AWFD Member Blog

August’s Issue of AWFDConnections

August 1, 2010

Download it here – it’s perfect reading for a Sunday afternoon – or any day, for that matter. Click on the link below to get your copy. AWFDConnections_8.1.10 Blessings everyone; I’m heading out to take a walk into town to buy dog food…for my (more…)

The Podcast with Adrienne Crowther

August 1, 2010

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Many members have asked, and I’m happy to say – the podcast is ready! Our wonderful audio tech wizardress, Kim Hamblin, prepped the recording and sent it back to me late last week. Thanks, Kim! Adrienne, you may remember, is the founder of (more…)

When Faced with Overwhelming Change

July 30, 2010
An acquaintance of mine recently lost her boyfriend. Not only did he die, he died next to her in bed; and when I sit with her, she recounts the story of the sounds he made during his final minutes. Her life was forever changed, in the blink of an eye. She keeps telling me (and everyone who listens), “I’m doing the best I can.” And she is.
So many people I know are facing similar upheavals in life: divorce, death, job loss…children leaving home. How can we make the best of these challenging times?

The Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron writes: “We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us.”
Choose to let these experiences soften you, so that you emerge  a more compassionate, open, and loving person.  Remember… Life doesn’t happen TO you, it happens FOR you.

Here are some ways to turn losses into openings in your life:
1. Hold the perspective that everything is happening for your greater good. Remove the label “bad” from whatever is happening, and look for the gift or blessing within.
2. Remember that you’re not alone-get support from those around you. When I sit with my friend every Friday during her lunch hour, she knows that she’s safe…and can say or do anything she needs to do. That’s the kind of friend you need during dark times.
3. Take time to feel any fear or sadness. Don’t be afraid they’ll overwhelm you. Feel them fully and have a good cry, if needed. Then take a deep breath and go out and do something you love to do.
4. Think  “soften.” That little reminder can help.

A Reprint from 2009

July 28, 2010

In honor of our upcoming 1 year anniversary, I’m sharing a draft of an article (with some minor revisions and additions) I wrote for Mortuary Management late last year. While I’m a year older, the sentiments and perceptions remain the same! And so does the invitation…come join us! There’s power in numbers – as well as comfort and validation. We’re here for you…. The Association of Women Funeral Directors Comes into Its Own (more…)

Have You Ever Seen…

July 27, 2010

Victorian Mourning “hair” art? It’s truly amazing. Consider these lovely pieces, from Things Gone By. This first image is from their private collection, and the owner describes it: 12 inches by 14 inches; depth is almost 2 inches; frame is shadow box style, but that I mean that the hairwork itself is recessed down into the frame.  The original glass still covers the hairwork. I can’t even imagine how long it took the woman (and you know it was a woman, caught in the web of Victorian mourning seclusion practices) to create this image – all from the hair of her beloved. This second piece is wearable art. A brooch (what a fine word), described as “a beautiful Victorian mourning brooch   featuring a blonde Prince of Wales feather in the center.     Mourning jewelry containing blonde hair is hard to find and highly sought after. The Prince of Wales hair work feather is set upon opalene glass and is adorned with seed pearls and tiny strands of gold wire. On the back, is a locket with contains either finely woven blonde hair or fabric. This brooch has a hook on the back so that a portrait miniature or watch could be hung from it.   The black enamel is in perfect condition.” Now, I’d like to share with you a modern day memorial brooch, available to your client families through Shine On Brightly. In my podcast conversation yesterday with Adrienne Crowther, the founder of this remarkable company, I learned about the commitment she shares with us – to help families honor, and remember their loved ones. The artists she works with share that commitment too; consider this elegant pendant necklace – and the similar brooch – each with the hair of the deceased clearly visible. The artist who creates these works of art is Angela Bubash, who (more…)

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