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Confessions
Garden Update
The Garden is Tidy: Can I tell you how powerful I felt running the leaf blower this weekend? Two hours, no wind. (it’s been blustery here) A little out of control at times. Mr. Greenjeans came in behind me and mulched and removed every stray leaf from the yard and pronounced his hatred of trees. I think his tractor is sexy.
In an effort to restore our mental health this holiday season, we’ve resumed yoga practice. Friday’s session was so good, evidently the lady who belched, farted and snored the entire hour needed it too. During the resting phase, the teacher read a haiku that touched me.
Patience
to wait with
certainty the
art of allowing
life to carry you.
As I was packing up, I mentioned to the teacher how perfect the poem was for today. She agreed and several years ago had the Japanese symbols for this message tattooed on her back to carry with her forever.
Today’s Tip: Admit that it’s hard. Try Again.
Let It Go
Greeting from the garden! When we’re not chained to the chair, and before darkness falls, we’re hitting the streets to catch a little fall color and sniff around. 
It’s a beautiful time of year but I fear the time change. After this weekend: dark at 5:00 PM.
If you get the winter blues (SAD), I’d like to recommend a happy lamp. Combined with a little exercise, it does help take the edge off.
Going Home
It’s becoming more common to hear of the family that decides to keep the ashes in the home. Often they have plans to inter the urn or scatter the ashes later. The cremation urn is not going to be hid away in the closet. These families want something beautiful that blends with their decor. The living area or bedroom is usually where the urn will be located.
One of our families has both her parents in a cloisonne style vase up high on a shelf. Tragically, she lost her son a couple of weeks ago and selected an exotic copper funeral urn that will be displayed on the mantle, with a piece of art from her son’s collection.
The son’s parents are Vietnam Vets who plan to be cremated and interred at Arlington. Due to the transitional nature of the rest of the family, it’s been difficult to determine a final resting place.
Cloisonne and blown glass urns are popular selections for families that want a discreet way to keep the urn close. The strength and beauty of cloisonne is an excellent choice.
No More Wire Hangers!
When your clothes have cobwebs on them, you might consider cleaning out the closet. And so it goes.
Cull it down to the minimum. If it requires a foundation undergarment to smooth the surface….lose it. I’ve been hanging on to the past and since I don’t dress for success anymore, I’m chucking the old office wardrobe.
Breakthrough:
I’ve found freedom in my new unflattering khaki slacks and slippers. Embrace the full figure. At least that struggle has subsided.
Let’s burn fat!
Speaking of “embracing”: shout out to Final Embrace for bringing a breath of fresh air to the funeral world with interesting correspondents. “Next generation” observations of the industry are fun to read. It’s about time.
Snap Judgment:
The marketing department earmarked this ad a while back for today’s review:
Powerful image. I should have cropped the verbiage. Because the words don’t matter.
Although, I’ve only studied the industry for the last few years, I don’t recall seeing a female “call to action” in the trade mags. This ad got my attention.
At the risk of embarrassing myself: Who is this lady looking all satisfied in her conservative blue bidnez suit? Should I know her?
Or is it subliminal:
Woman Strong. Vault strong.
For What It’s Worth:
Too many words.
Dial down the copy, you love that logo, so brand and develop the female heavy metal angle.
Rock on!