG_1920.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop on the agenda was the Story Chapel, named for the cemetery’s first president, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story. Constructed of sandstone in the style of a fifteenth-century English church, its Gothic interior style features a ceiling of carved wooden pieces. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonLXs8_mI1f5ae8_zocSZBT9JtW5TRHLijlQEK8tnhVJIa5O3HexY6xNRRYHP1F2kZc5Zjzotgy-Ezu1GbUQ8gXDXZ1ayIuRdcpv4IJ3Wr616_BT6riei26f33n-xOKPosR7GEdk9uI63/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonLXs8_mI1f5ae8_zocSZBT9JtW5TRHLijlQEK8tnhVJIa5O3HexY6xNRRYHP1F2kZc5Zjzotgy-Ezu1GbUQ8gXDXZ1ayIuRdcpv4IJ3Wr616_BT6riei26f33n-xOKPosR7GEdk9uI63/s400/IMG_1785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People gathered here for the showing of a popular film, <i>A Will for the Woods</i>, which has won acclaim for its poignant documentation of an individual’s end-of-life journey. It follows the progression of circumstances confronted by Clark Wang, a musician and psychiatrist, as he dealt with lymphoma and prepared for his green burial. Thoughtfully placed tissue boxes had been scattered throughout the rows of pews. Following the film, its producers were on hand to answer questions, of which there were many. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b_YFqRia-WpY1cmXybADf11p_qXmqzKo8WKvCkz37YAd7tm90mNV_FDoTIIc52nivDrOWwNB7-5YJ6wER_Ya3D_jsbkmYGUvOLvir-Wx_PjJFyh5XcrfLZr7h0tNq0iVupPkuaCjcVzQ/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b_YFqRia-WpY1cmXybADf11p_qXmqzKo8WKvCkz37YAd7tm90mNV_FDoTIIc52nivDrOWwNB7-5YJ6wER_Ya3D_jsbkmYGUvOLvir-Wx_PjJFyh5XcrfLZr7h0tNq0iVupPkuaCjcVzQ/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next on the agenda was a demonstration, compelling transport of the “pseudo-corpse” –previously reposing in the chapel – to its grave.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbIN21enGEk9WeC_gSAwy730pkMxKDgNeWA_TAa1PiCDqvI0Ly_FuVBeNFjIVGXI7Sqw8Vwx6SsCACTmDFmUeAcjLZk2r3SpZJ-CZk5dIZjzkipKw8hQ8EY05yacKMvGUaKYf7C-1bnZQ/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbIN21enGEk9WeC_gSAwy730pkMxKDgNeWA_TAa1PiCDqvI0Ly_FuVBeNFjIVGXI7Sqw8Vwx6SsCACTmDFmUeAcjLZk2r3SpZJ-CZk5dIZjzkipKw8hQ8EY05yacKMvGUaKYf7C-1bnZQ/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For digging a little deeper into the green burial concept, a grave site had been authentically prepared to conduct a mock burial au naturel. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMflE3mIBrHPkXXbm3xu5BTxvI04pN__wuy-3Vj_3wFH_iukROSnBiLN24ASlSLUjTNZYlFOThm4IXHAW9zAxM2w5MpryGJ18jbomOnbZm3m0cXUdiNxvXv_kAZWBep5yr4Xy54FLgGXPb/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMflE3mIBrHPkXXbm3xu5BTxvI04pN__wuy-3Vj_3wFH_iukROSnBiLN24ASlSLUjTNZYlFOThm4IXHAW9zAxM2w5MpryGJ18jbomOnbZm3m0cXUdiNxvXv_kAZWBep5yr4Xy54FLgGXPb/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After meeting at the Bigelow Chapel, staff led folks to the site for further elaboration of details, enabling insights about the differences between this type of burial and conventional approaches along with up-close visualization of the process as it is managed on the Mount Auburn property. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOwNdzinGUUFIys8PzyTNnpuSnJ7QaHmzNxJ-R7kP-rkFcp6zqBWAKj111BL4_A4kk7EjIV-XwaVdc7H5t4ztWAwOef6YuixHEnOxgdBw_DBEFH7dzjMI7VM4Rj5YJ8iE8vgM4eeyKWqT/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOwNdzinGUUFIys8PzyTNnpuSnJ7QaHmzNxJ-R7kP-rkFcp6zqBWAKj111BL4_A4kk7EjIV-XwaVdc7H5t4ztWAwOef6YuixHEnOxgdBw_DBEFH7dzjMI7VM4Rj5YJ8iE8vgM4eeyKWqT/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIf0LaikP0aj2t0UgXl81rtCG3NBIa2vlR-dL-tW1a9khCAyR1uNvt3ThjyHEjXefsm54CkxY2pqQGB9KU79ToR0BDqA_TsMlHjD2bgphQKw6WfpK0M0T53ToMXzEiCifKVDrVtL7ceC9n/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIf0LaikP0aj2t0UgXl81rtCG3NBIa2vlR-dL-tW1a9khCAyR1uNvt3ThjyHEjXefsm54CkxY2pqQGB9KU79ToR0BDqA_TsMlHjD2bgphQKw6WfpK0M0T53ToMXzEiCifKVDrVtL7ceC9n/s400/IMG_1931.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4WtqotS0JR2qeO6IYBudjvsFohSCclTAVr0_s_j9-owHu9qIPzpEaD4lzcL9QBqusFzep36TBQcfaMC-v7lPli0Aiyr32j0AgCDmnpBkFKTZO3G69Rnhx0h2zt-02qOIXCTNX8hY-CPf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-12+at+8.29.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4WtqotS0JR2qeO6IYBudjvsFohSCclTAVr0_s_j9-owHu9qIPzpEaD4lzcL9QBqusFzep36TBQcfaMC-v7lPli0Aiyr32j0AgCDmnpBkFKTZO3G69Rnhx0h2zt-02qOIXCTNX8hY-CPf/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-06-12+at+8.29.01+PM.png" width="350" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5iJAgyFW3dtsHfDIdZg2s1K8qbYjducJmUpMQAyCxntirfDI6aYFSRmWvdvPp5WPGnvjrmgbnCwZWgNYMGJ8qQF-rU_oiJolemudlbZrlfudSJ5UpP5gFIJnYTuIG-sGhox2b8cHo695/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5iJAgyFW3dtsHfDIdZg2s1K8qbYjducJmUpMQAyCxntirfDI6aYFSRmWvdvPp5WPGnvjrmgbnCwZWgNYMGJ8qQF-rU_oiJolemudlbZrlfudSJ5UpP5gFIJnYTuIG-sGhox2b8cHo695/s400/IMG_1923.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final element of this occasion was a presentation by Mark Harris, author of <i>Grave Matters</i>, a book extolled for its authenticity captured through his personal observations. Having written articles about natural burials for prominent newspapers and magazines, and as a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, he is widely regarded as an expert resource. Against a backdrop of standard practices and through elaborations of witnessed details, readers are apprised of less familiar, yet burgeoning methods. Benefits of natural endings readily come into focus. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This burial alternative has taken root. During recent years it has been capturing the attention of providers and consumers around the country. In this age of materialism and excess, it entails less, rather than more. It mirrors the past – the old way burials were handled before manufactured goods and funerary accoutrements came on the scene. Yet, perhaps oddly, it is perceived as uniquely new. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people still are not yet aware of this ostensibly “new” option for bodily disposition after death. Besides excavating a grave to illustrate it, planners for the “Graves In the Garden” affair opened minds. Through input from various sources, people in attendance were given a realistic look at this earth-friendly manner of physical disposition. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount Auburn was the first cemetery in Massachusetts to be certified by the Green Burial Council as a hybrid burial ground. For that designation to be conferred, certain principled stipulations had to be met. Options now include an opportunity for a body to be buried in a biodegradable casket or shroud directly in the ground, without outer containment in the form of a vault or concrete liner. Instead of protuberant memorial stones, such graves may be marked by inconspicuous markers inlayed within nature’s ground cover. Alternatively, a small plaque affixed to a nearby shrub or tree, or the absence of any type of discernible marker, can serve as a sign that an individual’s body has been conscientiously poised to merge with the natural environment. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here, within this embellished retreat for souls laid to rest, the beauty of nature’s complexion prevails. The possibility of becoming absorbed in its terrestrial vigor in spite of death can be especially alluring. A green burial within this thriving landscape offers an opportunity to literally embed oneself in a sanctuary of ecological splendor. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIfDczVQzJYcf3zy0eE0zUaR52auyyo9iL3gxTxE2miRbBcekERx2wuKPa_0tNiWRkKF2pOV8aS3XmmNQvCa9deuWV_WBZioq_F5PhtIbCsvKhrjYAfJ2_KWXfHP_EFlmZhy4kBuYXtod/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIfDczVQzJYcf3zy0eE0zUaR52auyyo9iL3gxTxE2miRbBcekERx2wuKPa_0tNiWRkKF2pOV8aS3XmmNQvCa9deuWV_WBZioq_F5PhtIbCsvKhrjYAfJ2_KWXfHP_EFlmZhy4kBuYXtod/s400/IMG_1944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount Auburn Cemetery</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><a href="http://mountauburn.org/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://mountauburn.org/</span></a></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Funeral Consumers Alliance of Western Massachusetts</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.funeralconsumerswmass.org/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.funeralconsumerswmass.org/</span></a></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">National Home Funeral Alliance</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><a href="http://homefuneralalliance.org/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://homefuneralalliance.org/</span></a></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A <i>Will for the Woods</i> film</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://ww.awillforthewoods.com/#home"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ww.awillforthewoods.com/#home</span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Grave Matters</i> by Mark Harris</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.gravematters.us/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.gravematters.us/</span></a></span></div></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mourning Dove Studio</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.mourningdovestudio.com/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.mourningdovestudio.com/</span></a></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Exit Strategy</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://myexitstrategy.co/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://myexitstrategy.co/</span></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eternal Blessings Family-Direct Cremation Service</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.eternalblessingscrematory.com/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.eternalblessingscrematory.com/</span></a></span></div></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________________________</div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-9928383111653155832015-06-10T08:24:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.486-07:00CREMATION GARDEN... Winter Park, FL<div class="p1"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Journey Journal… Winter Park, FL</span></b></i></div><div class="p2"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MUTATION in ELYSIAN FIELDS</b></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who has not been to any cemeteries in recent years might be surprised by the modern imprints that now beautify them. In many cases, landscape architects haven’t left a stone unturned, so to speak. Cremation gardens, in particular, are contemporary features of recent origin on burial properties and, at certain ones, they are exquisite masterpieces of design. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The concept of these attractive havens has been grasped by cemetery owners who recognize their desirability. As the rate of cremation escalates, so does the development of this type of amenity on burial grounds throughout the country. The economic forecast for a return on such an investment is favorable. In contrast to substantial acreage required for whole body interments, the space allocated as quarters for many units of cremated remains can be confined to a smaller area. The sales potential is great due to the significant number of remains that can be accommodated within a delineated area. Maintenance costs are lower. And opportunities for stylistic innovations are refreshing in contrast to predictable patterns of commonplace cemetery layouts. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes a cremation garden suggests a sense of sanctuary in an area that feels segregated from the rest of the grounds, if not geographically, at least visually. Foliage accentuates the effect. The Glen Haven Memorial Park harbors one that implies that sort of retreat. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwelTQYmJ45lrP6KGSmC2Wq4p1NNyx1ccj-gpdnqTrqNULeii5YA82-7MvOJ4_PvaQrE-IUKX33MFaPgVvzDn7ZEgU8Dz0i8kW-kBak5ZBQ65peN859j9tRK40mZ6ejE_PnBeOWEk5bEvv/s1600/IMG_2675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwelTQYmJ45lrP6KGSmC2Wq4p1NNyx1ccj-gpdnqTrqNULeii5YA82-7MvOJ4_PvaQrE-IUKX33MFaPgVvzDn7ZEgU8Dz0i8kW-kBak5ZBQ65peN859j9tRK40mZ6ejE_PnBeOWEk5bEvv/s400/IMG_2675.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its entrance pathways surround a fountain, refreshing to body and mind under the searing Florida sun.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3LIRFxDVxKXooicewaWFbVfbzpSuSN2WqR6jf3jrXonCTZ7EGJzN4LKFbMINfYMeAEEJArj0SuAO6dslGRZFvVxRpeVw5VSmy7UAGuKxamAsIMWtU8jHrHr5Y-jyEq20NZcbocA0bBcz/s1600/IMG_2692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3LIRFxDVxKXooicewaWFbVfbzpSuSN2WqR6jf3jrXonCTZ7EGJzN4LKFbMINfYMeAEEJArj0SuAO6dslGRZFvVxRpeVw5VSmy7UAGuKxamAsIMWtU8jHrHr5Y-jyEq20NZcbocA0bBcz/s400/IMG_2692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A stroll along groomed walkways reveals an eclectic mix of stone memorials. Some of the conventional ones are modest and generically basic.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXIFeeXslbgzHwHgSFnOgXzE56x_OE9vOoFSnCKqjaxgLS1cCYXdn_sP6UFdF_gFSoJGuvoaLaG8YADsPQCdrEuGMF4tAkDv0yWj_UjwwPTPq8uvQfuElO1MofXgW_0T9Iv__TX3Lhwxl/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXIFeeXslbgzHwHgSFnOgXzE56x_OE9vOoFSnCKqjaxgLS1cCYXdn_sP6UFdF_gFSoJGuvoaLaG8YADsPQCdrEuGMF4tAkDv0yWj_UjwwPTPq8uvQfuElO1MofXgW_0T9Iv__TX3Lhwxl/s400/IMG_2677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other memorial structures are distinctly unique and exceptional.</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mz3p9UKzWqBCmLTM9A0W5uFmu1xrdly-beTjy01X1bq73-bkpudMD0peWYLFjV9j3KhJD9UtDjgXJVFvfgymWnHKYsz16Vn1sx6gyk1NNWabambuOFc-6QiyX-31iHgOkn-ojFBHjdcX/s1600/IMG_2676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mz3p9UKzWqBCmLTM9A0W5uFmu1xrdly-beTjy01X1bq73-bkpudMD0peWYLFjV9j3KhJD9UtDjgXJVFvfgymWnHKYsz16Vn1sx6gyk1NNWabambuOFc-6QiyX-31iHgOkn-ojFBHjdcX/s400/IMG_2676.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmUJ_v7lNTCohHjrgAvCkcXBr6s_7OvA8_w_aZbDvTmz2CKEPGYUWPFww8fxOLvlXifCZzeJnBHZUWH55nbR9_RQNeV7wPx6R5QtATlu1vwuTliPJIDHlyQROxwbHBZwqZZP77Xr2c53J/s1600/IMG_2691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmUJ_v7lNTCohHjrgAvCkcXBr6s_7OvA8_w_aZbDvTmz2CKEPGYUWPFww8fxOLvlXifCZzeJnBHZUWH55nbR9_RQNeV7wPx6R5QtATlu1vwuTliPJIDHlyQROxwbHBZwqZZP77Xr2c53J/s400/IMG_2691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s2">Cremation bench monuments summon an impression of meditative repose. Such configurations </span><span class="s1">are constructed with single or multiple inner chambers to hold cremated remains of an individual or several family members. </span><span class="s3">They may be straight or curved, with or without arms and backs. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UH0GXi0srq3rHLldl5RUZjBH_88kjccw26fGzYahsLaF0el83enWiQqpMNaJDwq-1G2XfWNNndd05G71Vu2uY588HsbimODcrQN2k1v436-aUEOO5c9rz81NM7Xz09Y21PKiXO9UEf5h/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UH0GXi0srq3rHLldl5RUZjBH_88kjccw26fGzYahsLaF0el83enWiQqpMNaJDwq-1G2XfWNNndd05G71Vu2uY588HsbimODcrQN2k1v436-aUEOO5c9rz81NM7Xz09Y21PKiXO9UEf5h/s400/IMG_2679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Symbols reminiscent of the person who died may be prominent elements of style.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57TjeHpc8ytQ0w0oIYVf35xTBC7ChElc7yAlONrl0qCq_Nu6817QIgXcM_TDpbZidygR0nyZJ6pe-Hyy3b3rGKcNP3SRg2a0nlHXYkEECaDyigK55c1qZf8H2UFjdjkezWR1FFiQE2myj/s1600/IMG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57TjeHpc8ytQ0w0oIYVf35xTBC7ChElc7yAlONrl0qCq_Nu6817QIgXcM_TDpbZidygR0nyZJ6pe-Hyy3b3rGKcNP3SRg2a0nlHXYkEECaDyigK55c1qZf8H2UFjdjkezWR1FFiQE2myj/s400/IMG_2693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For decedents who had been multi-taskers, perhaps memorial signets that serve a dual purpose are especially apropos. Granite birdbaths invite enlivening activity.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcInqpdOBvsYWnbhIeIWTX66NvqkJUZTcVVV6J4hJZX3clRwkehXmDZEr-82BPf5OFmwWaUus4IR-K9tnSa_DD4BCZd8lZMG96Toi1r44Wi59GxpQz1ezvpKkftp4-5Ofjx1_D3bTfnr86/s1600/IMG_2680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcInqpdOBvsYWnbhIeIWTX66NvqkJUZTcVVV6J4hJZX3clRwkehXmDZEr-82BPf5OFmwWaUus4IR-K9tnSa_DD4BCZd8lZMG96Toi1r44Wi59GxpQz1ezvpKkftp4-5Ofjx1_D3bTfnr86/s400/IMG_2680.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sundials on pillars with chambers that contain cremated remains capture a natural way to avoid losing track of time… perhaps even alluding to the preciousness of it! </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24RhVaga8o9HGaKx2XgOz1rrxAciVMDtg7qM-mlyvWh7swbl3-1HRGBR4sP_3BzIa-6rgKF6FgRL8LlzsoPf5L_q2IiAiv1vnB91Bu7JKOb863_bSrf3ni7gVzJJtKQvqkPM_a3eD4YYT/s1600/IMG_2689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24RhVaga8o9HGaKx2XgOz1rrxAciVMDtg7qM-mlyvWh7swbl3-1HRGBR4sP_3BzIa-6rgKF6FgRL8LlzsoPf5L_q2IiAiv1vnB91Bu7JKOb863_bSrf3ni7gVzJJtKQvqkPM_a3eD4YYT/s400/IMG_2689.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often a cremation mecca such as this one features niche walls or community columbaria on the premises. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_QmmI4W94OxUmomoRPKeYjFweCm-az-Bn6tjMh5moxxps86TUlwmk6YjafmXMsJ2nqAKCT2kif-4nsFVO4sMcus7MXQICDjGzYUACSdhOzsX9767sN1l0nT6olQF3gtRa3vHIZ4Y9jGl/s1600/IMG_2678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_QmmI4W94OxUmomoRPKeYjFweCm-az-Bn6tjMh5moxxps86TUlwmk6YjafmXMsJ2nqAKCT2kif-4nsFVO4sMcus7MXQICDjGzYUACSdhOzsX9767sN1l0nT6olQF3gtRa3vHIZ4Y9jGl/s400/IMG_2678.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is common, also, to encounter a contemporary version of a cenotaph. The bronze plaques on this community memorial bear the names of people whose remains were buried or scattered elsewhere – sometimes in another area within the garden. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuowRuNf8UtfiKfb_c2KdZOr92HAJ8a_qRlROr90qEL1htPYN-5XFpm_vKkPKCBIbuF7Mgdb0X4s4JkTWcWxZ79FUfNWTJP_Z_Aywk5PG6VvYZFziGRghngAncMCUAVBoMAiSIxf9dPoqA/s1600/IMG_2681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuowRuNf8UtfiKfb_c2KdZOr92HAJ8a_qRlROr90qEL1htPYN-5XFpm_vKkPKCBIbuF7Mgdb0X4s4JkTWcWxZ79FUfNWTJP_Z_Aywk5PG6VvYZFziGRghngAncMCUAVBoMAiSIxf9dPoqA/s400/IMG_2681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an arena of sectioned “family estates” there is room for multiple burials of related remains.