Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

Pointing Upward

Posted on January 8, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The finger pointing upward, indicates the soul traveling to Heaven, sometimes a presumptious claim, though hopeful.   Here the finger pointing upwards is coupled with the image of a willow tree, a traditional symbol of sorrow.  This seems to indicate … Continue reading →

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The Bonds of Marriage

Posted on January 6, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

In the tree-stump tombstone above, two hands emerge from the opening in the bark of the tree.  The two hands are depicted clasping a chain.  The hand at the top is a male’s hand; the shirt cuff is square, unadorned, … Continue reading →

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Tree-Stump Tombstone and Fern

Posted on January 4, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

This small tombstone in the church cemetery in rural Bloomington, Indiana, is a stump, not fully grown in width or height.  This tree-stump tombstone is a metaphor in limestone, representing a life that has been cut short. Little Cora Nelson was less than two years … Continue reading →

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Budden on Earth

Posted on January 2, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

For me, the hardest gravestones to look at are the ones for children.  They speak to the father in me.  I can look at them and understand the grief and the sorrow that the parents felt at the loss of a child, … Continue reading →

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Disabled American Veterans

Posted on January 1, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

 The Disabled American Veterans organization was formed September 25, 1920, in the wake of World War I.  Few services were offered to soldiers upon their return from the war.  At a Christmas dinner hosted by an Ohio Superior Court Judge … Continue reading →

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Father Time and the Weeping Virgin

Posted on December 27, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

In this bas-relief, a winged Father Time is depicted here as an old man, with long hair and a long beard, with a large pair of wings.  Father Time is plying the tools of his trade that make him recognizable–a scythe, he carries over … Continue reading →

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The Lion

Posted on December 24, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

 The lion has long been a symbol of bravery, strength, and majesty. In popular culture, the lion is known for its power and is called King of the Jungle and King of the Beasts. The lion is often used as … Continue reading →

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The Colonial Dames of America XVII Century

Posted on December 22, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America XVII Century Motto: A Lasting Legacy Theme: Honoring our Heritage, Embracing the Future Scripture: “Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 2 Comments

Amateur Radio

Posted on December 20, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Indiana limestone is abundant in the state.  Some of the most flawless limestone can be found in a rich trough between Bedford and Bloomington referred to as Salem limestone.  The Pentagon, the soaring National Cathedral and the solemn Lincoln Memorial … Continue reading →

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Rock of Ages–Cross I Cling

Posted on December 14, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r. Not the labors … Continue reading →

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