Monthly Archives: October 2011

The Voodoo Queen

Posted on October 31, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

It is fitting on Halloween night, that the post relate a tale about Marie Laveau, known as the Voodoo Queen and one of the most notorious practitioners of black magic.  Born in 1794 in Santo Domingo, Marie was well known thoughout her … Continue reading →

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Angel with trumpet and wreath

Posted on October 26, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

On the top of this gravestone, an angel is depicted flying amid billowing clouds.  The angel is blowing a horn and carrying a laurel wreath.  The angel blows the horn to announce the coming resurrection.  The laurel wreath dates back to … Continue reading →

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A shot at history

Posted on October 22, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

On February 11, 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year old Texas attorney, in the face during a hunting outing on a private ranch in Texas.  Cheney shot Whittington in the face, neck, and chest with bird shot … Continue reading →

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Corn

Posted on October 21, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Corn is an ancient American crop that has been exported to all corners of the world.  More than 300,000 million tons of corn are grown in the United States every year.  It is not only ubiquitous in our Midwestern fields but corn syrup is in … Continue reading →

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A Grave in Waiting

Posted on October 15, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Nearly 32 years ago, my father died.  We weren’t prepared for it; in fact, we weren’t even sure where he wanted to be buried.  Dad was irreverent about death, “I don’t care what you do with my body, I’ll be … Continue reading →

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The Happy Shore

Posted on October 10, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia JAMES F. SPAUGH BORN DEC. 16, 1850 DIED FEB. 15, 1909 AGE 59 YEARS & 29 DAYS Precious Brother he has left us Left yes forevermore but we hope to meet our loved one on that … Continue reading →

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Types of Cemeteries

Posted on October 5, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

 …O paint the gloomy horrors of the tomb; Th’ appointed place of rendezvous, where all These travellers meet.–Thy succours I implore, Eternal King! whose potent arm sustains The keys of Hell and Death.–The Grave, dread thing! —By Robert Blair, “The Grave” … Continue reading →

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Passionflower

Posted on October 3, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The passionflower was so named by Spanish Christian missionaries because they identified parts of the flower with the passion of Jesus Christ.  Then ten petals represent the ten faithful disciples.  The two apostles who were not considered were St. Peter, the … Continue reading →

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Angel and Open Gates

Posted on October 2, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

This beautiful gray granite monument in the Crown Hill Cemetery displays two symbols–the angel holding a trumpet standing in front of open gates.  The angel is a messenger for God.  In this example, the angel is holding the trumpet, the message being delivered is … Continue reading →

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The Call

Posted on October 2, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

   Above a cherub blows the trumpet as he looks back as if he is beckoning others to follow him. On the monument below, the angels is blowing the trumpet, announcing the Day of Judgment and the Call to Resurrection.

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