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTCMMf0Gdbo8Dc5i1WuFdUYymSan4aczQurjuwxS7qSmXhqC9Bmm04xpv_T21KuNW8Ba9Au2E-HR9ZbxQPOZfiVtyW56jvpjo6Frm5l73wnQ47opottFI59DEm9tmv_0M5KmQ0hxPrR_/s1600/IMG_2686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTCMMf0Gdbo8Dc5i1WuFdUYymSan4aczQurjuwxS7qSmXhqC9Bmm04xpv_T21KuNW8Ba9Au2E-HR9ZbxQPOZfiVtyW56jvpjo6Frm5l73wnQ47opottFI59DEm9tmv_0M5KmQ0hxPrR_/s400/IMG_2686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The expansive allotments offer opportunities for unconfined creativity. You never know when a visitor might want to pause for a picnic or a game of chess!</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kqNn3-6Ys98zRFvEBA0HQeG0m065VZGVRdIgpMmbrv9yRZBpY8D68QY_ikX48yihyP935mtx44mCHGPu2yc4NyoKBUG2b7apR5yttWKA3PSyRXj2gF7SAcCgz7OGSwZfPcL-Z0TrPi99/s1600/IMG_2687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kqNn3-6Ys98zRFvEBA0HQeG0m065VZGVRdIgpMmbrv9yRZBpY8D68QY_ikX48yihyP935mtx44mCHGPu2yc4NyoKBUG2b7apR5yttWKA3PSyRXj2gF7SAcCgz7OGSwZfPcL-Z0TrPi99/s400/IMG_2687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnZ42ecvSkgmaA6h48wOEdpMMuPUwYbZR2_lhDQ7WacotqToCf8IDClnWKvFfNeI0L-7rUq63HQYds51xzEJJ-s_8joAl1CrDKxsikfuyTmizHon5YRC5iUOBTKYx-bDyZo7spZ8eHWb1/s1600/IMG_2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnZ42ecvSkgmaA6h48wOEdpMMuPUwYbZR2_lhDQ7WacotqToCf8IDClnWKvFfNeI0L-7rUq63HQYds51xzEJJ-s_8joAl1CrDKxsikfuyTmizHon5YRC5iUOBTKYx-bDyZo7spZ8eHWb1/s400/IMG_2690.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps the most commanding component of this picturesque “Tranquility Oaks” cremation garden is the tranquility of its pond and waterfalls enveloped in lush foliage. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbUvjZ1oKZ2ih3T-0Tw0GST4j-9vtAux08wGBUQ63D69NuglZlleCFFFh-r_DVMu_RS8UMoTqE0IyAcPchlsUuYMT4VbEMPSb3zMBbXBcy_dpuTq3B9V_ITlg3g4VSrG_fP7qSxRpJVqZ/s1600/IMG_2683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbUvjZ1oKZ2ih3T-0Tw0GST4j-9vtAux08wGBUQ63D69NuglZlleCFFFh-r_DVMu_RS8UMoTqE0IyAcPchlsUuYMT4VbEMPSb3zMBbXBcy_dpuTq3B9V_ITlg3g4VSrG_fP7qSxRpJVqZ/s400/IMG_2683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTTTe-pWJCHHnpSz804CmizImk7-Rn9fdPgvaPTnTnrdhnSpLclwXKrTRGTw33VjLJvA8GbPSvoaYLjila5ddlvvBtutk1tn0QK4yzcOMvsXqYyax7ow3EVCMe-v-FLq-IA2IkieFOS_2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-11+at+9.20.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTTTe-pWJCHHnpSz804CmizImk7-Rn9fdPgvaPTnTnrdhnSpLclwXKrTRGTw33VjLJvA8GbPSvoaYLjila5ddlvvBtutk1tn0QK4yzcOMvsXqYyax7ow3EVCMe-v-FLq-IA2IkieFOS_2/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-06-11+at+9.20.17+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amid soothing bird songs, sun-drenched lily pads, and gentle ripples, it is an oasis of serenity that bespeaks the nature of death. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQH4KtKFjVAf5kl5IPeJNP35vWe8YJbKlERP7vYcKehPiJDP_CaIB-NEkumMYn5uRK-wwOhUyTmvZ9gmfhZ9R3SW_kNtmu3DM0v28TFYIDQNtY_MAt2npOs3xUIwauI9-brnY7ys7zXaX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-11+at+9.22.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQH4KtKFjVAf5kl5IPeJNP35vWe8YJbKlERP7vYcKehPiJDP_CaIB-NEkumMYn5uRK-wwOhUyTmvZ9gmfhZ9R3SW_kNtmu3DM0v28TFYIDQNtY_MAt2npOs3xUIwauI9-brnY7ys7zXaX/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-06-11+at+9.22.10+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dignitymemorial.com/glen-haven-memorial-park/en-us/photo-gallery.page">Glen Haven Memorial Park</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">________________________________________________________________________</div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-25262188293261461282015-06-08T06:30:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.552-07:00PET CEMETERY CIRCUS<div class="p1"><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="s1"></span>JOURNEY JOURNAL... Venice, Florida</b></span></i></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>An ENDING To Launch A BEGINNING – </b></span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>With PAWS, PANTALOONS, and STEAM WHISTLE TUNES</b></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a life celebration fit for a king… or, in this case, a dog.</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine visiting a cemetery when your companion suddenly beckons you to “look at the clown going by on the road over there.” One might immediately assume an errant driver was speeding recklessly in this designated zone of quiescence. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, no, this was a literal reference to an actual clown rather than the appointment of a derogatory assignation. For heaven’s sake! Clowns don’t belong at a cemetery! </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Or do they? </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On February 16, 2013, amid hallowed burial grounds at Venice Memorial Gardens, there was no need to admonish anyone with a directive to “quit clowning around.” In fact, in this milieu that ordinarily invokes subdued reverence, antics and activities common to the Big Top were the order of the day. Against a backdrop of crypts and columbaria, a circus of sorts “came to town.”</span></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a sunny day when the circus theme materialized here to commemorate the life and conduct the burial of a dog named Gizmoe, who had been a cherished companion of one of the funeral directors. Her interment served as a prelude to the grand opening of the cemetery’s new pet burial section half an hour later.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXLYKECvaXSzTuRaabSTMQwzYc6W8kP0WMAud9RJ41o1tj-R5nx7JsjJ4re09VUnw2hUPAMiSsBXg4VuTwzTfjBzeJ8udPj4YxunMqBUO5v7zmf18yR3imO8CiWdZJs1kB7PcH2naI4fP/s1600/Gizmoe%253AOpening.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXLYKECvaXSzTuRaabSTMQwzYc6W8kP0WMAud9RJ41o1tj-R5nx7JsjJ4re09VUnw2hUPAMiSsBXg4VuTwzTfjBzeJ8udPj4YxunMqBUO5v7zmf18yR3imO8CiWdZJs1kB7PcH2naI4fP/s320/Gizmoe%253AOpening.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: Farley Funeral Home - Venice Memorial Gardens Event Announcement</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The honored decedent’s pink casket was actually an urn vault utilized for this alternative purpose.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs98M9DnJesnsIck0h6TLSa82IdudYi_mDsGXc9X90k1rofe7Jl_Rk7c2QH4ASC-7Ac6-0mTxRS1gO3y_3zSu5mBoJVGP3kiR8XJUoD_JdwymF0SqeknTw559BySNKmA79sjSvzzEfybrD/s1600/GizmoeURNCasket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs98M9DnJesnsIck0h6TLSa82IdudYi_mDsGXc9X90k1rofe7Jl_Rk7c2QH4ASC-7Ac6-0mTxRS1gO3y_3zSu5mBoJVGP3kiR8XJUoD_JdwymF0SqeknTw559BySNKmA79sjSvzzEfybrD/s200/GizmoeURNCasket.png" width="195" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fete began with the arrival of a carnival entourage. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The adapted casket was on a wagon pulled by a singularly notable pallbearer of the day – Lucky Star, a miniature white horse who later showcased a series of tricks. Her owner served as the circus ringmaster. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chucko, a former Ringling Brothers clown, played a pivotal role throughout the conjoint event as a prominent figure during the service and grand opening proceedings. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two grief therapy dogs from the Florida Humane Society – a golden doodle and a long-haired dachshund – were at the rear of the processional. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlIl8U2cTHAC_uOYvESkPjOPISBKgIus0kC1U9F7gtEQJOZ231pSGIJgNeRXr6X5g6wkMFcWQNPzbOq00S1Y1vqgX9UVHFAVMd5c1W3FTt7hbxyuTceY8gZF-UpliWWkH2eTRY7UlZxst/s1600/GizmoeProcession.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlIl8U2cTHAC_uOYvESkPjOPISBKgIus0kC1U9F7gtEQJOZ231pSGIJgNeRXr6X5g6wkMFcWQNPzbOq00S1Y1vqgX9UVHFAVMd5c1W3FTt7hbxyuTceY8gZF-UpliWWkH2eTRY7UlZxst/s320/GizmoeProcession.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1JaimAKYEC5neAk9_fycyaAFf6SkftSwWPsUuLO-CMTHshqG2Kr-vJ8pP2LErGXnmh8sWUbhGO0F2jgK1z-k-KI_So0zCAg96QgzZgYvhoM2_116_cQ6-AoKBZ9DkbrV2SJiLPrYWf4g/s1600/GizmoeProcess2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1JaimAKYEC5neAk9_fycyaAFf6SkftSwWPsUuLO-CMTHshqG2Kr-vJ8pP2LErGXnmh8sWUbhGO0F2jgK1z-k-KI_So0zCAg96QgzZgYvhoM2_116_cQ6-AoKBZ9DkbrV2SJiLPrYWf4g/s400/GizmoeProcess2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bone-shaped arrangement of white flowers with pink ribbons and sparkles accoutered the casket.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05vrTy5facbyCPRn1mMXjM6U-sWB78TS9UZNI8prY8jXgRHkpJ3Hy0SphYVtzma4VoBiLFQp6ABdJFyIyysU85Rwx0Dz9kKncRqe1rOvOPZL5Hkemph_P_AQ1X5lF8BFU5Zjh-L42oQof/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+9.22.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05vrTy5facbyCPRn1mMXjM6U-sWB78TS9UZNI8prY8jXgRHkpJ3Hy0SphYVtzma4VoBiLFQp6ABdJFyIyysU85Rwx0Dz9kKncRqe1rOvOPZL5Hkemph_P_AQ1X5lF8BFU5Zjh-L42oQof/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+9.22.56+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The event was open to the public, including canine companions. Eighty-four humans and sixteen dogs attended the committal service, conducted by two of the cemetery’s funeral directors under a pergola. Public officials and local media personnel were on hand to glean material for news articles and television documentation. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIAT4e2hzSEqPZFAAeK8gDMtAaQaQjeyurwBVgVGOjs1G_5StMPdCni_sQAOkDhxHn03TmXy39aXAv9HQEZNyfB-cgsa8nc6H7pvt2NM_Tl8_c2wy85VKUOJblEQmRIOBHYESd7_A0i5w/s1600/GizmoeService.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIAT4e2hzSEqPZFAAeK8gDMtAaQaQjeyurwBVgVGOjs1G_5StMPdCni_sQAOkDhxHn03TmXy39aXAv9HQEZNyfB-cgsa8nc6H7pvt2NM_Tl8_c2wy85VKUOJblEQmRIOBHYESd7_A0i5w/s400/GizmoeService.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="p1"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The celebrant-led service included references to Gizmoe’s typical behaviors and characteristics. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Individuals who shared her life relayed reminiscent experiences. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A popular poem, “The Rainbow Bridge,” was read, which inspires comfort by alluding to the possibility of pet owners reuniting with their pets once they, too, have died.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family members released ten pink balloons prior to the release of fifty multi-colored, circus-themed balloons amid a backdrop of relevant musical pieces.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekfQDwUM2Z92fdVKpBVI9zRSf0FAU7cpxhSGEVbIIZ9EDN6QHRjvmywZZ8Uh5kHDmbgdjwrkmf-XYYqQCXuZ_YoqwFy2tPFzKInrNMBQj0XvOhzIz_RPl77-QoCoWItrMsgeyAr_Q9OVT/s1600/GizmoeFDsService.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekfQDwUM2Z92fdVKpBVI9zRSf0FAU7cpxhSGEVbIIZ9EDN6QHRjvmywZZ8Uh5kHDmbgdjwrkmf-XYYqQCXuZ_YoqwFy2tPFzKInrNMBQj0XvOhzIz_RPl77-QoCoWItrMsgeyAr_Q9OVT/s1600/GizmoeFDsService.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pink rose petals lined the dog’s grave.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After placement of the casket in it, some were also sprinkled on top of it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxB85DuT5Il08iJhbKarXgid6DYbpQ971lp0OscTcBByHi2w4yxqNKkuQOyGDSYn-EJkVjjEJPD3NRfSH-1y8koqlx9DFcxkj5neN2fEQGomAH9ahqqC23Kin1LDOElufwuuGCntB46aB/s1600/GizmoePetals%253AGrave.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxB85DuT5Il08iJhbKarXgid6DYbpQ971lp0OscTcBByHi2w4yxqNKkuQOyGDSYn-EJkVjjEJPD3NRfSH-1y8koqlx9DFcxkj5neN2fEQGomAH9ahqqC23Kin1LDOElufwuuGCntB46aB/s320/GizmoePetals%253AGrave.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The distinguished dog’s personality was captured even for her burial. Because she had been anti-social, two spaces were utilized, with her body facing backward, so no other animal’s body would be buried close to her at a later time. The plot is located in the section of the cemetery designated for upright markers. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An unmistakable celebration of life was the order of the day on this occasion when an esteemed pet was laid to rest. It was accentuated by clowns, calliope background music, balloons, popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy.</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXRFUyBlX7D9dV4LcRXqdIj_NQZlZwKiHiXVMuZG5xgFxWtvmnGOUhLm2FJ24uYRxd5zoflLpDm-lQQ28ddMguck0Q7b6Z0HJu3jl0bdzcN1YE5dAnMH8ILoLR0kSI-mDggcbRfBAgC6Q/s1600/GizmoeCalliope.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXRFUyBlX7D9dV4LcRXqdIj_NQZlZwKiHiXVMuZG5xgFxWtvmnGOUhLm2FJ24uYRxd5zoflLpDm-lQQ28ddMguck0Q7b6Z0HJu3jl0bdzcN1YE5dAnMH8ILoLR0kSI-mDggcbRfBAgC6Q/s320/GizmoeCalliope.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYED2uQ92H88ItWjMXHoHi0rYB7RWfKhuWJhlrFGp3dN1B9WoB3gbFaOJ2WH7jW-J6uv_5r8wYU5-FnySYWg3Het3plMPUX3BfioASOEseSbOGWtxGzdbqMDSJ95gbem1VO9__Vm2tNFU/s1600/GizmoeCotCandy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYED2uQ92H88ItWjMXHoHi0rYB7RWfKhuWJhlrFGp3dN1B9WoB3gbFaOJ2WH7jW-J6uv_5r8wYU5-FnySYWg3Het3plMPUX3BfioASOEseSbOGWtxGzdbqMDSJ95gbem1VO9__Vm2tNFU/s320/GizmoeCotCandy.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The theme was maintained throughout the grand opening ceremony that followed Gizmoe’s affair. Though this type of milieu ordinarily is conspicuously uncommon in a cemetery, if ever a circus would appear on burial grounds anywhere, the Sarasota environs would be a logical place. It oozes Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey history and is still percolating with the company’s people and artifacts. Because of its infiltration here, in the ‘40s and ‘50s this epicenter for a popular pastime became known as a circus town. Accommodations for “The Greatest Show on Earth” included winter headquarters in Sarasota, often motivating personnel and their descendants to establish permanent, lifelong residency here. A museum now houses an extensive art collection from their world travels as well as circus memorabilia, such as wardrobes, props, and equipment along with newspaper clippings and other documentary accounts. </span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it’s not surprising that authentic performers would be on hand for this special event. In fact, three circus dynasties – the Espana, Anatasini, and Herriott families – were represented. Entertainment included a classic spinning plates routine, acrobatics, and spins a la the German wheel and the “steel wheel of destiny.”</span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU9JLOALpngbGrREBLprOekX7v9cf5Xe7RCf5blZF9DJbYLL5V13_PuVaxwCVcJmnzQU-IixRRShNddJxf3xQMuXlnF6q72Q6BXN6f1c6GmSHscn1UOWt8k7Krk9DRSXRwt1m5d7O7vsG/s1600/GizmoeSpinning+Wheel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU9JLOALpngbGrREBLprOekX7v9cf5Xe7RCf5blZF9DJbYLL5V13_PuVaxwCVcJmnzQU-IixRRShNddJxf3xQMuXlnF6q72Q6BXN6f1c6GmSHscn1UOWt8k7Krk9DRSXRwt1m5d7O7vsG/s320/GizmoeSpinning+Wheel.png" width="184" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Antics of trained pups were especially germane, given the nature of the occasion. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AmRcd9NepPMw9fHeZwFtEZBMGSvhgP9mAyXzbDc9zBnnMmD8lDiu0cyzeEqwBy1jgA1g5sjrZB4fN-UKQ14V3kwkAdes3rYn3dmfyIV11-zpGnPD_vcGEw-97EahBrFWwvZEDPo6pxWy/s1600/GizmoePerformPups.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AmRcd9NepPMw9fHeZwFtEZBMGSvhgP9mAyXzbDc9zBnnMmD8lDiu0cyzeEqwBy1jgA1g5sjrZB4fN-UKQ14V3kwkAdes3rYn3dmfyIV11-zpGnPD_vcGEw-97EahBrFWwvZEDPo6pxWy/s320/GizmoePerformPups.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: ICCFA Magazine, Dorothy Snyder Photography </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, a festival with this motif called for edible embellishments. A Venice caterer provided hors d’oeuvres – pizza bites, finger sandwiches, and pigs in a blanket. A local supermarket made it possible for the canine and feline guests to enjoy treats as well. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the main events, people were given an opportunity to tour the grounds in golf carts, which included visits to the pet crematory. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uemkS04G1ajdSLbebz1LH8AGWpLsbXR7y77OsAJcQlQCy-X31ptNlc9JO7I2RGNv50rpIk5TqAFGBFzUmmgLO4LpUX5OSb2RRft9sWX2h7bxWqQdaNTRUypuhx7QHUnUXf-Cu6dcfn7G/s1600/PetCrematoryFarley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uemkS04G1ajdSLbebz1LH8AGWpLsbXR7y77OsAJcQlQCy-X31ptNlc9JO7I2RGNv50rpIk5TqAFGBFzUmmgLO4LpUX5OSb2RRft9sWX2h7bxWqQdaNTRUypuhx7QHUnUXf-Cu6dcfn7G/s320/PetCrematoryFarley.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lMXLm8fQeYgh-Y6dFi9vFOLqHhpN3RLKab63eIMm3A-Tw-SAdkWBMGL4uv15MhqtEVY04SCifzvPXnMtJut2d6GzEFWD__hU3b1AhiUoDy0SYy_qJ-uRI1T-VF53p6Gz6WLiXTQutGMT/s1600/PetRetortFarley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lMXLm8fQeYgh-Y6dFi9vFOLqHhpN3RLKab63eIMm3A-Tw-SAdkWBMGL4uv15MhqtEVY04SCifzvPXnMtJut2d6GzEFWD__hU3b1AhiUoDy0SYy_qJ-uRI1T-VF53p6Gz6WLiXTQutGMT/s320/PetRetortFarley.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Source: Farley Funeral Homes -Venice Memorial Gardens Pet Cemetery Website</span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, this was a distinctive and memorable way to introduce the community to the addition of pet services at this memorial park. The blueprint that had been conceptualized in response to a current funerary trend had been transformed into a new facility. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPXLlFDKb68pdrYhRM7yHDEEAXNFDX3FjXZRqdBBlljwJgWxcx68XfasoTdspPmjcnrlNm6BBO5IqECpcN9I70SiXCa2UWtJ6sXWtquGYUoyhpe9QdaMaELyID1WBCxuONbTJWA3fCugy/s1600/FarleyFHpets2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPXLlFDKb68pdrYhRM7yHDEEAXNFDX3FjXZRqdBBlljwJgWxcx68XfasoTdspPmjcnrlNm6BBO5IqECpcN9I70SiXCa2UWtJ6sXWtquGYUoyhpe9QdaMaELyID1WBCxuONbTJWA3fCugy/s400/FarleyFHpets2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: Farley Funeral Homes -Venice Memorial Gardens Pet Cemetery Website</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in the process of publicizing its availability, the human tendency to feel remarkable affection toward pets had been colorfully accentuated. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now, Gizmoe’s headstone dominates the landscape of this heavenly animal kingdom. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEVyz2eLicDR2irYRoZYblburB_5T-WPIfzvF5PqiMmixd8uVSmHUrDc3O_pbKyWIJtEIe4eATSReI3d08AhiaLGoYDmBq-I3dAPVvMNJoSisOJ0yIXPaZEavGDfaSoCC2hBdjn09_Xjt/s1600/IMG_2819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEVyz2eLicDR2irYRoZYblburB_5T-WPIfzvF5PqiMmixd8uVSmHUrDc3O_pbKyWIJtEIe4eATSReI3d08AhiaLGoYDmBq-I3dAPVvMNJoSisOJ0yIXPaZEavGDfaSoCC2hBdjn09_Xjt/s400/IMG_2819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As time passes, the local canine celebrity will have more company within this acre of burial territory. Graves for other animals’ cremated or whole body remains will increasingly appear. