Tombstones and a Special Treat

Tombstones in old churchyards can be so moody and romantic. One of the most peaceful places I have ever been is this church yard for the Unitarian Universalist's Church in Charleston. It really is a garden. There are plenty of shady benches where you can sit and contemplate mortality. Edgar Allen Poe used to do just that. This was one of his favorite places to visit in Charleston.

There is usually at least one cat in residence. I have shown you this picture before, but it is one of my favorites.

This tombstone would be interesting even if it didn't have a tree growing over it.
Ephraim Seabrook Mikell

Died after a short illness
May 5, 1896
A favorite with all who knew him

Moody and atmospheric even in bright sunshine with birds singing. Do you see the little guy perched on the tombstone.

These old tombstones are works of art in themselves and really should be appreciated. This one is so lovely, even the kitty is interested. (OK, so maybe she sees something in the flowers, but it is cute)
This lonely little graveyard is high on a hill in the Smokey Mountains. The path up to them is barely marked, we would not have found it except another hiker pointed the way. There are only a few graves and the stones are so old, they are illegible. Very spooky.
This is another old church yard without a church. These graves sit quietly out in the forest. Some stones lean a little but all are still standing. Most of the graves are from the Civil War era and shortly after. There are some beautiful carvings and sweet sentiments. I wonder who these people were, what were they like. Do they know their monuments are still standing? Do they care?
You can't really talk about Grave Yards without at least a few examples from the Necropolises of New Orleans. Their graveyards are all above ground crypts, quite literally cities of the dead.
Some of the tombs have been in use for a very long time. You can almost feel the spirits looking over your shoulder as you wander through the quiet "streets".
Lafayette Cemetery is one of the most famous.
I am a little behind with my posting, this photo of the dogwood is from the 26Th. Some days it seems to change between morning and night.

If you are looking for interesting bits to add to your Halloween cards and Scrapbook pages, Karen from The Graphics Fairy blog, has the front cover of an antique French tombstone catalog you can use at http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-antique-clip-art-french-tombstone.html



Last and best of all my treat, a wonderful friend, Rhiannon from Random Spyder, http://www.randomspyder.com/ has been visiting us this week and she has gifted me with this lovely little doll. She says it is a "Pseudo Folk Art Pancake Rocker"

I say, "Rock On!"

Happy Halloween

Kat