-
Death in Tahiti: Gauguin’s “Spirit of the Dead Watching”
Paul Gauguin made many paintings in his beloved Tahiti — but one stands out above the rest for its fixation on Tahitian death beliefsArtist Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) fell in love with Tahiti. A native Parisian, the painter’s productivity thrived in a setting that provided an otherwise unimaginable landscape filled with inspiration. What makes his oeuvre unique is not only its integral role in symbolism, but the curious atmosphere pervading each painting. There is always something quiet and pensive…
/
-
“Lucky Me: My Life with — and Without — My Mom, Shirley MacLaine“
Shirley MacLaine’s only daughter reflects on a family life of eccentricity, disconnect and loss in this memoirThe title of Sachi Parker’s autobiography, Lucky Me: My Life with – and Without – My Mom, Shirley MacLaine is imbued with a tone just as sharp and double-sided as the author’s relationship with her parents. Being the only daughter of the famous Hollywood actress Shirley MacLaine had its perks – but it also had its…
/
-
Japanese Funeral Superstitions Surrounding Death and the Number Four
Why this number sparks fear in JapanSuperstitions about numbers are nothing new. Look at Western culture’s obsession with the unlucky number thirteen to understand how pervasive number superstitions can be. Many people in Japan would think nothing of hopping into an elevator to get to the thirteenth floor, but if they get a gift of four wine glasses for a birthday,…
/
-
Easing into the End of Life
Where does the US stand on the subject of death, dying and comprehensive end of life care?People like to know what’s ahead. Yet, life is unpredictable. Perhaps one of the reasons death, something natural and something we all share, is still tainted with fear. How do you plan and prepare for an experience filled with uncertainty? In 1967, Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse during World War II, attempted to find the…
/
-
Monday Hearts for Madalene
Page Hodel creates the most beautiful hearts in an ongoing celebration of loveRemembering Fall Foliage It’s an honor for SevenPonds to share with our readers the story of the Monday Hearts for Madalene project, a true account of the power of love in the midst of death. The project’s origins take us to 2005: the moment Page Hodel encountered Madalene Rodriguez and fell “instantly, dizzyingly in love with her.” The couple’s…
/
-
Expressing Grief with Style: A Woman’s Healing Journey into Fashion
Alyssa Wasko’s fashion line, Donni Charm, turned her grief into a discovery of expressionAlyssa Wasko has a picture of herself as a little girl flying through the air on a swing. Her smiling father is on a swing next to her. “Our eyes are deadlocked on one another, making sure that as high as he got, I was right there with him,” Alyssa recalls in her article titled…
/
-
What Is a Memorial Quilt? (Interview)
Lori Mason Design creates beautiful, personal memorial quilts for those grieving the loss of a loved oneToday SevenPonds speaks with Lori Mason of Lori Mason Design in Portland, Oregon. Lori is a fabric and textile artist who creates custom quilts, often for those who wish to commemorate an event or memorialize a loved one’s life. She uses the clothing of the loved one who has passed on to create unique, meaningful…
/
Want an Easier Way to Plan a Memorial Event? Get our FREE guide
“7 Ways to Create an Amazing Celebration of Life”