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKNbW3GglV4CYS_NZmsF2zDbtDUV0p8sgVTXsj9GLp99epEciB-74W2pcg2VT-0sFeI9eWF-cgicVxp3kXG45KxIoFBxvguzvlC5X0ktvOUg-e7MZ354bpVYOkQrGaFnuDq9FkKVI7iDX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+9.44.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKNbW3GglV4CYS_NZmsF2zDbtDUV0p8sgVTXsj9GLp99epEciB-74W2pcg2VT-0sFeI9eWF-cgicVxp3kXG45KxIoFBxvguzvlC5X0ktvOUg-e7MZ354bpVYOkQrGaFnuDq9FkKVI7iDX/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+9.44.06+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YaXbHilfAPQP1yMH9PBI-qZh2mRRDiuFPr3RRgzfMcHDTTvl6K5pqByUp6Zqz7VtyhVjH7zpds74CagUrGvNB4WrQcv__iAGsZeoRy7gFTfTkdg1g1t2WP30iESYT0peEjtqEKnDafT3/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YaXbHilfAPQP1yMH9PBI-qZh2mRRDiuFPr3RRgzfMcHDTTvl6K5pqByUp6Zqz7VtyhVjH7zpds74CagUrGvNB4WrQcv__iAGsZeoRy7gFTfTkdg1g1t2WP30iESYT0peEjtqEKnDafT3/s320/IMG_2823.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If an owner wishes to stay close to a beloved pet, human graves adjacent to the pet section can accommodate that wish. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Services will continue to be conducted under the pergola that serves as the central focal point for the pet burial grounds.</span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe0AGKRJ4cYfGDZ1vwgF6W0RmClSHLXVElwJ1X2WhjbSv10fYC05ncAdNp3sWnT-BxOJeVMoBNBGegSgOoylukKqSsKOTlYzwePTMjsH3NXcrA3myiKFVp6PhrQmaUXmG-BA3nBtFcFfd/s1600/IMG_2825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe0AGKRJ4cYfGDZ1vwgF6W0RmClSHLXVElwJ1X2WhjbSv10fYC05ncAdNp3sWnT-BxOJeVMoBNBGegSgOoylukKqSsKOTlYzwePTMjsH3NXcrA3myiKFVp6PhrQmaUXmG-BA3nBtFcFfd/s400/IMG_2825.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, under a headstone remindful of her memorable memorial gala, Gizmoe is resting in peace. </span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBuAz7d6d6pQ04FeZ0270zMLm1UVfzn47Q9Vh5KFQYAkCcfBEWOSzCtKsGF3N2yDMgGmLRQMskMF8riCmKfuO9gc7pBa3ltFcuDVLJhr_xzgEHasH3zGTttx3d-xTX7BYiQOrk9l3yoRt/s1600/IMG_2820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBuAz7d6d6pQ04FeZ0270zMLm1UVfzn47Q9Vh5KFQYAkCcfBEWOSzCtKsGF3N2yDMgGmLRQMskMF8riCmKfuO9gc7pBa3ltFcuDVLJhr_xzgEHasH3zGTttx3d-xTX7BYiQOrk9l3yoRt/s400/IMG_2820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Content Resources:</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ICCFA Magazine: March-April 2013</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vmgpets.com/blog/gizmoes-funeral-and-headstone/">Gizmoe's Funeral and Headstone</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vmgpets.com/our-services/cemetery/">Pet Cemetery and Crematory</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.farleyfuneralhome.com/venice-memorial-gardens/pet-cemetery-funeral-home">Venice Memorial Gardens Pet Services</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/a-pet-project/">Farley's Pet Project</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">________________________________________________________________________</div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-87034424941724597592015-06-07T17:39:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.570-07:00FUNERAL HOMES FLAG RETIREMENT<div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Journey Journal… Florida and Beyond</b></i></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">A NEW WAVE</span></b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">for OLD GLORY</span></b></span></span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span class="s1"></span></span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You’re a grand old flag</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re a high flying flag</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And forever in peace may you wave</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re the emblem of</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The land I love</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The home of the free and the brave</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every heart beats true</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Neath the red white and blue… “</span></span></div><div class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since 1906 when George M. Cohan composed the lyrics to this quintessential American march that rallies patriotic fervor, the images evoked by that “… Grand Old Flag” have suggested unblemished crispness. In the minds of visualizing beholders, probably the flawlessly intact fabric of that unfettered flag undulates picturesquely in sweeping billows against a pure blue sky. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, like the people they represent, flags eventually wear out. Over the course of time they are apt to fade and become tattered, torn, dingy, and no longer emblematically serviceable. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKSsrL3eI-vFkwyurH4RRu3Iati5GxRfOXr4cauhou94-IX8zQtvDKDv6RKZ4SLptNGBQ0Yc40hfjinCDb-Ze9HbYAj8DAGemxmfxm9wZ12CncUhDd0GezgUsf_YUHBOW1IqpQiCJTpM-/s1600/FLagBordentownFH+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKSsrL3eI-vFkwyurH4RRu3Iati5GxRfOXr4cauhou94-IX8zQtvDKDv6RKZ4SLptNGBQ0Yc40hfjinCDb-Ze9HbYAj8DAGemxmfxm9wZ12CncUhDd0GezgUsf_YUHBOW1IqpQiCJTpM-/s1600/FLagBordentownFH+.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: Website of Bordentown Home for Funerals </span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually, the composer’s original title and, later, the first line for this popular piece of music featured the word “rag.” The notion for it stemmed from an encounter with a veteran who had fought at Gettysburg. After Cohen noticed that the man was holding a folded, but ragged flag, the veteran declared, “She’s a grand old rag.” These words were adopted as the name for his new tune, but he had to rethink it since individuals and groups objected to a title that implied disrespect for the iconic national symbol. Though he changed the “Rag” to “Flag” in the title, the chorus began, “You’re a grand old flag / Though you’re torn to a rag.” That version, too, went the way of the wind, but copies of the original ones still circulate among collectors. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what happens to American flags that become rags or lose their luster? According to the United States Flag Code, they should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many funeral homes have responded to this mandate by sponsoring flag retirement ceremonies to which the public may be invited. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvplh-rZw4Akpg7JDDISbk_Xidk4Y7zdZVucRo9p1V2Cx1M_HFr7CN2pJiZztJ-MhEIOBsYSfV1MNhbyOfo7HWluJSl2quLrqVzraIRn5RuQlvlIDPcCsbX3MEDPCPxA1YxHcj9htx2l5/s1600/FlagHiersBaxley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvplh-rZw4Akpg7JDDISbk_Xidk4Y7zdZVucRo9p1V2Cx1M_HFr7CN2pJiZztJ-MhEIOBsYSfV1MNhbyOfo7HWluJSl2quLrqVzraIRn5RuQlvlIDPcCsbX3MEDPCPxA1YxHcj9htx2l5/s320/FlagHiersBaxley.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: Website of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community members and groups may be asked to deliver their unusable flags to the funeral homes prior to such events. Protocol dictates a sequence of proceedings that entails either burning of all the flags that have been collected or a representative one of them; in such instances, the remaining ones are later incinerated. Funeral homes often engage veterans' organizations and Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops to participate in ceremonies. There may be a Color Guard involved in performing rituals, and sometimes even a military gun salute. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But let’s look more closely at two lines of the “… Grand Old Flag” song. Many countrywide funeral homes have established an alternative type of practice that negates a few of the words… the ones alluding to every heart beating true under the red, white, and blue. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like the facilities that host retirement ceremonies, they request worn-out flag donations, sometimes by way of prominent signs on their properties.</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoPeMoxByfuAHcH2u_nNcVT65uhf7nI5Sh2itsGzLoQxpIHa2rFvwzYHGtuRrJ1YjgAZMTyylpnU6YbD2BuP6s6Vl1erilE7kxj9xKCPMhKr-gsxU7FBElYBTIYlgL0LAHSFyRyyzRwG5/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoPeMoxByfuAHcH2u_nNcVT65uhf7nI5Sh2itsGzLoQxpIHa2rFvwzYHGtuRrJ1YjgAZMTyylpnU6YbD2BuP6s6Vl1erilE7kxj9xKCPMhKr-gsxU7FBElYBTIYlgL0LAHSFyRyyzRwG5/s320/IMG_2797.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyms4EVRmQS3gGNB0iuVZphG4BHZiR6EHrpOk0aM2ADA3wjzTprNuKmRkZhc2K4Bw6GgKcg0Dr1jMiS2X2NNzb1Dv4a57y1LXKbcaYn9Aqld0Gu8Vv1Oi-ITXUuGcD-okB2NW2A9eIsL9L/s1600/IMG_2795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyms4EVRmQS3gGNB0iuVZphG4BHZiR6EHrpOk0aM2ADA3wjzTprNuKmRkZhc2K4Bw6GgKcg0Dr1jMiS2X2NNzb1Dv4a57y1LXKbcaYn9Aqld0Gu8Vv1Oi-ITXUuGcD-okB2NW2A9eIsL9L/s320/IMG_2795.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation, Englewood, FL</span></i></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But instead of ceremoniously burning the collective assortment outdoors as an event, they burn them individually in conjunction with cremation processes. That is, according to family wishes, a donated flag is draped over the casket of a veteran prior to its entry into the crematory chamber. T</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hough hearts are no longer beating under the red, white, and blue, the hearts of family members are warmed by the significance of this gesture. </span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx9gRICpZ_xNbH4Y49NNdEZwhX9ZAV0dRGa-4MI1U-y-Rum2Dnj8xh2r4_YdRRw25ysAGOWoMFqketdkpOK9CueqwCw540kDTvI3m26apFOTsPr6hf2TM09iclDMN4IThNQtuLzloWhyphenhyphenH/s1600/FlagCharlotteFH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx9gRICpZ_xNbH4Y49NNdEZwhX9ZAV0dRGa-4MI1U-y-Rum2Dnj8xh2r4_YdRRw25ysAGOWoMFqketdkpOK9CueqwCw540kDTvI3m26apFOTsPr6hf2TM09iclDMN4IThNQtuLzloWhyphenhyphenH/s320/FlagCharlotteFH.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo Source: Website of Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda, FL</i></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The initiative is taken a step further at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home. Flags that are not incinerated as part of cremations are burned separately in the chamber, after which the ashes are placed in the Veteran’s Garden of Honor section of their memorial park. Some facilities routinely send a certificate to a family, verifying that a flag accompanied a loved one in this manner as part of the cremation process for that individual. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ongoing escalation of cremation rates has accelerated a uniquely patriotic opportunity for resourcefulness in funeral homes these days. This commemorative measure honors those Americans who have served to promote peace for fellow countrymen living under the high flying flag… in the land they love… the home of the free and the brave.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYK8TKo92NpfqslCtZNcHLM_W_RTuEpLH8lPYpyJW10qr5mPyWxRtn4k2EsJ64GVJZWgqZdggiAbzBg7ya0POjWXKj0E0lCaAN7G1PaMs9-HCm-mdiNh9PsDgDBjq6ec3cZYQXdiULwx0/s1600/IMG_2780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYK8TKo92NpfqslCtZNcHLM_W_RTuEpLH8lPYpyJW10qr5mPyWxRtn4k2EsJ64GVJZWgqZdggiAbzBg7ya0POjWXKj0E0lCaAN7G1PaMs9-HCm-mdiNh9PsDgDBjq6ec3cZYQXdiULwx0/s320/IMG_2780.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation, Punta Gorda, FL</span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_a_Grand_Old_Flag">Wikipedia: You're A Grand Old Flag</a></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.charlottefuneralhomeandcemetery.com/who-we-are/community-events" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charlotte Funeral Home Flag Program</a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hiers-baxley.com/who-we-are/community-events">Hiers-Baxley Flag Program</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.kays-ponger.com/blog/2012/02/port-charlotte-fl-cremation-englewood-fl-funeral-home-services-flag-retirement-program/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kays-Ponger & Uselton Flag Program</span></a></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________</span></i></div><div class="p2"><br /></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-58833626000811364862015-05-20T04:18:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.598-07:00Native Teachings at "Walk in Peace" From 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday June 18th, the Labyrinth Committee will present "Walk in Peace" at the Community Labyrinth in Carleton Place.<br /><br />With this early evening event, the Committee hopes to focus attention on the need for peace in the world and within ourselves. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools and have even been used for bringing peace and reconciliation between individuals in conflict.<br /><br />"<i>If we can learn to find peace within ourselves, we can bring this peaceful energy into our community and the world</i>." says Phyl Drennan, a volunteer for The Labyrinth Committee of Carleton Place. <br /><br />Special guests have been invited to address the theme:<br /><b>Francine Desjardins, Sunflower, Watching Woman of the Bear Clan</b>, will share teachings on peace and the medicine wheel.<br /><br /><b>Chad Clifford</b>, <a href="http://www.wildernessrhythms.com/flute-gallery-and-sound-clips">Blueberry Mountain Flutes</a> (maker) and soundscapes recordist will play his native-style flute during the labyrinth walk.<br /><br />Bring along a picnic supper, a chair or a blanket, and be prepared to enjoy the gardens and find inspiration from our guest speaker. Participate in the making of the <b>peace walk dream catcher</b> and enjoy a labyrinth walk accompanied by native-style flute music.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg6BhLqTatAqOHvU63VFAK_ciC4MqvKlBWJU3UGeDaz1ZgbujdBLPm_Ua_YRHX9uxD0ripn524DfEsv1Yfm7anNivGSk35CZMp3SmOh9SZTdluaIQzy2iUUJ8AH0gc3mQcs6EraHgLibw/s1600/WALK_PEACE_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg6BhLqTatAqOHvU63VFAK_ciC4MqvKlBWJU3UGeDaz1ZgbujdBLPm_Ua_YRHX9uxD0ripn524DfEsv1Yfm7anNivGSk35CZMp3SmOh9SZTdluaIQzy2iUUJ8AH0gc3mQcs6EraHgLibw/s640/WALK_PEACE_2015.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><br />All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.<br /><br />Carleton Place Community Labyrinth is located beside the <a href="http://www.cpbheritagemuseum.com/">Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum</a>, at 267 Edmund St.<br /><br />For more information contact Debby 613-257-1014 or<br />facebook: /carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth<br /><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-80318397089185837682015-05-18T11:58:00.002-07:002015-05-18T11:58:22.672-07:00My Faith: How walking the labyrinth changed my life<div class="cnn_first" style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong>Editor’s note</strong>: Sally Quinn is a columnist for The Washington Post and is Editor in Chief of <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith">On Faith</a>, an online conversation on religion. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By <strong>Sally Quinn</strong>, Special to CNN</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I tell people I have a labyrinth and that I walk it regularly, most have no idea what I’m talking about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They think a labyrinth is a maze, a place you walk into and then have trouble finding your way out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In fact it is just the opposite. A labyrinth is a place you go to get found.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="more-21414"></span>For many, walking the labyrinth is a
religious experience. There are many famous labyrinths in churches, the
most famous being the one on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France,
which dates to the 13th century.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Others see it as more spiritual. Some find it a meditation tool or
walk it simply for the peace and serenity that come from being alone and
contemplating a problem or issue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me it is all of those things. It is a sacred space.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I first encountered a labyrinth at a California spa about 15 years
ago. I’d never heard of a labyrinth before and, though some at the spa
said it had changed people’s lives, I was skeptical.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I agreed to give it a try. There was a ceremony in the evening,
with torches and drums, and about 30 of us there to do the walk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I loved the ritual but didn’t really get much out of it. Too many people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still, there was something that appealed to me. So the next day, I
went up to the grove of live oaks on the hill where the labyrinth was
situated. There was nobody there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I paused at the entrance and took in the surroundings. There was a
slight breeze whispering though the leaves and the late afternoon sun
had warmed the circle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I began concentrating on my son Quinn, who had severe learning
disabilities at the time and was in a special school. What would become
of him? We had had a particularly difficult year and I was in despair.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I entered the labyrinth and began to make my way slowly toward the
center. Once I got there I sat down and looked straight ahead. My eyes
fell on a huge pine tree in front of me that I hadn’t noticed before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It had beautiful spreading boughs, as though it was embracing the
circle of the labyrinth. It was one of the prettiest trees I had ever
seen and it was the only pine amid the live oaks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I suddenly experienced a shocking stroke of clarity. That tree was Quinn.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He was different from all the other trees but he was more beautiful
than they were. I began to cry. How could I not have realized this all
along?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That moment transformed my whole view of my son and of me, along with
my attitude toward his problems. Not only was he beautiful but he could
use his differences to his advantage, helping others at the same time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The following year I had a reservation to go back to the same spa.
