Memory jars and jugs have always fascinated me. While they may look like a hunk of junk, they are actually messages in a bottle. Memory jars are thought to originate with Southern blacks as decorative grave markers. The art form later became popular with the Victorians and has become a rare collectible in the folk-art genre.

The jar pictured above is built on an old molasses jug and is covered with an extraordinary assemblage including old buttons, an onyx mourning cross, shells, marbles, keys, a belt buckle, broach, stones, English coins, bottles, ceramic people, metallic objects,screws, chains, jewelry, a wishbone, and more. It is topped with a glass finial. It has a pencil eraser holder with a date of 1886 on it. The three coins are all Victorian.

It was said that this jug had been given to a maid in the 1920’s by an English family who had immigrated to the US. It is 10 inches high, 8 inches in diameter and weighs over 7 pounds. While there has been some very slight loss over the years, it is almost complete; with the items now held very securely with old putty. It is signed in red on the bottom twice what looks likes “Mandelere”. Considered to be one of the best memory jars seen on the Folk Artisans site.

The price? $600.00

Been thinking about my old friend Chris Sifford. Back in the early 90’s I had the good fortune to make Chris’ acquaintance when we worked together at a local radio station. Everyone loved Chris, he was smart, funny, and I developed a mild crush on him. Later, our careers took different paths, and we lost touch. I never forgot him though.

Chris wound up taking a job with Missouri Governor Carnahan as a staffer, serving in various capacities. During Carnahan’s 2000 campaign for the U.S. Senate, Chris lost his life along with the Governor and his son in a plane crash. Chris was only 36.

Last Saturday was the annual Chris Sifford Day at the ballpark (Springfield Cardinals) with a 5K walk/run fundraiser scheduled in the morning. It rained hard here (again) Saturday and the event was likely a wash. Next up, is the Sifford Golf Scramble to raise funds for scholarships at his alma-mater.

From the Sifford Memorial site: If you had the pleasure of knowing Chris, you are lucky. He embodied the spirit of someone who actually wanted to serve or help others serve the people. His friends were many and came from a variety of backgrounds — which is why the Sifford Scramble golf tournament is so fun. There will be bootheelians, hillbillies, beer makers, teachers, preachers, athletic personnel, and worst of all lawyers, bankers and consultants (ha ha).

Friends and family established the Chris Sifford Memorial Foundation in 2001 to ensure that his memory lives on by providing scholarships for young people interested in careers in journalism or public service. Approximately $100,000 has been raised to establish endowment funds at Chris’ alma mater Missouri State University and University of Missouri-Columbia.

Establishing a foundation or memorial fund to preserve a loved one’s memory and pass on the legacy is a beautiful way to remember and treasure a special life.

Today’s tip: Check the artist’s portfolio.

Stolen from the Complaints Department.

A little late to the party, but I just found this story regarding the supposed theft of Curt Cobain’s ashes at the first of June.

From Rolling Stone:

The majority of Cobain’s ashes were spread at a New York Buddhist temple and in Washington’s Wishkah River. Cobain’s widow, Courtney Love said she kept a small amount (as well as a lock of his hair) for herself and was storing the ashes in a pink bear-shaped handbag that was hidden in the wardrobe closet of her Hollywood home. She believes the bag was taken by a former friend.

This isn’t the first time Love has had something of her husband stolen: In March, Love alleged that thieves used Cobain’s social security number to steal several million dollars from his estate. In both cases, Love believes she knows who is responsible for the theft.

“Death is caused by swallowing small amounts of saliva over a long period of time.“

Our neighbor to the South, Mr. Bus-Plunge, recently shared summer decorating tips for your porch or patio. Outdoor living at it’s finest with picture-in-picture television, built-in storage and ice box, and upscale cup dispenser.

This morning, on my stroll through the garden I spotted this outdoor set-up. Not as technologically advanced as the Bus, but quite comfortable. Pardon the shaky shot, this is one-handed photography after 20 cups of coffee, and two dawgs on a leash .

It’s a privilege to live in the Ozarks!

When the family can’t agree on a urn style for the deceased, sometimes the simplest choice is the Classic Bronze cremation urn. Ancient design and clean lines of this funeral urn never goes out of style. These metal urns are available in three sizes, a full-size adult, a smaller sharing, youth or pet urn, and a 3″ keepsake size. What’s a keepsake urn, and why would you one? Some families might be sprinkling or want to keep a small amount or the ashes, a lock of hair or dried flowers.

The Classic urn is brass with a brushed bronze or pewter finish and secure threaded lid. The adult size measures 10″ high, and weighs a solid 7 pounds.

Thank you for letting us serve you.

Sump Pump is humming. At least it’s not Iowa….yet.

There is hope for aging brains.

Law and Order’s Jerry Orbach donated his eyes.

Speaking of eyeballs, check out this eye bank ad. Creepy or cool?

The History Channel will explore cremation, the role of the medical examiner, organ and tissue donation and more during a show to air at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20th in MODERN MARVELS: CORPSE TECH.The show’s theme will be “Adventures of the Body After Life.”

Let’s talk about life: More than 4000 babies in China have been named “Olympic Games”.

jazzy chair image via.