Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Graveyard Beauty ~ It isn't a secret anymore

I am a life long lover of graveyards. Odd, I know. People tell me this all the time, but then there are a few who whisper back to me, "Oh I love a good old cemetery too." As if it is a shameful secret, covering their mouth after saying such a macabre phrase. Yes, many only see cemeteries as sad, scary or horrible reminders that on day too we will pass on and lay to rest. I challenge you too look at a cemetery with new eyes. Look for the beauty and you will find it.

A stunning example is in Minneapolis. The sacred land of the Lakewood Cemetery lies between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriett. It is a most prestigious address in the heart of the Uptown district. It is the peaceful, lush, calm in the center of a hurricane of activity all around. It is hard to believe you are in the city as you walk the rolling hills and take in the statuary and history that dates back to 1870's.

Lakewood has a comprehensive website which includes history, tours and general information regarding burial services. I plan to arrange a tour for myself to see the chapel, which I hear has breathtaking Byzantine mosaic art in the country, and the self guided tour of statuary art, famous graves and history of this beautiful sacred space. I will blog on my findings and share photographs. In the meantime, visit their website for a sneak peek of graveyard beauty.

http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com/index.html

5 comments:

  1. I have actually been to a funeral at that chapel, and it is amazing.

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  2. Love your attitude! And Your secret is out! I love cemeteries too.

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  3. Well your turn to shine in the spotlight in the "Meet a Rabbit" column is coming up soon!

    Due to this sporadic participation, the schedule is seriously out of whack. So what I have done is take the names on my list (of which you are one) and ask that if you would like your turn to be showcased in the column, please send me your intro/bio/whatever you you like to say along with any photo(s) as soon as humanly possible. Remember that it can be as lengthy as you would like and the content is your choice.

    My bag o rabbits is empty and I have no more to pull out of the hat, i.e. the publication schedule is completely void of articles.

    If you would rather not participate, please let me know asap so I can move on to the next Rabbit.

    Thanks and have a great day!

    Sheri Fenley
    sherifenley@gmail.com

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  4. I get the same whispered confessions. Funny, huh??

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  5. Hi there, Cathy. Just catching up on all the new GYR blogs and wanted to say hello and welcome you to the AGYR!

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