Quinn was scheduled to have cognitive testing the week before I left. At
the last minute, they had to change the date for when I was to be away.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My husband convinced me to go anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The hour of his testing I went up to the labyrinth, found my way to
the circle and concentrated on Quinn for the whole time I knew he would
be doing tests.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Later, when we went back to the hospital for the results, we were not
optimistic. Quinn had performed poorly on most of the earlier tests.
But the doctors said he had the highest score of anyone they had ever
seen on one of the tests.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“What was that?” I asked. “The maze,” said the doctor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since then, Quinn has written a book, “A Different Life,” about
growing up with learning disabilities (we now refer to them as learning
differences) and has launched a website called <a href="http://www.friendsofquinn.com/" target="_blank">friendsofquinn.com</a> for young adults with learning differences and their friends and families.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He is happily married and has a full and successful life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’m not sure I can totally attest to the fact that this is because of
walking the labyrinth that first day. But I can say this: Because I
told him about my experience with the pine and the oaks, he decided to
make a life using his problems to help others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He has completely accepted who he is and his limitations and has a
sense of humor about himself and his issues. His motto for the site is
“own it.” And he has.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does all this add up to a religious experience? Call it what you
will. All I know is that my life has become much richer by walking the
labyrinth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mine is modeled after the one at Chartres Cathedral. It is a 50-foot
concrete circle on a slope overlooking a river in the country southern
Maryland, surrounded by woods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has a path carved into it leading to the center, which is where I meditate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I always begin my labyrinth walk by concentrating on something I need
to find an answer to. I walk slowly at first, really trying to lose
myself in my thoughts. The slowness is important because it gives me
time to focus on whatever the issue is.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once I get to the center of the circle, I start meditating. Sometimes
I just stand and look out at the river. I might stay there for 10 or 15
minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other times I sit cross-legged for an hour or so. There are times,
too, where I lie down in a spread eagle position or in a corpse pose, or
chaturanga, and close my eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve stayed in those positions for hours at a time, completely losing myself to the experience</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, achieving clarity is the most important benefit of walking
the labyrinth. It has happened so many times that I now expect it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can walk in the woods or on the beach for hours, thinking about a
problem and not be able to come up with a solution. Yet I can spend 15
or 20 minutes on the labyrinth and solve everything.</div>
sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-65085400000246425822015-05-05T17:22:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.615-07:00NATIONAL CEMETERY AMPHITHEATER – Completion<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Journey Journal, Sarasota, Florida</b></i><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"OH BEAUTIFUL FOR PATRIOT DREAM"</b></span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="p1"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><i>“I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.” ~ Gary Hart</i></span></div></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the visionary who conceived the idea, the culmination of the Patriot Plaza must have been a dream come true. Perhaps it was like the parental witnessing of a milestone marking a child’s passage into adulthood… complete with the sense of accomplishment, pride, and awe. The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” certainly was true under these circumstances, though it was an amphitheater rather than a child that was raised. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This multi-million-dollar venture that began in 2010 propagated a model of private and public partnership whereby a philanthropic organization, The Patterson Foundation, collaborated with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to achieve a goal. Teamwork was the underlying strategy, as construction and art advisory groups, architects, construction personnel, artists, legal advisors, and others coordinated their efforts. A dedication ceremony in June, 2014 signaled its introduction to the public.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQnq3Z0t_iNxQTRZZBMHW-R_hLa4L5_wxcsEXSMC7qdfOVzaWFBs7_kEeZ_2EZYuxnbKxver3Ho5Umj1-9w0U5GP83WoS4OoHSxtZT1eqfjehg7BXm5jZYUFy-ZuL5it3ccigao1fkGOx/s1600/IMG_2760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQnq3Z0t_iNxQTRZZBMHW-R_hLa4L5_wxcsEXSMC7qdfOVzaWFBs7_kEeZ_2EZYuxnbKxver3Ho5Umj1-9w0U5GP83WoS4OoHSxtZT1eqfjehg7BXm5jZYUFy-ZuL5it3ccigao1fkGOx/s1600/IMG_2760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Towering above the amphitheater pavilion, a twelve- by eighteen-foot American flag tethered to a stainless steel, eighty-foot-high pole waves in the breezes. As a gesture of respect for all interred in the cemetery, it is lowered to half staff thirty minutes before the first committal service each day and remains in that position until thirty minutes after the last service of the day. Typically, the number of daily burials is about eight.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVbtvQHZLuExhsYyNO_ZYppE16wYTgPbbmW0_JpzXhAZbXQG7Db77EV7XmdKxKr5KOnshoiKvccm_wKD3kkAkpfwLJ6QkK6XS_cSfL3uvxckyy4IQ-Ciwr9hvEyii5JHAHtTpq1ZdMsqB/s1600/IMG_2759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVbtvQHZLuExhsYyNO_ZYppE16wYTgPbbmW0_JpzXhAZbXQG7Db77EV7XmdKxKr5KOnshoiKvccm_wKD3kkAkpfwLJ6QkK6XS_cSfL3uvxckyy4IQ-Ciwr9hvEyii5JHAHtTpq1ZdMsqB/s1600/IMG_2759.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occupying a 1.83-acre area that’s larger than a football field, the plaza features dual, fifty-foot-high half ceilings in arched configurations. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19RuIYyxEkWkM33pBvngv7KJJT_NHLo_1-TTc85vTy8lwydF2i1y7hNxqfb777kl45kSUJTKqwteme5P5Jqd-_tMQjxD9XY-nogvCAkvFlpdMJvQLuoan8c6Kv8HMVal2bELY03FCIBcb/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19RuIYyxEkWkM33pBvngv7KJJT_NHLo_1-TTc85vTy8lwydF2i1y7hNxqfb777kl45kSUJTKqwteme5P5Jqd-_tMQjxD9XY-nogvCAkvFlpdMJvQLuoan8c6Kv8HMVal2bELY03FCIBcb/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With 792 pieces of aquamarine glass com</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prising this 20,800-square-foot awning</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the vibrant roof is a commanding feature of the burial grounds. Each panel of glass blocks the ultra-violet rays by way of embedded translucent film, reducing the impact of the sun by fifteen to twenty degrees. Underneath this canopy there is shade, yet the breezes are still felt, as if shrouded by the leaves of a tree.</span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotPIAFVTJUL9h9UI8tjq79dGAHh91IC8rWpnjcs881u_5ECPl6ipyqhHQ3vvrmNPGcecelrFdTTLMYpW-8srvIsBkQ4qzun3BCeu0coHQmlry7HYy_MZkOj_CEhwamO4mitTG9H9jT9sj/s1600/IMG_2753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotPIAFVTJUL9h9UI8tjq79dGAHh91IC8rWpnjcs881u_5ECPl6ipyqhHQ3vvrmNPGcecelrFdTTLMYpW-8srvIsBkQ4qzun3BCeu0coHQmlry7HYy_MZkOj_CEhwamO4mitTG9H9jT9sj/s1600/IMG_2753.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though fundamentally encompassing a stage that accommodates a fifty-five-piece orchestra, with seating space for twenty-eight hundred people, this attraction is far more than a performance arena. Punctuated by a gallery of artwork, it is readily regarded also as an outdoor museum. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVkQgxcE0yQyCsg8gVfshDYypzbHKc9ZXz4Eea5T0W9eCumeR6Syluaad0fRAoEicL-m3Jztj-GSdp_xJf8wq_e9m43-eA_FW1a1gBUHWwsMpDT3l8_LbT9MrOMdqr-r5WlXWZocX7U8K/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVkQgxcE0yQyCsg8gVfshDYypzbHKc9ZXz4Eea5T0W9eCumeR6Syluaad0fRAoEicL-m3Jztj-GSdp_xJf8wq_e9m43-eA_FW1a1gBUHWwsMpDT3l8_LbT9MrOMdqr-r5WlXWZocX7U8K/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unseen, yet essential in the Florida environment, there are concrete and rebar support columns fifty-five feet below the ground to assure structural integrity sufficient to withstand Category Five hurricane-force winds. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The northern portal serves as the main entrance. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atop a pentagon-shaped surface of brick pavers stand four eye-catching tablets bearing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photos depicting happy moments.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a96gakkaDNm86dvbdBqCQmbaCtamjHY7frHIEfcK9f1mF0dAuzMbDb9XmaUtZ3u8NBHqI9Jn-11YZw8f2WE8rS6wKelV6BWMehKPD2KUVJkVQOh5ue2yq5ITUtw-IBKtFPQ8OZlHWN2W/s1600/IMG_2766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a96gakkaDNm86dvbdBqCQmbaCtamjHY7frHIEfcK9f1mF0dAuzMbDb9XmaUtZ3u8NBHqI9Jn-11YZw8f2WE8rS6wKelV6BWMehKPD2KUVJkVQOh5ue2yq5ITUtw-IBKtFPQ8OZlHWN2W/s1600/IMG_2766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the section designated for an audience is behind the entrance, one could readily construe an impression that this theater of tribute actually faces the graves of those it honors.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired imagery within one’s mind prompts a perception that the headstones are “standing at attention” in rapt acknowledgment of its connotation.</span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlviDzk8Hs4u3OXFTjeiZ2esR96CjjDjUc5SHejwpTNHIvdIIRPl3KM-N36pBzwlo06gKg4s8zpNy2uroiz_LAw4Lob6i8HFFA5PTBNhssKmp-G_VEkXnPAfyVLnClwtSk7YTZ5sDSR1I/s1600/IMG_2767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlviDzk8Hs4u3OXFTjeiZ2esR96CjjDjUc5SHejwpTNHIvdIIRPl3KM-N36pBzwlo06gKg4s8zpNy2uroiz_LAw4Lob6i8HFFA5PTBNhssKmp-G_VEkXnPAfyVLnClwtSk7YTZ5sDSR1I/s1600/IMG_2767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two seven-foot American bald eagles representing the national emblem of the United States flank the west entrance walkway. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcQa6i1NLXCGpyX1DULOJ2tsGQVmmAKEEAcL8wdq9i_zUrwS6zYULa8dwhccM6ZbL8pHnh7B29rnSO7Ojw1S_SA8CN5ZyVKc8vFIEjSkQc0VZyixBgodl9Tl0xsUM8jw_enJVNAnt2ZMh/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcQa6i1NLXCGpyX1DULOJ2tsGQVmmAKEEAcL8wdq9i_zUrwS6zYULa8dwhccM6ZbL8pHnh7B29rnSO7Ojw1S_SA8CN5ZyVKc8vFIEjSkQc0VZyixBgodl9Tl0xsUM8jw_enJVNAnt2ZMh/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Symbolic significance has been ascribed to the epic birds with conspicuously menacing eyes, conferring status as guardians – vigilant sentinels to protect people who visit Patriot Plaza along with the veterans buried in the cemetery’s sea of graves.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZgBpBLrxCOxGR09BJtEiRFv1RQUGBqL8_ccgcUFY8QqtqnE0ZiioRvfRfEZQtvamjb5Jpz6Oe8fDOmCT3vIUkmjTchWXljkvkRUV0-__GynpuIQDgiiAmZCqWCPbGrZzbRx7VuytOLGc/s1600/IMG_2755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZgBpBLrxCOxGR09BJtEiRFv1RQUGBqL8_ccgcUFY8QqtqnE0ZiioRvfRfEZQtvamjb5Jpz6Oe8fDOmCT3vIUkmjTchWXljkvkRUV0-__GynpuIQDgiiAmZCqWCPbGrZzbRx7VuytOLGc/s1600/IMG_2755.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the east entry point, less formidable eagles hover over two nests – one with a parent and fledging... the other empty. Real branches were collected, molded, and cast for this piece of art. The birds had been sculpted in wax to create molds before being cast in bronze. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwKNnFOxDh0__G-nGM_JPUUqoBnSq4iEQPivps4_0UDLAXSa8QJbFLdceRlL587zUoDxb1VjmkE7I6iBDZbnta1zVPBT4ARb6W_vKApZ46utLpq4VthPaqK30wPeIe2CDFyAHIN-P2U4t/s1600/PatriotBranches:Eagles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwKNnFOxDh0__G-nGM_JPUUqoBnSq4iEQPivps4_0UDLAXSa8QJbFLdceRlL587zUoDxb1VjmkE7I6iBDZbnta1zVPBT4ARb6W_vKApZ46utLpq4VthPaqK30wPeIe2CDFyAHIN-P2U4t/s1600/PatriotBranches:Eagles.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Patterson Foundation Dedication Video</span></i></div><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ubiquitous hallmarks of soldiers, such as endurance and courage, are singularly defined on sixteen upright slabs of Georgia marble and glass, which feature photographs amplified by relevant text and drawings. The eight on the east side of the pavilion encapsulate the military family experience; on the west side the focus is on military service in general. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8jt0rYSM262rR0x_wVsNDZYTWVtHbb6ey_h6lyZJIUiPFoN95NTTI4ROVOFeIKoX1MEuiOM72oVjVTvEqiw7vrfx1njUSlslnaBKJ_UJCYhDWVSXcDkXB1cASxVVJsk7XX2byxO6mDqW/s1600/IMG_2763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8jt0rYSM262rR0x_wVsNDZYTWVtHbb6ey_h6lyZJIUiPFoN95NTTI4ROVOFeIKoX1MEuiOM72oVjVTvEqiw7vrfx1njUSlslnaBKJ_UJCYhDWVSXcDkXB1cASxVVJsk7XX2byxO6mDqW/s1600/IMG_2763.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos of individuals who served in one of the Armed Forces become all the more riveting upon reading quoted commentary</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> coupled with meditations </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">etched on these “Testimonies” pillars.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxS2Qad5uED16ERdypn5JzhtxuqNZZSzqXzU7-NB9htV0G_oZqGTUKAUMOHAcUJ867CtNJDzfgbMXyTYv_b4ri_ZG5lDtUsXVR-nZQJwH1T1NJElKlfGeNFq12fFOtXP0wFwS6ts0uMSb/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxS2Qad5uED16ERdypn5JzhtxuqNZZSzqXzU7-NB9htV0G_oZqGTUKAUMOHAcUJ867CtNJDzfgbMXyTYv_b4ri_ZG5lDtUsXVR-nZQJwH1T1NJElKlfGeNFq12fFOtXP0wFwS6ts0uMSb/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Single photos are also mounted on a colonnade of forty-four upright rectangular tablets aligned in military-like formation and situated around the plaza. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3veUGFKaQHoqwJwfyaIP2HiAaK2zxhSooOFJvXg0IgZ8kpKmoNVwY7Ueb6XXgFAwZzCzaJQF-l1vdb_WAQXkicF3iatr1efWKbekyLhDFVba1ahHrlh1d5b_4sW7QEJYGVWmpkM3P5ewb/s1600/IMG_3029+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3veUGFKaQHoqwJwfyaIP2HiAaK2zxhSooOFJvXg0IgZ8kpKmoNVwY7Ueb6XXgFAwZzCzaJQF-l1vdb_WAQXkicF3iatr1efWKbekyLhDFVba1ahHrlh1d5b_4sW7QEJYGVWmpkM3P5ewb/s1600/IMG_3029+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinle05aBe_Z6EnktkmmpcU1J4zURxgPiYsksFh-gP2VAZOSY-RlpwkjVOiXb04nx2rDA80wzjMe59Yx48O-3kZ81b08sdplx2JNXy5njYP3E6oCCM9BfWQJCB0Dnj9S_HNvndpSQbORY2p/s1600/IMG_2764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinle05aBe_Z6EnktkmmpcU1J4zURxgPiYsksFh-gP2VAZOSY-RlpwkjVOiXb04nx2rDA80wzjMe59Yx48O-3kZ81b08sdplx2JNXy5njYP3E6oCCM9BfWQJCB0Dnj9S_HNvndpSQbORY2p/s1600/IMG_2764.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYzVFy2LK9buQ2iAw_tJe3o9OuEBdd9G0hwXKgqjRVQaMqLUDl_W83D6bRPZKsjyMXxBC0LkpZhx4hISZwtrMX5KWrIwKaNftbbnAeplyKo4VsCYJbyhIXzuAemrLwfv0TWcAZXdYgY_3/s1600/PatriotPhotoTablets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYzVFy2LK9buQ2iAw_tJe3o9OuEBdd9G0hwXKgqjRVQaMqLUDl_W83D6bRPZKsjyMXxBC0LkpZhx4hISZwtrMX5KWrIwKaNftbbnAeplyKo4VsCYJbyhIXzuAemrLwfv0TWcAZXdYgY_3/s1600/PatriotPhotoTablets.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Patterson Foundation Dedication Video</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pictures illustrate aspects of military life from the era of the Civil War to 2013, including campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczxnDIhgtjpTs3vcnLxTwPJxIeKWTerrM-7QNR8DVKK6lyECo3iTXJEzTaUgOP9SJPd6ef_OP4PMwrSCljgUMUbbQ-fxVKf5yGv7J94ZnH2Sson1myWS5Iaw4ShAvdE_mDoIEwPJLKipK/s1600/PatriotPhoto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczxnDIhgtjpTs3vcnLxTwPJxIeKWTerrM-7QNR8DVKK6lyECo3iTXJEzTaUgOP9SJPd6ef_OP4PMwrSCljgUMUbbQ-fxVKf5yGv7J94ZnH2Sson1myWS5Iaw4ShAvdE_mDoIEwPJLKipK/s1600/PatriotPhoto.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A handmade fifty- by three-foot glass mosaic spans a horizontal swath at the base of the stage. