My journal of big words and pretty pictures
“What should the invitations say?” “We should use his government name.” “Most people only know him by ‘Big Boy, they won’t know who Chauncey is.” “They’ll figure it out.” The two sisters, Ida and Ella, sorted through an upholstered album filled with stationery samples debating paper weight, and whether embossed or calligraphy lettering was better. … Continue reading Party time
When I pass, I’ve told my family that I want to be cremated. As much time as I spend with my camera in cemeteries, I also appreciate how much land they require. It’s imaginable that one day, we’ll run out of space for more cemeteries. Both of my parents have cremation directives in their wills. … Continue reading A tree grows
Murky skies, murky mood. Going home is expected for these kinds of events. Somber, bitter exhibitions held for the living to perform grievous posturing, outdoing hired mourners. Firstborn son, blessed girl-child - she is the twin of you! - coming together telling stories, feigning good memories, lying to keep the vultures in check. Do the … Continue reading The end
Floating free, the tenuous threads that keep us bound to the earth, loosed from the hands of loved ones, follow just out of reach. As our brightly colored effigies are caught in warm thermals, drifting away on gentle breezes, we cling to our past, reluctant to give up so easily. Our ties to the living … Continue reading Floating free
A long trip north to my ancestral home for an unexpected funeral, gave me a bittersweet chance to reconnect with the Yankee half of my family after a 20-year absence. Amazingly, I recognized them all. Everyone had changed physically, but I knew immediately who they were once we hugged. It was like we are all … Continue reading That talk
Thin spiral notebook 