Just published a new book!

While it's not prosey, it is helpful. It's called the "Cemetery Journal," and it's a great tool for you to use to log your cemetery research in while you make your way through the graveyard.

From the back cover: "If you spend your free time in cemeteries, you’re probably a taphophile (someone with a passion for cemeteries). And if you’re a taphophile, the odds are good that you enjoy researching them. From genealogists to historical researchers, this journal will help you keep track of all your cemetery information, grave by grave and cemetery by cemetery."

Check it out at: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/cemetery-journal/16691555

Let me know what you think!

Minda

www.TheCemeteryClub.com

Excellent article. 'The way we grieve now'

I just read an excellent article on grieving via Yahoo's Shine section. The examples it uses are celebrities, but there stories are no less touching than those of the average Jane's. Definitely worth a read.

It's been more than 11 years since my grandfather died, and I still feel the heart-stinging grief occasionally. I miss him greatly and wish he'd had the chance to meet my husband and especially our daughter. He would have been over the moon about her. It amazes me that the two people in my life who mean so much to me--my husband and daughter--never knew my Grandpa. He played such an important role in my life growing up; it just doesn't make sense on that inside level of me.

Wishing you love and joy,
Minda

'The way we grieve now' http://www.shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/the-way-we-grieve-now-2389801/

So what's next?

In March 2010, my latest book came out, "Images of America: Chippiannock Cemetery." We had a wonderful book launch party at the Hauberg Civic Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The Center was originally John and Suzanne Hauberg's mansion. The Haubergs were major philanthropists in the area and are featured in the book.

Since then, I did a book signing tour of the Quad Cities. Borders, Barnes & Noble, the Village of East Davenport, Sam's Club ... I was a veritable Stephen King! Of cemetery books. LOL Maybe my books haven't sold millions (yet!), but I'm pretty happy.

The response I've received from people has been great. So many people who grew up around the cemetery bought the book and told me how much they learned about the monuments they used to play around as kids.

What means the most to me about writing is being able to share what I've learned with other people. It's actually an honor.

So what's next? What cemetery will I write about? What tales will I tell? Who or what will they be about?

In the works is a book about Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport, Iowa. I'm also talking with some fellow taphophile friends about a book of cemetery photography by The Ladies of Cemetery Photography. I'd love to write a book about my favorite cemetery in New Orleans.

And don't forget that I'm working on getting the next issue of Epitaphs Magazine out. Yes, I'm starting to sound like a broken record about that! We've had a number of health issues, etc., in the family, and family comes first. So I am far from shouting about a deadline for it. But I will keep you posted. It's going to have some good stuff in it.

I can say that it felt really good a couple of weekends ago to get out in the cemetery and take photos. It had been a while.

As far as this weekend, I won't be hitting the cemetery. What I will be doing this weekend is performing the wedding ceremony for my cousin and his fiance. That's an honor for me, too.

Peace to all of you,

Minda

 

www.TheCemeteryClub.com