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vs9c9yjcj3M-B3SiS80rAqo9vLLo7EKeiK81_hKCYL0MEmvRY90YETXrQToPAY5Fu5E8DxW7KysVi-Fdt6ekY_A0lkrrwfAEVECcsTzDvCkpvTBV_o_Cx9HSRl4aeUTwQeXKykfeZK0c/s1600/IMG_2757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vs9c9yjcj3M-B3SiS80rAqo9vLLo7EKeiK81_hKCYL0MEmvRY90YETXrQToPAY5Fu5E8DxW7KysVi-Fdt6ekY_A0lkrrwfAEVECcsTzDvCkpvTBV_o_Cx9HSRl4aeUTwQeXKykfeZK0c/s1600/IMG_2757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The colorful image depicts a landscape of earth, air, and water – in or on which all branches of the Armed Forces carry out their missions.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQSqtvn2xDbPNA-9yguiTuO2bYSfZran4j4_0Z3bfh5JuP-I-c9XfvGCZZ8taYB1vgOmKrWL5rxPGMl2AAh7buGKx2sDVa4l6J3xpz3UgCANvN3kYSdXGao5axdvt1WHbOPZmP_YTlz90/s1600/PatriotStageStrip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQSqtvn2xDbPNA-9yguiTuO2bYSfZran4j4_0Z3bfh5JuP-I-c9XfvGCZZ8taYB1vgOmKrWL5rxPGMl2AAh7buGKx2sDVa4l6J3xpz3UgCANvN3kYSdXGao5axdvt1WHbOPZmP_YTlz90/s1600/PatriotStageStrip.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtVZ_TmTfadNI8QSHuZ6mCcfu_Bc2sWLIGoV0qLyRls4IhV-3qkyQNHqzoaIuaD813cn_lF979CFKY16Is76xVjjcWejJjO1LFGyqqK59wN3uA6vz9-h6RSD2SGFD9wxVUW1Mr244cAM2/s1600/PatriotStageMosaic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtVZ_TmTfadNI8QSHuZ6mCcfu_Bc2sWLIGoV0qLyRls4IhV-3qkyQNHqzoaIuaD813cn_lF979CFKY16Is76xVjjcWejJjO1LFGyqqK59wN3uA6vz9-h6RSD2SGFD9wxVUW1Mr244cAM2/s1600/PatriotStageMosaic.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8n3H-2KnuBunsfi10HmSLDNfK7ulp-5Q9AnI2uutMgE4MpKqz5dFVV3Wf_kNW_GSxqaPBM3hxLLTG0fVFCbCmr0iO0CsvTUDlqR80EDCar4_DP4fIVm6dbLMSHiOA16tiypDi-Q9rY9d/s1600/PatriotStageStrip2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8n3H-2KnuBunsfi10HmSLDNfK7ulp-5Q9AnI2uutMgE4MpKqz5dFVV3Wf_kNW_GSxqaPBM3hxLLTG0fVFCbCmr0iO0CsvTUDlqR80EDCar4_DP4fIVm6dbLMSHiOA16tiypDi-Q9rY9d/s1600/PatriotStageStrip2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Patterson Foundation Dedication Video</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within the configuration of a star dominating the granite floor in front of the stage, a five-sided projection map flattened into inlaid stone depicts all seven continents, as viewed from above the North Pole. It alludes to the wide-reaching influence of American military forces around the world. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5MyX7lg1icpgO4V0wrIhjGPX5KcQSJRhkHfFRlJpmsWbIFJL9DhLqzYLKU4De1gBzG2QyOClCQeMH-d_RhVjCnceTncbBhK0yPiXNzdoTQwycq6h2RlQjKQVpDxXODtEq7M3AnuTtvzM/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5MyX7lg1icpgO4V0wrIhjGPX5KcQSJRhkHfFRlJpmsWbIFJL9DhLqzYLKU4De1gBzG2QyOClCQeMH-d_RhVjCnceTncbBhK0yPiXNzdoTQwycq6h2RlQjKQVpDxXODtEq7M3AnuTtvzM/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twenty-foot tapered cones define both the north/south and east/west intersections of pathways. Dubbed, “Night to Day, Here and Away,” these are covered in hand-tiled mosaics that embody displays of service ribbons amid the sky, sea, and geological imagery. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCV6bBjjhrvdlYVXtHY-Ds5H5JBhwLGuqHaG5sRXTu030i2-jZQkdIT6blmFNUUPQiPsFe_UY_jfq_qzR7ksndh62xv6_CmJw-cM7bjg23Eeyvgiu2GaTVOHRlDzx6ja9Hez6eKd0yu7g/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCV6bBjjhrvdlYVXtHY-Ds5H5JBhwLGuqHaG5sRXTu030i2-jZQkdIT6blmFNUUPQiPsFe_UY_jfq_qzR7ksndh62xv6_CmJw-cM7bjg23Eeyvgiu2GaTVOHRlDzx6ja9Hez6eKd0yu7g/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over 7500 plants were planted around the plaza, adding color and a suggestion of ongoing life on premises for the dead. Young oak trees, Italian cypress, and palms mingle with magnolias, roses, lilies, myrtles, and more. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewP6cPKg02JZpWU7x1IbWvC9RimcENevob1mCL0OSMm8vlQqYGakkT9asZSeMFEM7t_0pv1nkgZ9Z_bfMs7oJteS972BC_swMTkorrmNHYoAMnVsTK13nlSQ3A8swgF6IP8td8fgezSHC/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewP6cPKg02JZpWU7x1IbWvC9RimcENevob1mCL0OSMm8vlQqYGakkT9asZSeMFEM7t_0pv1nkgZ9Z_bfMs7oJteS972BC_swMTkorrmNHYoAMnVsTK13nlSQ3A8swgF6IP8td8fgezSHC/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether or not someone has served in a military capacity, this magnificent showpiece is breathtaking. Besides its functionality and artistic permeation, it is a remarkable example of an accomplishment that came to fruition as a result of unified efforts among human beings. It speaks to our ongoing quest for harmonious co-existence with no need for war. Long ago, Abraham Lincoln implored Americans to come together in a spirit of cooperative camaraderie to “achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” </span></span></div><div class="p2"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In spite of that aspiration, human confrontations persist. Military forces continue to serve. A Vietnam-era veteran has metaphorically connected a design element configured in stone pieces at the plaza with the roughness of adversarial human interactions. Referring to the deliberately course and ragged edges of the photo-story tablets and marble benches, he has noted that they are unfinished and will never be finished. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such is the presumably inevitable state of affairs relative to human efforts for peace on earth. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="p2"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p3"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEhLgEp_mrpmHzhgTW11225v31PTqrxhJI2EMoq9n5xG2kOxm4w1I_v74ImxxisCfOOchS3h_6kdHrfjyu5puhBqvp84qb3l7HTDZPRicYiU5offJItb83bt9eQGeEBB61mpn0JPIfV1v/s1600/IMG_2772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEhLgEp_mrpmHzhgTW11225v31PTqrxhJI2EMoq9n5xG2kOxm4w1I_v74ImxxisCfOOchS3h_6kdHrfjyu5puhBqvp84qb3l7HTDZPRicYiU5offJItb83bt9eQGeEBB61mpn0JPIfV1v/s1600/IMG_2772.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div></div><div class="p3"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://patriotplaza.thepattersonfoundation.org/">The Patterson Foundation: Patriot Plaza</a></span></div></div><div class="p3"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"></div><div class="p3"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><a href="http://veterans.heraldtribune.com/2014/06/26/unique-project-rises-honor-fallen/">Sarasota Herald Tribune Article</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Honoring the Fallen," Sarasota Herald Tribune Special Section,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 28, 2014 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;">_____________________________________________________________________</span></div></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-53234169068310286202015-05-04T04:13:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.613-07:00A World-wide Celebration of the LabyrinthOur World Labyrinth Day walk turned out to be a great success. Just minutes before one – people started arriving! And there were 22 people walking as 1 at 1 PM! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU4FCwRKf2Ak4i0w2jdkhiowDVsUVKWT6eqZMkUXjknU5RDqOHr-pJEkkveHzrE_eJyQnGtzVGD8l4YenaZYhqTGjecGlWrbfLg-kbL8o0GYPQFfmqJQocPH_ZlepM5DUnUtTXkIh0Irk/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU4FCwRKf2Ak4i0w2jdkhiowDVsUVKWT6eqZMkUXjknU5RDqOHr-pJEkkveHzrE_eJyQnGtzVGD8l4YenaZYhqTGjecGlWrbfLg-kbL8o0GYPQFfmqJQocPH_ZlepM5DUnUtTXkIh0Irk/s320/IMG_2886.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We placed a globe and World Labyrinth Day poster as a focal point on the labyrinth.</td></tr></tbody></table>We placed a globe and an enlargement of the World Labyrinth Day poster on the labyrinth too – and we could see people pausing to look at this setup as they were walking. It was a good thematic focal point to have - and a reminder of that we were walking together with hundreds of other people in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol and tool for healing and peace.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB4aVl1u4IrKg-fMKZ5D0ktmMIWfs2DkbiNiHQ3wWdJhO7Rm8YUWt_R7atK4lXeiNPhU-i-FzPK2q7UfsSn226S5BAnPnX5IHk0En7nOmt-djOtsP-FSK4yhM2AhKfXHupDMCBIWeFPxG/s1600/phyl'sgrandsonWLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB4aVl1u4IrKg-fMKZ5D0ktmMIWfs2DkbiNiHQ3wWdJhO7Rm8YUWt_R7atK4lXeiNPhU-i-FzPK2q7UfsSn226S5BAnPnX5IHk0En7nOmt-djOtsP-FSK4yhM2AhKfXHupDMCBIWeFPxG/s400/phyl'sgrandsonWLD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a labyrinth walk today. Boy was it fun!</td></tr></tbody></table>New this year, we had a "reflection table" - where some children (and adults) coloured before the walk – and some labyrinth walkers gathered afterwards to draw or journal while reflecting upon their experience in the labyrinth.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhu0ugtuKPdzRePjCs1FL8KbRofehnlFm9p6qkWAmIQQvZBsO2tzA8l_g831OQd6dC2dmZFVICbO7vek-Gzg8RDwPQitwm6GqaGAlMsO8hGF4mtmIeT_Wcwc3VT0wl2PJN9GntjO2aBZJ/s1600/IMG_0548%5B1%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhu0ugtuKPdzRePjCs1FL8KbRofehnlFm9p6qkWAmIQQvZBsO2tzA8l_g831OQd6dC2dmZFVICbO7vek-Gzg8RDwPQitwm6GqaGAlMsO8hGF4mtmIeT_Wcwc3VT0wl2PJN9GntjO2aBZJ/s400/IMG_0548%5B1%5D.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a "reflection table" for labyrinth walkers to gather at after their walk. </td></tr></tbody></table>There was a short talk - at the standing stone - about World Labyrinth Day, the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, the story of the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth and tips about how to walk a labyrinth.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixc91qyLMObY4u6W3yVe5cgWPEPJJu2IThIGKdERuHrq1_0kmeSJ8Q9LcSWlEf-xO9h5QwJVzkkLYez150amKyi6f-xNw0n-aXD60pVrowL_WsIUg85SVD4lNgebKtlF-Ls7CUh9GaZuIA/s1600/WLDart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixc91qyLMObY4u6W3yVe5cgWPEPJJu2IThIGKdERuHrq1_0kmeSJ8Q9LcSWlEf-xO9h5QwJVzkkLYez150amKyi6f-xNw0n-aXD60pVrowL_WsIUg85SVD4lNgebKtlF-Ls7CUh9GaZuIA/s320/WLDart.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work of art created after walking the labyrinth.</td></tr></tbody></table>And then people started by standing quietly on the pausing stone at the labyrinth entrance - and then walking contemplatively. Afterwards – we invited anyone who wanted to be in the group photo to head to the entrance of the labyrinth.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk-mrK3bdEWXnmg3XW7WNYDmfZFzFQG1E-9pgFN_qkUd3_AvXfQkmEDkqLrqCpwbHre9gNJ4EQYkE78FkwS9w2LFzaLF2NhWeFvTYGjTcDR8MSfoRl1b0_7h9c156L3cE6d10Nu_CrEK2/s1600/WLD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk-mrK3bdEWXnmg3XW7WNYDmfZFzFQG1E-9pgFN_qkUd3_AvXfQkmEDkqLrqCpwbHre9gNJ4EQYkE78FkwS9w2LFzaLF2NhWeFvTYGjTcDR8MSfoRl1b0_7h9c156L3cE6d10Nu_CrEK2/s400/WLD.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greetings from the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Walking the labyrinthine way of my life </div><div style="text-align: center;">No thought, no time, no place, no rhyme or reason for it </div><div style="text-align: center;">But this step forward </div><div style="text-align: center;">And this one next </div><div style="text-align: center;">Feet on ground, heart stone in hand </div><div style="text-align: center;">Held in the vast emptiness </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let go, let go</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(by Christine Dixon, WLD walk participant) </span></div><br /><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-55290158472020484662015-05-03T06:39:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.633-07:00FUNERAL HOME ANTIQUES... Stationary and Mobile<div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Journey Journal... Venice, Florida</b></i></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OLD TIME REVIVAL</b></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At a funeral home, certainly it’s fairly routine to find antique people, or at least their vestigial shells that carried them through a long life. But one doesn’t ordinarily walk into such an establishment and immediately sense the likeness of an antique shop. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The owners of Farley Funeral Home have capitalized on an opportunity to share treasured relics with the ongoing stream of individuals passing through their facilities. Upon entering the Venice site, one immediately sees insignias of the past in an area akin to a living room decorated with antique furnishings. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqIbGcA1wGaVBMopojsgpyUcmTjMpCKix7Z7E8oMyX_tR_JcCS3ixya15th2LvDUardqKhwRWsMa85T3CSiahweMf5-8z2SUWI2g6w49bQSRLraPNhJQXeMY7l1xtxD2cDQi9aSSQtBOf/s1600/IMG_2810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqIbGcA1wGaVBMopojsgpyUcmTjMpCKix7Z7E8oMyX_tR_JcCS3ixya15th2LvDUardqKhwRWsMa85T3CSiahweMf5-8z2SUWI2g6w49bQSRLraPNhJQXeMY7l1xtxD2cDQi9aSSQtBOf/s400/IMG_2810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A collection of canes in a corner of the room sets the stage for a walk through time.</span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cO0eaBcwWjoiprzQvAG6qF0sdFN0B07TC57SalTtJqZmAWtN7GRc7TzP1vhpYqLtpq0uf5SjE6xWWUcIOdrTmg5JACNgdyMMQuqMw0rh_GYlBlRiSR1vah1Si3W6-cU8oLMLyUxuAPN5/s1600/FarleyFHcanes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cO0eaBcwWjoiprzQvAG6qF0sdFN0B07TC57SalTtJqZmAWtN7GRc7TzP1vhpYqLtpq0uf5SjE6xWWUcIOdrTmg5JACNgdyMMQuqMw0rh_GYlBlRiSR1vah1Si3W6-cU8oLMLyUxuAPN5/s320/FarleyFHcanes.png" width="176" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i><br /><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But artifacts of yore are not confined only to that part of the building. Rather, such curios of antiquity dot the domain throughout the premises, both here and at their other location in North Port.</span> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gy7J7uG9ZN9GlH_J1W12cZS2o0SIvXuHv87f95XkjwpCXnszDI51Eg_jETNi4zov0PSma8RVdZTuXklahjhHIRm6HlCCv4of5gpmrWAJLs04uB2oXkqXQCawMg0f2yPUdolgxjvLS4YI/s1600/FarleyFH-AntiquesWall3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gy7J7uG9ZN9GlH_J1W12cZS2o0SIvXuHv87f95XkjwpCXnszDI51Eg_jETNi4zov0PSma8RVdZTuXklahjhHIRm6HlCCv4of5gpmrWAJLs04uB2oXkqXQCawMg0f2yPUdolgxjvLS4YI/s400/FarleyFH-AntiquesWall3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Funeral Homes Website</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An old ice box with a lift lid is conveniently situated near offices, serving a utilitarian purpose as a depot for storage of pamphlets. Above it is a small wooden unit of shelving where an assortment of “remember when?” thimbles is on display. Sewing machines are focal points in visitation areas amid pieces of furniture upholstered in old-world, flowery fabric. Just in case people waiting to sign a guest book need some exercise, a butter churn is on the floor next to it. A record player stands ready for action, probably less in terms of generating music and more in the way of evoking memories. </span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnoqXhSrQggeGLNPhx_ZxNZHr5e-cvGv3xAdubX2sFehl0HLO20NkwPRPlZfOWUE3jLT1N8Y2XnBEtHpSKilnYTuMv8PeKt-GTOFl9Fu6ueyNZcIqKopQoc2pdoFwyXG7wO79iGQcNDmu/s1600/FarleyFHrecordPlayer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnoqXhSrQggeGLNPhx_ZxNZHr5e-cvGv3xAdubX2sFehl0HLO20NkwPRPlZfOWUE3jLT1N8Y2XnBEtHpSKilnYTuMv8PeKt-GTOFl9Fu6ueyNZcIqKopQoc2pdoFwyXG7wO79iGQcNDmu/s400/FarleyFHrecordPlayer.png" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recollections may be further enhanced by the presence of musical instruments, such as an old piano and an organ. </span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBUyLLohuQmWqd6p2pJKg5HSPgHCX7HXSlLvSlrFpnvut71Njhvl1Dlu4-OVPUdtxsdj2ukm9PFkpKhR8EhEsxQTF4lJLsmaUAjtf3DBOLCYp6c03zGWshFhJegXkmjqdXJsqnij74ajj/s1600/FarleyFH-Organ3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBUyLLohuQmWqd6p2pJKg5HSPgHCX7HXSlLvSlrFpnvut71Njhvl1Dlu4-OVPUdtxsdj2ukm9PFkpKhR8EhEsxQTF4lJLsmaUAjtf3DBOLCYp6c03zGWshFhJegXkmjqdXJsqnij74ajj/s320/FarleyFH-Organ3.png" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Funeral Homes Website</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, it’s not surprising that there would be burial containment here that meshes with the motif.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo0en5Qzj5cgPXPSQQny2fWhB4JitTZjrHhOnWwgUqSIzZktL7HeUi0R7SBvyUHZL-4gPUg0AGywD6CMz6GTqXtfcixs1R9RvtY_OX-TLu1_yXEwA59NMJiPolE1Gvx5ov_NJujzu_hRq/s1600/FarleyFHoldCasket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo0en5Qzj5cgPXPSQQny2fWhB4JitTZjrHhOnWwgUqSIzZktL7HeUi0R7SBvyUHZL-4gPUg0AGywD6CMz6GTqXtfcixs1R9RvtY_OX-TLu1_yXEwA59NMJiPolE1Gvx5ov_NJujzu_hRq/s400/FarleyFHoldCasket.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A visitor can readily discern that the abundance of antiques is indicative of their value to the owners beyond monetary assignations. It’s fortunate for them, as well as the community, that they own places apart from their home where conquests of their zealous passion can be consummated and appreciated. