Today at Elmwood Cemetery

Warm summer sun shine brightly here
Warm southern wind blow gently here
Green sod above lie light lie light
Good night dear heart, good night, good night.

This gorgeous monument is but one of the may, many reasons you need to visit Elmwood if you've never had the occasion. When I was in college, my creative writing professor brought us here for inspiration, and I'd say he was successful.

(Except for the former staff member who imperiously declared in front of my entire class as I handed over a check, "There is no A in CEMETERY!" She does not inspire me.)

I really want to use the descriptor of "haunting" when describing this cemetery, all punnyness aside. There's just something about the rolling hills and marble angels standing watch over loved ones passed on that stays with you long after you leave the grounds. Kim McCollum, the director of the cemetery, is often asked if she finds her workplace frightening or spooky, and she laughs out loud at the thought. She insists it's just too beautiful to be anything but enchanting.

But obviously, it's a cemetery. A very old cemetery. People were taken from their loved ones much too early, and that's why I was so stuck by the monument of Ms. Etta Grigsby Partee. As I learned on a walking tour of the grounds one summer night, Etta died.

On her wedding day.

She was loved so much by the fiance she left behind that this beautiful monument was built in her honor. A glass dome originally shielded her from the elements but inevitably shattered. I stood there staring at her statue long after our group walked on, and it just seemed obvious to me in that moment that this is where I would need to have my book party. This bride never had her wedding day, so the least we can do is eat some cake and sip some champagne in her honor.

I hope you'll join me this afternoon at 5. If not, make an effort to visit one day. I promise you'll be haunted in the best way possible.

Indiewed

I'm excited to announce that I'll be spending the end of January 2010 in Chicago at Indiewed, a new bridal fair with offerings from amazing letterpress designers, calligraphers, florists and my book! I'll be the one wearing the freshly slain seal and guzzling cider by the gallon. I don't handle the cold well, but I am masochistically in love with Chicago, so I'm thrilled to be a part of Indiewed's debut!

Marriage - according to kids

This has probably been going around the internet for aeons, but I'm just now seeing it and it makes me happy...and fearful of my daughter one day speaking in full sentences.

Rules of Marriage, as described by kids


1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

-You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like
sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the
chips and dip coming. - - Alan, age 10

-No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to
marry. God decides it all way before and you get to find out later who
you're stuck with. -- Kristen, age 10


2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by
then.
-- Camille, age 10

3.HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF 2 PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?


You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the
same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8


5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know
each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets
them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

-When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with
that.
- - Curt, age 7

-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry
them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8


7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone
to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is .......

9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump
truck.

-- Ricky , age 10

Muddy's Bake Shop signing

Hello lovely people!

After a long, twisty, journey, my book is here and what’s that sound? Why, my giant PR machine cranking its gears into motion! My very first signing is this Wednesday Sept. 9, 7 PM at Muddy’s Bakery. Come lift a glass, eat a cupcake for dinner and learn about flirting with a whip, brides and bacon, and why there are jail cells specifically designated for Indian mothers in-law.

The next signing will be September 24. Stay tuned...

Muddy's Bakeshop
5101 Sanderlin Ave
7 PM