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information about each dated item is maintained in a loose-leaf binder chock full of pages documenting descriptive details. All of the relics are categorized according to the rooms in which they are located. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVOVTCprrqUmuPNvL-LNabi-jl_2CtQ83Rf12A52fPrJ0lQNZComFV2G5KmOdeDT4DEIfYSOnim4Dm3DfkpSHakybPE0WvXKz_zxIpG1laa-fdz5ke0DmyuoCZl7dBlh76kYzYUTu9vFG/s1600/IMG_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVOVTCprrqUmuPNvL-LNabi-jl_2CtQ83Rf12A52fPrJ0lQNZComFV2G5KmOdeDT4DEIfYSOnim4Dm3DfkpSHakybPE0WvXKz_zxIpG1laa-fdz5ke0DmyuoCZl7dBlh76kYzYUTu9vFG/s400/IMG_2811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span id="goog_1371557196"></span><span id="goog_1371557197"></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even the personnel have donned representative garb resurrected from a previous era. </span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9aXz72GQ_NE0xcR7wmSqlFNYEOdPT1goOBieCAwCf__lDvvq49tJkYIfpCPrVK_czO9Ss3kxy0p0JJJMu_1WQCVGzR_nDYo83zJDpXYQGghUp3r7kBLfcDmhBf3rx1blwLW-QKNZLdYs/s1600/FarleyFHoldGarb6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9aXz72GQ_NE0xcR7wmSqlFNYEOdPT1goOBieCAwCf__lDvvq49tJkYIfpCPrVK_czO9Ss3kxy0p0JJJMu_1WQCVGzR_nDYo83zJDpXYQGghUp3r7kBLfcDmhBf3rx1blwLW-QKNZLdYs/s400/FarleyFHoldGarb6.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A presentation pertaining to Abraham Lincoln’s years offered a suitable opportunity for representative attire to bring it to life. </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqix57sVT7nHeBm2qAAEVbfMdFYpXv47Yeb5rKSYMIMG5Z6ksGkzTeLqiHk1PlaWc2RmwEklNST9C7G9BVT9OOsfQEoAEUtWe4GpTMCSKcYGjdwx-sASGJQR2dNgH4SWXZdeJmBkcPyz_A/s1600/FarleyFHpresentation2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqix57sVT7nHeBm2qAAEVbfMdFYpXv47Yeb5rKSYMIMG5Z6ksGkzTeLqiHk1PlaWc2RmwEklNST9C7G9BVT9OOsfQEoAEUtWe4GpTMCSKcYGjdwx-sASGJQR2dNgH4SWXZdeJmBkcPyz_A/s400/FarleyFHpresentation2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though epoch leftovers from bygone days are aplenty here, they are not limited to interior rooms. Perhaps the most widely noticeable evidence of the antique concentration can be found in the garage. There, two remnants of an earlier mode of transport are momentarily at rest, but not in peace. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vehicles denoting a previous generation, resplendent as earmarks of history, are maintained and ready for purposeful missions. Use of these atypical conveyances for bodily remains is offered as an alternative to conventional means. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 1937 Ford hearse is one of the unusual offerings. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc2Ly3TcdfyhFY__kuneQlBMLX1APw8_YxFXB2PG3RE__hL7Ll0_7BOw775sjrIgNnS3D3Yx2oWigfzyZWqOBTFy1I57riMZl6M5c94QgJM_yuF6nRI0HHCjfV7oj4Bos8JZvhfFNdJ2Z/s1600/FarleyFBhearse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc2Ly3TcdfyhFY__kuneQlBMLX1APw8_YxFXB2PG3RE__hL7Ll0_7BOw775sjrIgNnS3D3Yx2oWigfzyZWqOBTFy1I57riMZl6M5c94QgJM_yuF6nRI0HHCjfV7oj4Bos8JZvhfFNdJ2Z/s400/FarleyFBhearse.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For veterans, folks may opt for a World War II-era, 1941 Dodge military truck to pull a caisson bearing the casket. </span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJGOWINzeyDrs1wLI9vbuVl1ZciUPju0erTT7Rl_3moiOBM7-Y8TpHqzwztX0Vyq9WT-2c51twPf3aL9XIdkMbCoGpGnQlgNXtQ17JbZRoC7BevxQZSyE_W88XLQUHTrzxuaNKg-m1vRW/s1600/FarleyFHvehicle5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJGOWINzeyDrs1wLI9vbuVl1ZciUPju0erTT7Rl_3moiOBM7-Y8TpHqzwztX0Vyq9WT-2c51twPf3aL9XIdkMbCoGpGnQlgNXtQ17JbZRoC7BevxQZSyE_W88XLQUHTrzxuaNKg-m1vRW/s400/FarleyFHvehicle5.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYRhsB66KSzLZ7OGQQnuvK7ggRPujEwJcs_w6qvePy-xzMhD2xMSYehVOsIW4zTzdgGm51CRWOqFGAxWLkxZOq1dAKG07hBVl49ZqZIqOa3hE-zvUcdsKTft4zhk8zud0UIm5N4HThlHz/s1600/FarleyFH-FoxNews5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYRhsB66KSzLZ7OGQQnuvK7ggRPujEwJcs_w6qvePy-xzMhD2xMSYehVOsIW4zTzdgGm51CRWOqFGAxWLkxZOq1dAKG07hBVl49ZqZIqOa3hE-zvUcdsKTft4zhk8zud0UIm5N4HThlHz/s400/FarleyFH-FoxNews5.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Fox News Video</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A coordinating 1943 Willy’s Army jeep leads the funeral processions and may be used in the context of other commemorative tributes, particularly, placement by the graveside of a veteran following burial. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiWTus1QlZrYN_bZSktyEpXsC0DSW4GytBC6DnMz_Dm4YIfU54Uk-VdpLcYU53uVAOdJyAyqKVKShuj0-lDV5drc0RKEamv6nXk4peBVD0KotlBNLYXXdYEnd88V8Wx3PsP0Vztc1VE2U/s1600/FarleyFH-FoxNews4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiWTus1QlZrYN_bZSktyEpXsC0DSW4GytBC6DnMz_Dm4YIfU54Uk-VdpLcYU53uVAOdJyAyqKVKShuj0-lDV5drc0RKEamv6nXk4peBVD0KotlBNLYXXdYEnd88V8Wx3PsP0Vztc1VE2U/s400/FarleyFH-FoxNews4.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Fox News Video</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P5udgEwqpkV5skIhARNPmCs7PC71FYx6QQjnGstUiYoTc2tPkJpyDTsOYaGzFVGwE04j8IE_7IaqUBiPDX1mUWMUwnTzX0GodrXbwK883F6MGj04XaAAT6q2A2DHvhl39NMIe7luimM9/s1600/FarleyFH-vehicleLocation4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P5udgEwqpkV5skIhARNPmCs7PC71FYx6QQjnGstUiYoTc2tPkJpyDTsOYaGzFVGwE04j8IE_7IaqUBiPDX1mUWMUwnTzX0GodrXbwK883F6MGj04XaAAT6q2A2DHvhl39NMIe7luimM9/s400/FarleyFH-vehicleLocation4.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Funeral Homes Website</span></i></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Military processions employing these vehicles are limited to trips between the funeral home and either its own burial grounds – Venice Memorial Gardens – or the nearby Sarasota National Cemetery. </span> </span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjTDrJaqzafvlT3QTmO0AmKgrrNMtt5F8i5qFR_OwLOPxhRcXDKUNZqhPoWV36Ovh1SvpJQzEp92DH8o2AvFgBqzDXGa7oiQFil3nK0VCRg5mNmytzRrWcZXJl8jk4KLzMQsa9lDqNA8a/s1600/FarleyFH-FoxNews9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjTDrJaqzafvlT3QTmO0AmKgrrNMtt5F8i5qFR_OwLOPxhRcXDKUNZqhPoWV36Ovh1SvpJQzEp92DH8o2AvFgBqzDXGa7oiQFil3nK0VCRg5mNmytzRrWcZXJl8jk4KLzMQsa9lDqNA8a/s400/FarleyFH-FoxNews9.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source: Fox News Video</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F1QujYVydpo9qXqIxs51GFwyxpgFWWz9ulh-LQPT07DIyWWkmemGIv7IAmS9LSmdVQKmQcwwf0RmrfPZQBjIS_2d0yFKZcbH9ew_n41m7JSlxU4m4zb8igjxjQ6__euP4bxi5CbtVpoT/s1600/FarleyFHvehicle10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F1QujYVydpo9qXqIxs51GFwyxpgFWWz9ulh-LQPT07DIyWWkmemGIv7IAmS9LSmdVQKmQcwwf0RmrfPZQBjIS_2d0yFKZcbH9ew_n41m7JSlxU4m4zb8igjxjQ6__euP4bxi5CbtVpoT/s400/FarleyFHvehicle10.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, at times these alternative transporters have been diverted from their usual routes, for the sake of broadcasting to local residents their availability. In fact, a “Spot the Farley” contest motivated people to snap a picture upon encountering one of the roving novelties and then post it on Facebook. That rendered the folks eligible to be selected from a pool of participants who correctly answered questions about the vehicles. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4ftvpu_fTO3F_mcqBUNyBycbdsrB109wW9IN5OuRfFUpcudXY2gVtJ7htF0F99Bviy4G786lAVLuVgJ24_FMPaniQQDfeN_UvtxVX1a0yrXCHMXuspt8VtblG1YyLcw2O_8l3gkAeWek/s1600/FarleyFHvehicle4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4ftvpu_fTO3F_mcqBUNyBycbdsrB109wW9IN5OuRfFUpcudXY2gVtJ7htF0F99Bviy4G786lAVLuVgJ24_FMPaniQQDfeN_UvtxVX1a0yrXCHMXuspt8VtblG1YyLcw2O_8l3gkAeWek/s400/FarleyFHvehicle4.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Farley Facebook Page</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s readily apparent that the owners of this funeral home go out of their way to provide meaningful experiences, particularly in tribute to veterans. The usual sorts of provisions through the United States Veterans Administration are complemented by the embellishments of relevant transportation. Behind-the-scenes proceedings that traditionally take place at burial sites are preceded by a military sendoff on wheels. The captivating sight of it is apt to draw the attention of people in the vicinity. Some of them are veterans themselves who, upon seeing the “ruffles and flourishes” and sensing the pomp of the occasion, feel a surge of connection with their military brethren. Often they stop, salute, and lay their hands on their hearts. </span></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether out on the road or contained within the facility’s buildings, the vintage attractions on display bespeak not only a theme, but especially a legacy of compelling regard for the lineage of our past. While reflecting the charm of yesteryears, they engender associations that set the wheels of remembering in motion… an important step toward healing from the wounds of loss. </span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Probably aged visitors who at some point in their lives have lived among such furnishings feel right at home here. Perhaps the “home” aspect of the nomenclature, funeral home, resonates authentically for them because of Farley’s signature milieu. It can be comforting to wallow in vestiges of embedded familiarity when immersed in the unaccustomed territory of death. </span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.farleyfuneralhome.com/">Farley Funeral Homes</a></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/farleyfuneralhome/photos_stream">Farley Funeral Home Facebook Page</a></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/farleyfuneralhome/videos/vb.154059544660751/600981186635249/?type=2&theater">Fox News Video</a></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">________________________________________________________________________</span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-84859666943361593362015-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.679-07:00MEMORY BEAR WORKSHOPS<div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Journey Journal... Punta Gorda, Florida</b></i></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BEARABLE LOSS:</b></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STITCHING TOGETHER THE FABRIC OF LIFE</b></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After someone dies, purging a closet of that person’s wardrobe is often a painfully </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gut-wrenching task… an albatross of grieving. Clothing is linked to identity, conferring tantalizing evidence of embodied presence – no longer in the flesh, but at least in the mind. People tend to retain such articles of apparel for lengthy periods of time, yearning to hang on rather than letting go.</span></div><div class="p4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some funeral homes have acknowledged this tendency imbued with an implication of need by offering an opportunity to retain selected snippets of the decedent’s clothes, but in a different form. The Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home is among those conducting memory bear workshops. </span></span></div><div class="p4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twice a year, individuals who have experienced recent losses are invited to attend a Saturday gathering, bringing remnants of their loved ones’ clothing to be transformed into stuffed teddy bears. They are joined by a cadre of volunteers who provide guidance and manage the cutting, sewing, and stuffing operations. Prior to completion, a small heart with a brief notation is embedded inside the bear. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxVqtA4hL2CYJ0XjiZAmutbLnwJry-uqYvKv47qISv3UHTj72c675IGsHdxN4mh7W38eaVq7oHlfUdzVBPa3RL8C_4b0x-ghk-NyADxwA8wgz5XlzC7YjPxe4A2JRk5V_wff1EQbMOIDN/s1600/TeddyBearCharlFH.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxVqtA4hL2CYJ0XjiZAmutbLnwJry-uqYvKv47qISv3UHTj72c675IGsHdxN4mh7W38eaVq7oHlfUdzVBPa3RL8C_4b0x-ghk-NyADxwA8wgz5XlzC7YjPxe4A2JRk5V_wff1EQbMOIDN/s1600/TeddyBearCharlFH.gif" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: Florida Weekly </i></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bereaved participants’ hands-on involvement renders the final product all the more meaningful. The event transpires over the course of several hours, interrupted only by provision of morning snacks and a light lunch. </span></span></div><div class="p4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By mid afternoon, people who arrived with swatches of fabric leave with their cuddly cloth buddies, enabling them to embrace their memories. These portable items of poignant significance, though new to them in form, bespeak companionable familiarity. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p3"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpGevKlWHnjy0jS0gkfJ-mK8-04mXmHi8Q63TH3OhPaKpTk219VAFpAl06MjNkC7LKILOiIX1U4mE-JbGinzXFhrxlopl7-bjU37GvQYQYOsd57DF00LHLXapEUDFrdG3m22wRnofmQLZ/s1600/IMG_2793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpGevKlWHnjy0jS0gkfJ-mK8-04mXmHi8Q63TH3OhPaKpTk219VAFpAl06MjNkC7LKILOiIX1U4mE-JbGinzXFhrxlopl7-bjU37GvQYQYOsd57DF00LHLXapEUDFrdG3m22wRnofmQLZ/s1600/IMG_2793.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBRBpjBeZbf13vhhG9vhfIWcyOTo7eLtylC2kNuqpxRjiei8J_N5P2c5Ol7YxJEH0XuSsC1mKrGrRnANIoRjx8pdlMSG0L-PhbxKOw-UEyGSkLcmH4f4qoLJtlZ1hzTnoYD0Hd2jEs9-3/s1600/IMG_2783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBRBpjBeZbf13vhhG9vhfIWcyOTo7eLtylC2kNuqpxRjiei8J_N5P2c5Ol7YxJEH0XuSsC1mKrGrRnANIoRjx8pdlMSG0L-PhbxKOw-UEyGSkLcmH4f4qoLJtlZ1hzTnoYD0Hd2jEs9-3/s1600/IMG_2783.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, Wisconsin, workshop participants often have chosen to apply details specifically tailored to the person who died. Before they arrive with their materials, including bags of fiberfill and buttons for eyes and noses, probably some folks have already constructed images of the final products in their minds. They may bring any decorative additions that will personalize their creations, such as eyeglasses, name tags coordinating with uniforms, a piece of jewelry, as well as other forms of ornamentation or identity accoutrements. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt6LCtoHER-Vp0QdVeCVz-GTJ5lYupqreY-cTVErCl7ncMOWOE74J61MSw4U_C1OwBGtDjBd0WfB4ce3yUuTZlANxzptazPfM3YpjKgvB6XgZ6qISS_cvTqtbdvMvVjk2G4gTtYErql-E/s1600/WaidFHteddyGerschnerFBpost12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt6LCtoHER-Vp0QdVeCVz-GTJ5lYupqreY-cTVErCl7ncMOWOE74J61MSw4U_C1OwBGtDjBd0WfB4ce3yUuTZlANxzptazPfM3YpjKgvB6XgZ6qISS_cvTqtbdvMvVjk2G4gTtYErql-E/s1600/WaidFHteddyGerschnerFBpost12.png" width="376" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: Facebook - Anna Winningham</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volunteers are on hand with patterns amid a sea of sewing machines ready for action. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzKbDVhacbn1e3onMLllet9oQ3AqaquWiL52WHxc9Zb7_67lg3yMunbLEejeaTZrcvLACWrTRzzYe7Gla1Ql9Y-7rZgsDgrF7oDIZsEF_77yCXcRSsWsofUtQX4A40Oq2oE3IhEPWYjN9/s1600/WaidFHteddyGreschnerFBpost11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzKbDVhacbn1e3onMLllet9oQ3AqaquWiL52WHxc9Zb7_67lg3yMunbLEejeaTZrcvLACWrTRzzYe7Gla1Ql9Y-7rZgsDgrF7oDIZsEF_77yCXcRSsWsofUtQX4A40Oq2oE3IhEPWYjN9/s1600/WaidFHteddyGreschnerFBpost11.png" width="342" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source:</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Facebook - Anna Winningham</span></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkbOM3SX5kSLg1-t-VmdmMkvrOFlu7rvN18TNGi-XcgEgttXtUdmOb0AZUv9YoqQRgQm08-JFxVzgkmU_nHLpO4yv0hdsmTQ-JG-H-W_Ota1YnTwVdAKZ4Twwa9Ve2lB7KPXlHR12tNsS/s1600/WaidFHteddy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkbOM3SX5kSLg1-t-VmdmMkvrOFlu7rvN18TNGi-XcgEgttXtUdmOb0AZUv9YoqQRgQm08-JFxVzgkmU_nHLpO4yv0hdsmTQ-JG-H-W_Ota1YnTwVdAKZ4Twwa9Ve2lB7KPXlHR12tNsS/s1600/WaidFHteddy.png" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source:</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Facebook - Anna Winningham</span></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The room is alive with purposeful activity, facilitating interaction among individuals who have suffered losses along with the volunteers who want to help them heal. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhENj_58Fnd7QG066CyVmbIlBPbYwghhC2xP2CjMd8kw5ywP-1qSRRjk_3O8SaUe1nm_IhvbME204eFg8lfc0XWm2zw_XgbArUq1Wm2sRNxyyDuUNOMcN9QU8TnIJ_WvVM01OT8o2-NBJ/s1600/WaidFHteddyGreschnerFBpost6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhENj_58Fnd7QG066CyVmbIlBPbYwghhC2xP2CjMd8kw5ywP-1qSRRjk_3O8SaUe1nm_IhvbME204eFg8lfc0XWm2zw_XgbArUq1Wm2sRNxyyDuUNOMcN9QU8TnIJ_WvVM01OT8o2-NBJ/s1600/WaidFHteddyGreschnerFBpost6.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-style: normal; margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source:</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Facebook - Anna Winningham</span></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-style: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A collage of fabric pieces may comprise the body.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgo5PlMpZf2DsKHs5r71WSsdMKjl-2yN2qv4JEda35m8MiMwX1j_pGZ5JKiDBsvbhygx77SU0dQkMhA8hqWHe5YtH771L64ovqlpN72WBf0sE50qVWCE7-ds476YdsA2rohbuOv_7rjr2/s1600/WaidFHfacebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgo5PlMpZf2DsKHs5r71WSsdMKjl-2yN2qv4JEda35m8MiMwX1j_pGZ5JKiDBsvbhygx77SU0dQkMhA8hqWHe5YtH771L64ovqlpN72WBf0sE50qVWCE7-ds476YdsA2rohbuOv_7rjr2/s1600/WaidFHfacebook.png" width="323" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Waid Funeral Home</span></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes a photo is employed as a guide for the design or as a comrade in spirit.</span></span></div><div class="p3"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3BKqDQ7J3hVOAJH3EM4z8dMwHLXT8qa0qtAMf2musCxx6hOIBxw1BSPTkiz4mUEMj6Mc4XHK4PNZKXMD8o_k_V4aQeHN6-GhU1FWZqAw4ka3i_cWPANIwseVKT0mVYtKMBNn3IXZutzA/s1600/WaidFHteddyGreschnerFBpost10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3BKqDQ7J3hVOAJH3EM4z8dMwHLXT8qa0qtAMf2musCxx6hOIBxw1BSPTkiz4mUEMj6Mc4XHK4PNZKXMD8o_k_V4aQeHN6-GhU1FWZqAw4ka3i_cWPANIwseVKT0mVYtKMBNn3IXZutzA/s1600/WaidFHteddyGreschnerFBpost10.png" width="393" /></a></div><div class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source:</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Facebook - Anna Winningham</span></span></div></div></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multiple family members may bring multiple teddy bears into existence. </span></span></div><div class="p4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_katzkVWf21pn_aJ-mvb8Y0K2vkQQca8wAjaaoyzbHcf6bkbwGpi1dsVqv4QXVbUmA_9Kf7Wjniz_fGpLFU9lmjkpvThNw7coe8-jaK4bEWPMK6s0DGdXkXQNTkmjLqzGShcXVlqhDDK/s1600/WaidFHteddyGerschnerFBpost13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_katzkVWf21pn_aJ-mvb8Y0K2vkQQca8wAjaaoyzbHcf6bkbwGpi1dsVqv4QXVbUmA_9Kf7Wjniz_fGpLFU9lmjkpvThNw7coe8-jaK4bEWPMK6s0DGdXkXQNTkmjLqzGShcXVlqhDDK/s1600/WaidFHteddyGerschnerFBpost13.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><div class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source:</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Facebook - Anna Winningham</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outfits may feature an item of clothing over the tight “skin” of the animal’s body. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWyc0tJ6ML-W92_M-Cb2Vz5MJqc12xtp96uiTw0-cimmcd_k7EvBsDVu15_2Kgj-6HlhcbrtkEjj9PQ9VzJZL0LdMLnKECt6qH9iStGWXhrceYOzVF9FMahrLhD44Rl3_NT_Aly4_7psz/s1600/WaidFHteddyGerschnerFBpost15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWyc0tJ6ML-W92_M-Cb2Vz5MJqc12xtp96uiTw0-cimmcd_k7EvBsDVu15_2Kgj-6HlhcbrtkEjj9PQ9VzJZL0LdMLnKECt6qH9iStGWXhrceYOzVF9FMahrLhD44Rl3_NT_Aly4_7psz/s1600/WaidFHteddyGerschnerFBpost15.png" width="275" /></a></div><div class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Source:</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Facebook - Anna Winningham</span></span></div></div></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Initiation of the endeavor at this funeral home evolved after learning of family members who had used their grandfather’s work and hunting shirts to fashion these types of teddy bears. As gifts for Christmas, all the grandchildren had been given their own, with a directive to wrap their arms around the bear whenever they felt a need for a hug. </span></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Mattson Funeral Home in Forest Lake, Minnesota, is another facility that hosts biannual memory bear workshops. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p3"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VYoCvcRiLoRRfsQ1lAintJ9tHkM6jpELgVxsUl0rayvfh4d2AvEi-LOGePtsA8by7Hjpvi-4vbFi8z7JvU_9rosqRB5CqSt-lyVB_wRWE2IHmtrlVjZ97JeQkUCgTWcJzeKpQLQP0iB4/s1600/MattsonMemBearsFB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VYoCvcRiLoRRfsQ1lAintJ9tHkM6jpELgVxsUl0rayvfh4d2AvEi-LOGePtsA8by7Hjpvi-4vbFi8z7JvU_9rosqRB5CqSt-lyVB_wRWE2IHmtrlVjZ97JeQkUCgTWcJzeKpQLQP0iB4/s1600/MattsonMemBearsFB.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mW8JD6v8QnaxK2Zet58kWqFp-1nS8Doj7Oe4SK8WkiAyGJ41P_4m5FHLeCcCqNmxlyqSLK8EFJAuMKSojImfkPPpY5OQ6oR0rx72OFA5aZ0d_xJlxcIq6Do7loQaRRPuk0_aHsVC-I6R/s1600/HeartleyBear9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mW8JD6v8QnaxK2Zet58kWqFp-1nS8Doj7Oe4SK8WkiAyGJ41P_4m5FHLeCcCqNmxlyqSLK8EFJAuMKSojImfkPPpY5OQ6oR0rx72OFA5aZ0d_xJlxcIq6Do7loQaRRPuk0_aHsVC-I6R/s1600/HeartleyBear9.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The venture originated after the mother, grandmother, and aunt of the funeral home’s </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">co-owner made more than twenty bears as gifts for children and grandchildren. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIIpbBTFnej9-fsNgYHsIV6DCY4TGfV9U7aPJ3doCINl5S0wKowqOAVhP3HU4on-C4ovFQpavi_EtF41sg__p1cFtU8ClbVrq8wmkuQRrfj8iOtvi7yMjkLlU5t_2oiNyIxsRji3l1fAD/s1600/MattsonFamilyBears.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIIpbBTFnej9-fsNgYHsIV6DCY4TGfV9U7aPJ3doCINl5S0wKowqOAVhP3HU4on-C4ovFQpavi_EtF41sg__p1cFtU8ClbVrq8wmkuQRrfj8iOtvi7yMjkLlU5t_2oiNyIxsRji3l1fAD/s1600/MattsonFamilyBears.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Source: Facebook - USA Today Video</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were dubbed, “Heartley Bears,” to reflect the name of his grandfather, Hartley, whose favorite shirts from fishing trips and family outings were the basis for the sewn creations. </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several hundreds of bears have been designed there since the project's inception in 2008. </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfa1vh7B8yUEOm7tM0fuMtrIkqpMF21CW5CdmWcF9n0EwAIEZNqwL7MmilF-kjtbyhRN_P9hvNx8xzcjnyXNYCrWbxIdaVeaEy38CTDrJHEGSGm2fAW2RSAJ0ow6Y5bqDTSB-l0ek1F29/s1600/MattsonUSAToday6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfa1vh7B8yUEOm7tM0fuMtrIkqpMF21CW5CdmWcF9n0EwAIEZNqwL7MmilF-kjtbyhRN_P9hvNx8xzcjnyXNYCrWbxIdaVeaEy38CTDrJHEGSGm2fAW2RSAJ0ow6Y5bqDTSB-l0ek1F29/s1600/MattsonUSAToday6.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ls495NIo-7ImxqbcypByP3HocZBes-DYr8KcB_5NPQjmtp0s1oRrjR1Rd7A267aKtip187z4v0PdoVATcSAoL1kc19kmcrZv66QXTyExqcX193-8jxIK2cSrMojzSdZu3LcrodCeR_kN/s1600/MattsonUSAToday9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ls495NIo-7ImxqbcypByP3HocZBes-DYr8KcB_5NPQjmtp0s1oRrjR1Rd7A267aKtip187z4v0PdoVATcSAoL1kc19kmcrZv66QXTyExqcX193-8jxIK2cSrMojzSdZu3LcrodCeR_kN/s1600/MattsonUSAToday9.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMVvdtnaL1GYX4vIG2UDEt53RMK0wBXeez6YMMyKSvLfkO1EExJgxZH863hvJoC7zHc3O860tOUYQZ4tEsTkLSHkermWmMLsWhGIv1sni632vDM7FnghbEv5b_jKjvqdkUovowkfAufTM/s1600/MattsonUSAToday13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMVvdtnaL1GYX4vIG2UDEt53RMK0wBXeez6YMMyKSvLfkO1EExJgxZH863hvJoC7zHc3O860tOUYQZ4tEsTkLSHkermWmMLsWhGIv1sni632vDM7FnghbEv5b_jKjvqdkUovowkfAufTM/s1600/MattsonUSAToday13.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUL_p7fwYFo8nSfzxGM_O634cZup1eysfOGK_L6snAvLofqc5eR9YJiXf2e39YcZAlA5ZphTFlT8Msjl0Sqch0iqD0jhlnr7x5_szLQ0naoQpxoP3kspXKY7mXcoKjjL4JzX97uTaGdu1/s1600/MattsonUSAToday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUL_p7fwYFo8nSfzxGM_O634cZup1eysfOGK_L6snAvLofqc5eR9YJiXf2e39YcZAlA5ZphTFlT8Msjl0Sqch0iqD0jhlnr7x5_szLQ0naoQpxoP3kspXKY7mXcoKjjL4JzX97uTaGdu1/s1600/MattsonUSAToday.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Facebook - USA Today Video</span></i><br /><br /></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YbsVoV1RMTd7wDCr3rit1kFkpoSGsquyDnQ3EShWkj4-3ctKCpvOe1g6VJlrQUH9tOLT9dikpPJYeCPteRO_6Bka1JDAP80qMM9Q8VcBuHlFawL0lVubw3xGQXzslKP9i9REyE5AA0Jv/s1600/HeartleyBear12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YbsVoV1RMTd7wDCr3rit1kFkpoSGsquyDnQ3EShWkj4-3ctKCpvOe1g6VJlrQUH9tOLT9dikpPJYeCPteRO_6Bka1JDAP80qMM9Q8VcBuHlFawL0lVubw3xGQXzslKP9i9REyE5AA0Jv/s1600/HeartleyBear12.png" width="293" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFRjh6WVEspsEDWZyAAeairMJmuC8PcO8aE41eiKJnQTDVMDe6QCj-m8tduNDsJ6kg9zBSW_q3pXH41YmX2aYgOcNBqaLX3IrLywaRqkN_t02vuDeNRMUpz0LaZE60vrn6V0vX6TMry6z/s1600/HeartleyBear11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFRjh6WVEspsEDWZyAAeairMJmuC8PcO8aE41eiKJnQTDVMDe6QCj-m8tduNDsJ6kg9zBSW_q3pXH41YmX2aYgOcNBqaLX3IrLywaRqkN_t02vuDeNRMUpz0LaZE60vrn6V0vX6TMry6z/s1600/HeartleyBear11.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source (2): Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One woman used a pair of her husband’s jeans because that was his usual garb. She tucked in wooden heart with a message of affection for her deceased husband. </span></span></div><div class="p4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mother and her three daughters attended a workshop in advance of their loved one’s imminent death. For their bears that would become cherished mementos of their grandfather’s life, each child was allowed to select the item of clothing that would be used. One of them, a five-year-old girl, chose her grandfather’s swim trunks. </span></span></div><div class="p4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the lifetime of an eighty-nine-year-old woman, she had five children who generated twenty-two grandchildren and forty-eight great-grandchildren. Many of the females – her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters – gathered at a workshop after her death. Collectively, they applied a variety of personal touches to their bears. One carried a hanky, and another had a mint in its hand… reminiscent of characteristic habits. Since pearls had been the woman’s favorite jewelry, they were featured on another. A granddaughter, who had at one time made a pink scarf as a gift, tied it around her bear’s neck. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A loved one's devotion to a sport or a particular team inspires some stylistic variations. </span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNk4oJGTbcZYxSS4P2MPh99gm7JOAS34DtBtqeH2eQDaZ1GKIOBnFlTa1Ng4Zt-Bf9MEy0ja9K55MLLljyH446g9bSzSF5cSzfIFKOZoaZxEGPUkttk4DdstgW-1k7fsGNX-zrpt5O1y5/s1600/HeartleyBear6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNk4oJGTbcZYxSS4P2MPh99gm7JOAS34DtBtqeH2eQDaZ1GKIOBnFlTa1Ng4Zt-Bf9MEy0ja9K55MLLljyH446g9bSzSF5cSzfIFKOZoaZxEGPUkttk4DdstgW-1k7fsGNX-zrpt5O1y5/s1600/HeartleyBear6.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A single aspect of one's life history may dictate the style.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUd0rwBKVGPWKOK7aT-yNBk5EkbizVqNdH0aaETEtgb9O20haZFZVUQ0exa9MXxlCEF5KWUqOhtXW8qBisoEWcA7hE-U1rZO_-1PbQAJYsDyy5CSmdiEhCnH0W022ZdjhKKX2JKLrbdJf/s1600/HeartleyFB-ArmyBear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUd0rwBKVGPWKOK7aT-yNBk5EkbizVqNdH0aaETEtgb9O20haZFZVUQ0exa9MXxlCEF5KWUqOhtXW8qBisoEWcA7hE-U1rZO_-1PbQAJYsDyy5CSmdiEhCnH0W022ZdjhKKX2JKLrbdJf/s1600/HeartleyFB-ArmyBear.png" width="260" /></a></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i><br /><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bear construction initiative at the Mattson facility has garnered widespread interest and substantial participation. A Facebook page specific to it relates details of the ongoing projects, along with acknowledgements of appreciation for their army of volunteers. </span></span><br /><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multiple photos illustrate uniquely created figures. </span></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3LOBQ0LF3tZbTx7ztS5_1p9H-H0oarAKzYr7PmS2-hn8F4MVaMg78S2EsLdKmxIFanGJ6RkGxtCksIsUWmb5i6qxVRJdM5CKkXywIXY2sgpwRJx2B-I-1Z0MKDH27hpP8TKJDuxfVEqP/s1600/HeartleyBear2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3LOBQ0LF3tZbTx7ztS5_1p9H-H0oarAKzYr7PmS2-hn8F4MVaMg78S2EsLdKmxIFanGJ6RkGxtCksIsUWmb5i6qxVRJdM5CKkXywIXY2sgpwRJx2B-I-1Z0MKDH27hpP8TKJDuxfVEqP/s1600/HeartleyBear2.png" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: funeralfund.blogspot.com</i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyAlGhg9nF3zgQLGfoOvuO3XysUxYFnyq4Jx7EOSVZhAOl6ExLho9bEpvey9D0JpC33PfK7jpelbaVJiEAV7kIH1RMoIkFMTEf6a3yu5Ub4LIYl2QLp_-UcM4RBC42dSHixpIjXcJ4Q4C/s1600/HeartleyBear4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyAlGhg9nF3zgQLGfoOvuO3XysUxYFnyq4Jx7EOSVZhAOl6ExLho9bEpvey9D0JpC33PfK7jpelbaVJiEAV7kIH1RMoIkFMTEf6a3yu5Ub4LIYl2QLp_-UcM4RBC42dSHixpIjXcJ4Q4C/s1600/HeartleyBear4.png" width="266" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4jZkXVWRme9VsQUulW50ARr1JWgDAx4K4IOrcsoan9ej9sRIG6sV7QHYTugr_BAft_gCm2OL1mYhSmLdyQfLTTfOnjhQ_LMBgHvkZfI65hC6i0uB3fvzVLlTBdQg02Aj4O1obRp7rsKM/s1600/HeartlyBears.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4jZkXVWRme9VsQUulW50ARr1JWgDAx4K4IOrcsoan9ej9sRIG6sV7QHYTugr_BAft_gCm2OL1mYhSmLdyQfLTTfOnjhQ_LMBgHvkZfI65hC6i0uB3fvzVLlTBdQg02Aj4O1obRp7rsKM/s1600/HeartlyBears.png" width="282" /></a><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: funeralfund.blogspot.com</i></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcbmAOHg74gnAbS26OKSQx-nKGpHiPVkWvI9kyld8Jyui8w40fQirSD-nIdrcVZUla1oEyjuXiSZXklpmNUnVsnfxvUfVYWk722TmjP4dJEpLIrc1L5lmkODG5qrIb-Uy1lyIgr6kwOs9/s1600/HeartleyBear8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcbmAOHg74gnAbS26OKSQx-nKGpHiPVkWvI9kyld8Jyui8w40fQirSD-nIdrcVZUla1oEyjuXiSZXklpmNUnVsnfxvUfVYWk722TmjP4dJEpLIrc1L5lmkODG5qrIb-Uy1lyIgr6kwOs9/s1600/HeartleyBear8.png" width="249" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU64EnpFbVMB_IPAbWzWKlGVLH6EsWGbkwTTyGO_dmfokVilTlzeaTrL0J3dtkIyEM0ovoJ-yqp5BTou5nEJPYYXCyw4ghbgSJNKO0kXs2nFluQ-i7uVly6T2N-OhlvKS8yPhz9Xm2lqM/s1600/HeartleyBear7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU64EnpFbVMB_IPAbWzWKlGVLH6EsWGbkwTTyGO_dmfokVilTlzeaTrL0J3dtkIyEM0ovoJ-yqp5BTou5nEJPYYXCyw4ghbgSJNKO0kXs2nFluQ-i7uVly6T2N-OhlvKS8yPhz9Xm2lqM/s1600/HeartleyBear7.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: Facebook - Heartley Bears</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pictures of the finished products tell only part of the story. A<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>peripheral yet pivotal aspect<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>of this activity is the sense of connection and camaraderie that is woven throughout the experience. While engaged in this purposeful mission, individuals readily relate to one another through supportive gestures. Whether in the role of a volunteer or as someone touched recently by the sorrow of death, participants have a chance to share their sentiments and stitch strong personal threads, thereby interfacing<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>these folks together in a tie that binds. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E1fF4mI9u3b0tOunwrzAJCRj5ZNKNTbkm4bPjvgZEugvNC5RS7PW9QFiCTn7qnh4Fr0LVABs-k5khNc9MZ_zulpg9lqNZZZw7IVHACiCSFU0qHg9oss5wIUMQjgYCONWTnsCEolR_jHs/s1600/MattsonUSAToday10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E1fF4mI9u3b0tOunwrzAJCRj5ZNKNTbkm4bPjvgZEugvNC5RS7PW9QFiCTn7qnh4Fr0LVABs-k5khNc9MZ_zulpg9lqNZZZw7IVHACiCSFU0qHg9oss5wIUMQjgYCONWTnsCEolR_jHs/s1600/MattsonUSAToday10.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Facebook - USA Today Video</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></div></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The popularity of memory bear projects for grieving individuals suggests that a need is being met through this type of workshop that has been established for them. It reinforces a realization that ordinary materials readily overlooked during life can become treasures of conscious associations after a dear one has died. </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplKej3BTs9xn5EydbCcT7hb7JOHDF4SgBNhFPCvb69Kfek549aQTOt1372GoNCYKBPeZrsXjPnzBycv4DIK2HJT06gAzGCV-KTiQJjdeeiB9sYzWrdyUljbvJrkhk7oNoUwOsSBwvK3Ay/s1600/MattsonUSAToday14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplKej3BTs9xn5EydbCcT7hb7JOHDF4SgBNhFPCvb69Kfek549aQTOt1372GoNCYKBPeZrsXjPnzBycv4DIK2HJT06gAzGCV-KTiQJjdeeiB9sYzWrdyUljbvJrkhk7oNoUwOsSBwvK3Ay/s1600/MattsonUSAToday14.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source: Facebook - USA Today Video</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="p3"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2014/04/14/inspiration-nation-teddy-bears/7702851/">"These teddy bears comfort in a very personal way"</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>USA Today video - Mattson workshop</i></span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://charlotte.floridaweekly.com/news/2015-03-05/Top_News/Charlotte_Memorial_Memory_Bear_Workshop_set_for_Ma.html">"Charlotte Memorial Memory Bear Workshop set for March 7"</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Florida Weekly</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://merrillfotonews.com/Content/Default/Around-Lincoln-County/Article/Waid-offers-Memory-Bear-event/-3/35/7669">"Waid offers Memory Bear event"</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Merrill Foto News</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/annagreschner.winningham">Facebook Page</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by Anna Winningham</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waid-Funeral-Home/117621874965771?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal">Waid Funeral Home Facebook Page</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heartley-Bears/102660979804581">Heartley Bears</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Facebook</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_12789502">"In Forest Lake funeral home's teddy bear workshops, the hugs live on"</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Pioneer Press</i></span></span></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://funeralfund.blogspot.com/2014/04/mattson-funeral-home-provides-comfort.html">"Mattson Funeral Home Provides Comfort Disguised as a Teddy Bear"</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Funeral Fund blog</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________________________________________________________________</span></span></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-58600851330267992082015-04-20T04:29:00.000-07:002016-04-14T05:30:29.628-07:00World Labyrinth Day WalkJoin us on Saturday May 2nd for our first public event of 2015 as we "Walk as One at 1" in celebration of World Labyrinth Day. If you are new to the labyrinth experience, this Saturday walk will be a perfect introduction for you. Information about the history, benefits and unique aspects of the labyrinth will be available onsite.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpfZ87gZ7No8M__CBNPvvyGZbyfVKvHsq8OaIaNMIKahrFFCzxkB6chGZ-2deDD5uqAx8ZexfEu3YkcWmKcNW30ycaqCy-y6ojdJDi2DiKPekcEicKjZg0GCdY20Sgz2b1lEpF-RwzBxI/s1600/labyrinthsignMay2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpfZ87gZ7No8M__CBNPvvyGZbyfVKvHsq8OaIaNMIKahrFFCzxkB6chGZ-2deDD5uqAx8ZexfEu3YkcWmKcNW30ycaqCy-y6ojdJDi2DiKPekcEicKjZg0GCdY20Sgz2b1lEpF-RwzBxI/s1600/labyrinthsignMay2.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First public event of 2015, join us as we "walk as one at 1 PM" on Saturday May 2nd.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>World Labyrinth Day, declared in 1998 by The Labyrinth Society, brings people together globally to recognize the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion, and a practice. This will be the 7th annual World Labyrinth Day, as we join labyrinth societies from around the globe who will walk their local labyrinths at 1:00 pm. in their local time zones.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzWbquPdBTQr4WG6bYpbjIn2DYJTNODTI39h0GvnrD7TOnhhrTLJ-MY98lcTWodod8Qn7njCmBoLe1VYC45Ed8JA1U9LVTd0HkJoFx-S1GM_vV66LgiVu26_0Fd13j_LQnD7pn8drFJTD/s1600/WLD-2015-banner-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzWbquPdBTQr4WG6bYpbjIn2DYJTNODTI39h0GvnrD7TOnhhrTLJ-MY98lcTWodod8Qn7njCmBoLe1VYC45Ed8JA1U9LVTd0HkJoFx-S1GM_vV66LgiVu26_0Fd13j_LQnD7pn8drFJTD/s1600/WLD-2015-banner-web.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>By walking a labyrinth, we are rediscovering an ancient tradition, which is still relevant today. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is designed as a single path. There are no dead-ends or tricks. The path on which you enter is the same path on which you exit. A walker is free to focus on a thought or a prayer, or to simply enjoy the energy of the walk itself. Many walkers find that the circular pattern holds them in a type of walking meditation long enough to let their problems and worries fall away. In a busy world, walking a labyrinth can provide an opportunity to foster connection, support healing, and promote well-being.<br /><br />Labyrinths exist in many forms, in places as diverse as Peru, Iceland, Egypt, France, and the United Kingdom. There are more than 4,000 labyrinths active today. Some labyrinths have been built on private lands, while others, like the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, have been created as a public space for all to enjoy. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWDFJuCi_SgkYTDzPspKUtYKkMUuXOYD6nebQtF1RulZjVdrqiB5HkNNYmYSyHGYy5ycJN_oLX8QXV8gZNiyfTu8Abc1DK9rg1jvE6CxUpsq1H3w2_MCqIcgomha2EtnldM0Ram5BuE-B/s1600/Labyrinth+May+7th11+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWDFJuCi_SgkYTDzPspKUtYKkMUuXOYD6nebQtF1RulZjVdrqiB5HkNNYmYSyHGYy5ycJN_oLX8QXV8gZNiyfTu8Abc1DK9rg1jvE6CxUpsq1H3w2_MCqIcgomha2EtnldM0Ram5BuE-B/s1600/Labyrinth+May+7th11+009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People of all ages enjoy walking the labyrinth!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Community Labyrinth is located at the corner of George and Baines Streets, beside the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum. The stone-bordered grassy path is the focal point for Labyrinth Park, a peaceful garden filled with ornamental grasses, native trees, benches for sitting, and a wheelchair-accessible contemplation ring that encircles the labyrinth. The labyrinth construction was made possible by the Town of Carleton Place, individual, business & community sponsors, and a Trillium Foundation grant. <br /><br />For more information contact Debby: 613-257-1014<br />Facebook: /CarletonPlaceCommunityLabyrinth<br /><br /><br />sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4396080800862387515.post-10628244912759191092015-04-14T07:19:00.000-07:002015-08-10T12:19:41.697-07:00MAUSOLEUM MOSAIC and LABYRINTH<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Journey Journal... Gotha, Florida</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;"><b>JOURNEYS TOWARD RESURRECTION… ONE STEP AT A TIME</b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Capacious mausoleums designed with nakedly exposed walls can be like blank slates that invite ingenuity. When there is a barren expanse of significant magnitude, why ignore the possibilities? The white, sun-drenched side of such a structure at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California is transformed into a silver screen on evenings when movies are projected on it. People bearing picnic paraphernalia and blankets repose on a spread of unadulterated turf as they watch the action under starry skies, overlooking the graves of celebrity stars buried nearby. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm74a1nQPkrzsw0vuh58CPAhNlAXk6Xeq5tsrDz4WTXxpOimcFYwLjQYN_Wnh3LFBAfqT7pROeii3r-b9mPHwDDw7nFvlku_DqJRoqA8rnoVY2zJiY3UHLFBMDWBzY4fSnARhBAFU41_W/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm74a1nQPkrzsw0vuh58CPAhNlAXk6Xeq5tsrDz4WTXxpOimcFYwLjQYN_Wnh3LFBAfqT7pROeii3r-b9mPHwDDw7nFvlku_DqJRoqA8rnoVY2zJiY3UHLFBMDWBzY4fSnARhBAFU41_W/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bob Neel, a former funeral director and previous owner of the Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha, Florida fostered an alternative brainstorm for capitalizing on the real estate. In 1993 when his visionary idea came to fruition he noted, “'I wanted to make Woodlawn different from other cemeteries, as darkness is unlike light, as eternal life is different from death… </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">I got this inspiration to make it different by having this magnificent piece of art where people can study the life of Christ.''<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The artwork to which he referred is the Life of Christ Mosaic that festoons the side of the Mausoleum of Christian Heritage. The colorfully bold façade with its bigger-than-life intricacies readily captures the attention of visitors as they progress toward it over a long entrance road. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAySBnGJfjR3xTZd5bu4E9AvE-90vG7bu4ILleZirYjKOk2JUUDXVSXGDulgJEboNKG7S7ovhbjmcbsV3j-IP7xkbh21pghr3ltlbP0vhLlvTQJmv3MJUrT6RkCExs9xYo-iV1ktK1ARuA/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAySBnGJfjR3xTZd5bu4E9AvE-90vG7bu4ILleZirYjKOk2JUUDXVSXGDulgJEboNKG7S7ovhbjmcbsV3j-IP7xkbh21pghr3ltlbP0vhLlvTQJmv3MJUrT6RkCExs9xYo-iV1ktK1ARuA/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The 1,560-foot mosaic, which measures seventy-eight by twenty feet, depicts pivotal stages of Christ’s life, with twenty-three chronological scenes that begin on the left – starting with his birth and advancing to his resurrection and ascension on the right. A central panel showcases a figure of the risen Christ. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aSrEHjBQZHeQ29KHa1NwfFBiVOebPISYvYfwwXfQ3J5uvBfF6Xu4dPbqLsDyQALFhX4Gfd7yiNVFPgLpEePr-6LuNQO3HTzq5v_sJ8gk4vsb85ipRhmCP0_oLd7De_WvZaVl5DGf1vcw/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aSrEHjBQZHeQ29KHa1NwfFBiVOebPISYvYfwwXfQ3J5uvBfF6Xu4dPbqLsDyQALFhX4Gfd7yiNVFPgLpEePr-6LuNQO3HTzq5v_sJ8gk4vsb85ipRhmCP0_oLd7De_WvZaVl5DGf1vcw/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is one of the largest such creations in the country, though a bigger Life of Christ version is on the wall of a mausoleum at the Covina Hills Forest Lawn Memorial Park in California. That one is one hundred and seventy by thirty feet and has twenty-six scenes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For many years, before commissioning two California sisters to create the drawings for this masterpiece, Neel, a Presbyterian Church congregant, laid the conceptual foundation by reading the New Testament and identifying significant verses he considered desirable to depict. Trips to Italy, where he observed other mosaic works, contributed to his visualization. As part of the images portraying Jesus calling the children to him within a milieu of feeding the multitudes and entering Jerusalem, the artists incorporated likenesses of his four children. Except for replication of Leonardo da Vinci’s portrayal of the Last Supper, the scenes that materialized<span style="color: red;"> </span>were original configurations. The colored rendering of the mural required three years for the artists to complete. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In 1989, once the artwork had been completed, mosaic specialists from Italy began the laborious crafting process, employing eleven million pieces of Venetian glass. Preliminaries within their Italian studio included photographing the mural before making a reverse copy and enlarging it to actual size. The amplified copy, known within the trade as a cartoon, was segmented into four hundred and three manageable pieces, simulating a giant jigsaw puzzle, and numbered for convenience of assemblage. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Each piece of glass was then methodically glued to the cartoon prior to transporting it – along with the mosaic crafters – to Orlando for installation. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the course of more than a month, with the paper side out, they affixed each section to the wall using a mixture of sand, cement, and glue before peeling off the paper to expose the glass. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The finished product, which had cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, was covered with a white veil in anticipation of a 1993 dedication ceremony that took place relevantly on </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Good Friday. Members of seven hundred churches and burial plot owners were invited along with civic and business leaders. To reveal it, the two thousand people in attendance pulled more than one hundred cords that brought down the veil. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Though Robert Neel, an influential prime mover in the community, died in December, 2014, his legacy lives on through this enduring hallmark of his undertaking. Every year, an Easter sunrise service is held meaningfully in front of his massive work of art. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWamRbVibuvJjGfgFXBtSQoIHP1GKBzE3UOKLlo8U2H9-dYky85LPrqC4kGR-SN43P9eJL8BXc83KZvsmu50mNCqdoO0TdMf3c2VOWcCUA3UtVz9jkNIApbr0h26WBC013ybVVHwyiC2po/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWamRbVibuvJjGfgFXBtSQoIHP1GKBzE3UOKLlo8U2H9-dYky85LPrqC4kGR-SN43P9eJL8BXc83KZvsmu50mNCqdoO0TdMf3c2VOWcCUA3UtVz9jkNIApbr0h26WBC013ybVVHwyiC2po/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There is more to this mausoleum’s attraction than the garnished wall. Another eye-catcher, also inspired by Neel, was added to the ground in front of it. In keeping with the spiritual theme, a labyrinth is in place as a means for bereaved individuals to confront their sorrow and find spiritual renewal. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZmbfyIkC_ZzL-2U8J13YVUsqOGQeIxe6DCM0AuqMRCKCOQYWekyXmFW9AH1_pTH5FgZz1QZhVhaLczzF50V-mlvZD5V8EhnCHcgZRO9ntUyizDXpCatj6zpcMYgWxEjx6HutOEaBOreW/s1600/IMG_2711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZmbfyIkC_ZzL-2U8J13YVUsqOGQeIxe6DCM0AuqMRCKCOQYWekyXmFW9AH1_pTH5FgZz1QZhVhaLczzF50V-mlvZD5V8EhnCHcgZRO9ntUyizDXpCatj6zpcMYgWxEjx6HutOEaBOreW/s1600/IMG_2711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This round, circumscribed plane is a replica of one in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Chartres, France. There is another at the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Such patterned circuits are of ancient origin, thousands of years old, and found all around the world. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PQtyfQMVd1lKmyCpmKzJVD3bM5g0R68ECJeuhffgx2bMw-PNSlEByLKb-fMSMrpkkHn9xaByg2U8RHqWBMJZoWcPwy6RenliOzSIeZIwU1WeNs9b2TppsnoJjiPMzu_Ps_o6TQLU844r/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PQtyfQMVd1lKmyCpmKzJVD3bM5g0R68ECJeuhffgx2bMw-PNSlEByLKb-fMSMrpkkHn9xaByg2U8RHqWBMJZoWcPwy6RenliOzSIeZIwU1WeNs9b2TppsnoJjiPMzu_Ps_o6TQLU844r/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The path within it twists and turns back upon itself in an elaborate circular pattern. A journey begins by starting at the entrance and putting one foot in front of the other to follow the winding route until reaching the six-petal rosette at the center. There, one pauses for meditation or prayer. Then the process is reversed as steps are retraced. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMKjgE1kpnGXYK5aDtgZib1NBCab_3xaWYW8CjAJ5HRCXPnC4M3pO72uln2kF-bgztGoKPd5hfPa4nkvAJvB_Vb97YeHUh71KP9WKlSv-7AG4ubhb__gm8OwYi0mEJcpyOrXDgs50fMFN/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMKjgE1kpnGXYK5aDtgZib1NBCab_3xaWYW8CjAJ5HRCXPnC4M3pO72uln2kF-bgztGoKPd5hfPa4nkvAJvB_Vb97YeHUh71KP9WKlSv-7AG4ubhb__gm8OwYi0mEJcpyOrXDgs50fMFN/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><!--EndFragment--><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The mind is quieted when engaged in this “body prayer” or potentially transformative walking meditation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One’s complexity of consciousness is addressed through the simple act of walking – by retreating from the chaos of life and focusing only on the discovery of self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Described as “prayer in motion,” it offers an avenue for introspection and healing. Relaxed contemplation is inspired, possibly augmented by focusing on breathing sensations. Slowly walking along its singular path can potentially invoke calm for individuals confronting life transitions such as death. Perspectives change, as one’s body and vision are never facing in the same direction for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The objective is to remain open to whatever feelings may emerge. Sometimes tears are summoned, especially when the walker is feeling burdened by grief. Metaphorically meaningful, such instruments for meditative self-exploration and restitution can help individuals take steps toward moving forward in their lives, particularly if it becomes a repetitive practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.dignitymemorial.com/woodlawn-memorial-park-funeral-home/en-us/history.page">Woodlawn History</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-04-04/news/9304030690_1_mosaic-neel-life-of-christ">Orlando Sentinel Article About Life of Christ Mosaic</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://happyboomernurse.hubpages.com/hub/Walking-the-Labyrinth-in-Times-of-Sickness-Stress-Sorrow">Labyrinth for Healing</a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">________________________________________________________________________ </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>sho fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394641471714553659noreply@blogger.com